He specializes in bariatric surgery, with special emphasis on laparoscopic gastric bypass, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and revisional procedures. Dr. Panait also has a particular interest in robotic and other minimally invasive surgical techniques with applications to the treatment of benign gallbladder disease, hematologic disorders of the spleen, abdominal wall and hiatal hernias, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, achalasia and gastroparesis. Dr. Panait received his Medical Doctor degree from Ovidius University in Constanta, Romania. After a few years of research in a NASA-sponsored laboratory at Virginia Commonwealth University assessing telemedicine and laparoscopic surgery capabilities for space flight, he completed a general surgery residency program at St. Mary's