Meet Caitlin Houghton, MD

Dr. Houghton is a surgeon at Keck Medicine of USC who specializes in performing minimally invasive foregut and general surgery.

Here’s what you won’t find on her resume.

She grew up idolizing her mom.

“I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom like my own mother, but then I discovered surgery, and everything changed.”

Outside of work, she’s focused on family.

“You will find me at home with my daughters and my dog. We enjoy swimming in the pool, shopping, going on walks and hanging out with friends.”

She sings and surfs.

“People may be surprised to learn I won a national championship in show choir. I also learned how to surf during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Trade careers? Not a chance.

“I wouldn’t trade careers with anyone in the world. I truly love what I do and feel lucky that I found exactly where I was supposed to be.”

The best advice she’s ever received:

“Growing up, my dad would always say, ‘You can do anything the boys can do, and you can do it even better if your heart is in it.’ 

I was told from such a young age that there were no limits on what I could achieve. Dad encouraged me to compete and excel even in traditionally male-dominated areas.”

She previously worked in physical therapy.

“I didn’t have a traditional path to becoming a surgeon. I was a biology major in college but adamant that I was not pre-med because I thought those students were overly stressed out.

After leaving the University of Michigan, I lived with friends in Chicago and waitressed while I figured out my career path. I eventually thought physical therapy might be a good match and accepted a job at a clinic. My colleagues there thought I would make a good doctor.

At the same time, my friends in medical school would show me what they were learning, and I found it fascinating. I ultimately chose to apply to medical school, and everything clicked into place the first time I scrubbed into an operating room. I had finally found my calling.”

Robotic surgery is the best advancement.

“I have a passion for robotic surgery, and the opportunity to offer it is the most rewarding part of my job. I feel robotic technology enables us as surgeons to offer more precise procedures that improve patient outcomes. 

My knowledge and expertise have allowed me to teach other surgeons about robotic surgery. I love sharing my tips so that more patients can benefit from robotics.”

Keck Medicine stands out for excellence in GI care.

“Keck Medicine has a longstanding tradition of being a leader in upper gastrointestinal and foregut surgery. New technology often comes to us first, which means we have the most updated, state-of-the-art techniques to offer our patients.” 

She appreciates the culture at Keck Medicine. 

“I love that I am surrounded by innovative physicians and surgeons who are dedicated to pushing the boundaries on what is possible in medicine. This makes for an exciting environment in which to practice and provide care.”

Topics