Melissa L. Desouza, MD

"Surgery can be very intimidating, and yet many people may not realize that there are a variety of treatment options available, including endoscopic therapies, minimally invasive approaches, and non-procedural support. It is my priority to treat each individual as a person, to work together to determine what treatment strategy best fits their symptoms and their life, and to provide them with the highest quality of minimally invasive surgical and procedural care."

Dr. Melissa DeSouza had the privilege of training with both pioneers and experts in esophageal disease, as well as the pioneers of minimally invasive surgery. She learned that there is a myriad of approaches to treatment, including minimally invasive surgery and advanced endoscopy, and that these could provide patients with exceptional care and a better quality of life and recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Most of us take eating and swallowing for granted, but for many of Dr. DeSouza’s patients, these are constant sources of anxiety. Whether someone is struggling with a swallowing disorder, severe reflux disease, a large hernia, obesity disorder, or gastric disorders, they can be constantly focused on how they will be impacted by these things. Dr. DeSouza finds that being able to treat someone and take away that burden is hugely rewarding.

Dr. DeSouza earned her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine where she was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. She completed her residency in general surgery at Oregon Health & Science University, then went on to complete a fellowship in complex foregut and minimally invasive surgery at The Oregon Clinic and Providence Portland Medical Center.

Dr. DeSouza is trained in minimally invasive approaches and advanced endoscopic approaches in both Foregut (esophageal and stomach) surgery as well as in Bariatric surgery, which allows her to use a broader multidisciplinary toolset in treating patients with complex esophageal and gastrointestinal histories or who may have esophageal disease but are struggling with weight loss disorders as well. Dr. DeSouza also has a background in patient quality outcomes and multimodal treatment of pain after surgical procedures, having worked to develop pathways in non-opiate pain control during surgical training, and working with patients on optimal pain control strategies.

Originally from New England, Dr. DeSouza finds that being in Portland reminds her of home, with trees and mountains outside the window and a friendly and casual atmosphere. She also thinks you can't beat the trade-off of green trees and hiking year-round instead of shoveling snow and ice. When not at work, Dr. DeSouza loves to spend time camping and exploring the Pacific Northwest, making crafts at home on rainy days and cooking with family and friends.