Page 21 - Summer-2015

The Dignity Health Weight Loss Surgery Institute of the Central Coast Administrative Team (left to right): Chelsea McGhie, Edward Felix, MD,
FACS, David Maccabee, MD, FACS, Brianna Wilson, MS, RD, CSSD, Lisa Dawes, MS, RD, CDE, and Carrie Smith, MSN, RN, PHN, CBN.

Local Leader in Surgical Weight Loss Dr. Felix is known throughout the world as an expert
laparoscopic surgeon who founded the Center for Bariatric
For the majority of patients who suffer from obesity, it takes Surgery at Clovis Community Medical Center more than
more than diet and exercise alone to achieve substantial weight three decades ago. He earned his medical degree from the
loss and improve health. The Dignity Health Weight Loss University of Illinois Medical School in Chicago, joined the
Surgery Institute of the Central Coast (WLSICC) is the only National Institute of Health Cancer as a fellow, and completed
comprehensive surgical weight loss program on California’s his surgical residency at University of Illinois. He regularly
Central Coast using technology and equipment specifically teaches and participates in expert discussions of bariatric
designed to accommodate complex and morbidly obese patients. surgery at national and international meetings.

The Dignity Health WLSICC conducts more than 200 As the Medical Director of the Dignity Health WLSICC, Dr.
surgeries annually. For demonstrating the highest standards Maccabee has extensive minimally-invasive and bariatric
of quality and safety, the program has earned designation as a surgery expertise. Additionally, Dr. Maccabee completed
MBSAQIP Comprehensive Accredited Center by the American surgical residencies at the University of Washington in Seattle
College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland.
and Bariatric Surgery. The Dignity Health WLSICC is also He completed a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery
a Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Distinction Center for proven at OHSU as well. He and Dr. Felix are the only weight loss
expertise in delivering specialty care. surgery specialists in San Luis Obispo County and northern
Santa Barbara County.
“Within the past three years, the Dignity Health Weight Loss
Surgery Institute of the Central Coast has grown from an These world-class surgeons will soon be joined by Carol
idea to a fully accredited program producing equal, if not McCloskey, MD, an experienced and fellowship-trained
superior, outcomes when compared with the nation’s largest bariatric surgeon from the University of Pittsburgh Medical
and most reputable facilities,” states David Maccabee, MD, Center with 10 years of experience at this leading hospital.
FACS, WLSICC Medical Director and surgeon. “Although we Bariatric Nurse Coordinator Carrie Smith, MSN, RN, PHN,
are proud of the program’s success, it’s the personal stories CBN, is the expert nurse who patients connect with daily. The
of patients’ improvement and enjoyment of their lives that team also includes highly-skilled staff specialized in dietary/
continues to inspire our team.” nutritional counseling, long term follow up care, physical
rehabilitation, and emotional support. For more information,
The Expert Team please call 805.332.THIN

Patients are cared for at the Dignity Health WLSICC by two
surgeons: Edward Felix, MD, FACS, and David Maccabee,
MD, FACS.

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