American Society For Metabolic And Bariatric Surgery Designates Pennsylvania Hospital As A 'Bariatric Surgery Center Of Excellence'

Main Category: GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
Also Included In: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Article Date: 26 Jan 2008 - 6:00 PST

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Pennsylvania Hospital has announced that it has been named an American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence®. The ASMBS Center of Excellence designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable outcomes in bariatric surgery.

"This distinction recognizes the expertise of our experienced surgeons and our institutional commitment to quality programs and services," says Robert Haffey, RN, MBA, Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer. "In a growing market and increased options in bariatric surgery, the ASMBS Center of Excellence distinction sets Pennsylvania Hospital apart."

The Bariatric Surgery program at Pennsylvania Hospital offers severely obese patients a specialized program that caters to their specific needs. The core team consists of surgeons, nutritionists, psychologists, and internists who provide each patient with expert care before and after weight loss surgery.

To earn a Center of Excellence designation, the program underwent a series of site inspections during which all aspects of the program's surgical processes were closely examined and data on health outcomes was collected.

Obesity has become a significant national health issue, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that 66 percent of all US adults are overweight or obese. Morbid obesity is closely correlated with a number of serious conditions that severely undermine the health of overweight patients, including heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

"The Bariatric program at Pennsylvania Hospital has achieved excellent patient outcomes through the implementation of a rigorous screening process, the advanced surgical skills of our physicians, and the comprehensive follow up care provided by our multidisciplinary team. Our comprehensive program is designed to ensure that our patients are physically and mentally prepared for surgery," notes Matt Kirkland, MD, Medical Director of Pennsylvania Hospital's Bariatric Surgery program.

Pennsylvania Hospital's experienced surgeons are well-versed in both laproscopic (minimally-invasive) and open surgeries, and perform the latest, most-advanced bariatric surgery procedures, including LAP-BAND® and roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery.

In becoming a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, the program has held itself to the highest standards in the industry and is recognized for its dedication to helping patients achieve their lifestyle and weight loss goals.

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About the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery is the largest society for the specialty in the world. Founded in 1983, foremost American surgeons have formed the society's leadership and have established an excellent organization with educational and support programs for surgeons and allied health professionals.

About Pennsylvania Hospital

Pennsylvania Hospital - the nation's first - was founded in 1751 by Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond. Today, the 515-bed acute care facility offers a full-range of diagnostic and therapeutic medical services and is a major teaching and clinical research institution. With a national reputation in areas such as orthopaedics, cardiac care, vascular surgery, neurosurgery, otorhinolaryngology (ENT) and urology as well as obstetrics, high-risk maternal and fetal services, neonatology, and behavioral health, the campus also includes specialty treatment centers such as the Joan Karnell Cancer Center, the Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery and the PENN Neurological Institute. The hospital has over 25, 000 admissions each year, including over 4,600 births. Pennsylvania Hospital is part of the University of Pennsylvania Health System and is located in the historic Society Hill district of Philadelphia.

Source: Lee-Ann Landis
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

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