Dr. Paya's dedication to the surgical treatment of obesity is reflected in his extensive education and continuing education certificates. He received his general medical degree at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City in 1997. He went on to his residency at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center, where he became Chief Resident of general surgery, and received his fellowship in laparoscopy and bariatric surgery in 2004. Dr. Paya went even further in his own education for related procedures, including LAP-BAND placement, Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y, Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and revision surgery and regularly performs these procedures at his practice.