The Rural Bariatric Practice:

Challenges and Triumphs

Learning Objectives

  1. Understand the unique aspects of rural Bariatric surgery practice.
  2. Learn how to ensure the highest quality of patient care in rural settings.
  3. Learn about the importance of, and how to build a highly functional team in a rural setting.
8:45am Introduction and History Rural Surgery Committee
Luis Garcia, MD FACS MBA FASMBS
Bariatric Surgery ACCREDITATION, Does it Matter?
8:50am I am a rural bariatric surgeon: Why should I pursue accreditation?
Andrew Van Osdol, MD
9:00am Create a culture of YES, How to deal with your administrator
Kevin Helling, MD FACS FASMBS
9:10am Why support your team? A CEO’s perspective
John Harris
9:25am Question & Answer
Building a HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL TEAM with limited resources
9:35am The role of MBS director- How to build your team and meet standards
Tammy Fouse, DO
9:45am Medical Director and Coordinator: A perfect Marriage
Raza Shariff, MD
9:55am SAR, your friend or your enemy
Frank Felts, MD FACS
10:05am Question & Answer
10:15am Break
Unique challenges in the DELIVERY OF CARE in a rural setting
10:45am The right patient selection
Walter Medlin, MD
10:55am You have a serious complication, Now what?
Linden Karas, MD
11:05am Long term Follow Up- Make technology your friend
Jessica Smith, MD
11:15am Support Groups, make it meaningful
Guillermo Bolanos, MD
11:25am Question & Answer
OTHER TOPICS
11:35am How insurance affects Access to Care in the Rural Setting
John Morton, MD MPH FACS
11:45am Leaving a legacy, Surgical Education in a Rural Environment
Howard McCollister, MD FACS FACS
11:55am Changing a paradigm: The Rural Surgery Center Collaborative
Kevin Helling, MD FACS FASMBS
12:05pm Question & Answer
12:15pm Adjourn