Margaret M. McGuire, MD Pediatric General Surgery, Pediatric Surgical Critical Care in Neptune, NJ

Margaret McGuire, M.D., is the Director of Pediatric Trauma at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. A triple board-certified pediatric general surgeon with specialized expertise in surgical critical care, Dr. McGuire leads the state's first Level I pediatric trauma center, driving trauma quality, injury prevention, and system-wide readiness.

With over a decade of experience and thousands of operations performed, Dr. McGuire specializes in minimally invasive surgery, including single-incision laparoscopy, pediatric surgical oncology, and congenital anomalies affecting newborns. Her unique background in critical care enables her to bring exceptional skill to children with the most complex and challenging surgical conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that you specialize in pediatric surgical critical care?

It means I have advanced, specialized training to care for children who are facing the most complex, life-threatening injuries or surgical conditions. If your child needs intensive monitoring before or after surgery, I have the exact expertise needed to safely guide them through it.

Why is it important that my child is at a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center?

A Level I designation means we are equipped to handle the most severe, critical injuries in children at a moment’s notice, 24 hours a day. We have every pediatric specialist, specialized equipment, and resources immediately available under one roof, which is absolutely crucial for saving lives when every second counts.

How will you make sure my child isn't in pain after surgery?

Keeping your baby comfortable is a top priority for me. We use a combination of kid-safe numbing medicines during the surgery, and we work closely with pediatric pain experts to make sure your child wakes up comfortable and stays that way while they heal at home.

Do you use minimally invasive surgical techniques for children?

Yes. I specialize in advanced minimally invasive surgery, including a technique called single-incision laparoscopy where we operate through just one tiny, hidden incision in the belly button. For your child, this means less pain, a much faster recovery, and practically no visible scar as they grow up.