Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery
LOCATION: WVU Berkeley Medical Center
PRECEPTOR: Dr. Anthony Mark and Dr. E. Alexandra Zubowicz
DURATION: 2 or 4 weeks
OFFERED: Continuously
MAXIMUM ENROLLMENT: 1
STATUS: Elective
OBJECTIVES:
This two- or four-week Minimally Invasive Surgery elective with a focused emphasis on Bariatric Surgery and Obesity Medicine is based at Berkeley Medical Center. The rotation is designed to provide medical students with comprehensive exposure to the evaluation and management of patients with obesity using surgical, medical, and multidisciplinary approaches. Students will gain hands-on experience in minimally invasive surgical techniques, patient selection, perioperative management, and long-term follow-up of bariatric patients. Emphasis is placed on understanding obesity as a chronic, multifactorial disease and on integrating surgical care within a comprehensive obesity treatment framework. This elective bridges general surgery, minimally invasive surgery, and obesity medicine, offering students insight into both operative and non-operative management strategies.
Patient Care:
Perform comprehensive histories and focused physical examinations in patients with obesity and obesity-related comorbidities. Assess the impact of obesity on overall health, including metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory, hepatic, and musculoskeletal conditions. Participate in pre-operative patient evaluation, including review of medical history, diagnostic testing, and risk stratification. Assist in the development of individualized treatment plans incorporating surgical and non-surgical obesity management strategies. Participate in perioperative and post-operative patient care, including monitoring for complications, nutritional management, and follow-up planning. Provide patient-centered counseling regarding expectations, risks, benefits, and long-term follow-up after bariatric surgery.
Medical Knowledge:
Describe obesity as a chronic, multifactorial disease influenced by metabolic, behavioral, genetic, and social factors. Understand indications, contraindications, and expected outcomes of common bariatric procedures, including sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and duodenal switch. Understand principles of minimally invasive surgical techniques and perioperative management. Recognize common early and late complications of bariatric surgery and their management. Demonstrate knowledge of nutritional requirements, vitamin supplementation, and long-term surveillance following bariatric procedures. Understand the role of behavioral therapy, nutrition counseling, and pharmacologic therapy within comprehensive obesity treatment program.
Practice-Based Learning:
Reflect on clinical experiences to identify strengths and areas for improvement in patient care. Utilize current medical literature to support clinical decision-making related to obesity and minimally invasive surgery. Identify quality improvement opportunities in perioperative care and long-term management of bariatric patients. Use information technology to locate, appraise, and apply evidence-based guidelines relevant to obesity and surgical care.
Communication Skills:
Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, families, and members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team. Demonstrate empathy and respect when discussing sensitive topics related to obesity, lifestyle change, and surgical intervention. Educate patients and families about surgical options, risks, benefits, alternatives, and long-term expectations. Participate in collaborative discussions with surgeons, nurses, dietitians, behavioral health specialists, and other team members.
Professionalism:
Demonstrate reliability, accountability, and ethical behavior in clinical and operative settings. Respect patient autonomy, confidentiality, and informed consent. Display sensitivity to diverse patient backgrounds, values, and socioeconomic circumstances. Function effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary healthcare team. Demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.
Systems-Based Practice:
Understand the role of healthcare systems in the delivery of bariatric and obesity care. Recognize barriers to care, including socioeconomic, insurance, and resource-based limitations. Identify community and institutional resources that support long-term weight management and postoperative care. Appreciate the coordination required between surgical, medical, nutritional and behavioral health services.
METHODS TO ACHIEVE OBJECTIVES:
Supervised participation in outpatient bariatric and obesity medicine clinics. Inpatient rounding with the surgical team. Observation and assistance in minimally invasive surgical procedures. Case-based discussions focused on patient selection, operative planning, and complication management. Independent reading and review of evidence-based literature related to obesity and bariatric surgery. Informal teaching and feedback during clinical encounters and operative cases.
Formative Assessment:
Direct observation of clinical performance, including history-taking, patient interaction, and professionalism. Ongoing verbal feedback from supervising faculty during clinics, rounds, and operative cases. Assessment of student engagement, preparation, and responsiveness to feedback.
Summative Assessment:
Demonstrate satisfactory knowledge of obesity, bariatric procedures, and perioperative care principles. Show appropriate clinical judgment, professionalism, and communication skills. Actively participate in assigned clinical activities, including clinics, rounds, and operating room experiences. Demonstrate reliability, ethical behavior, and respect for patients and team members. Receive a satisfactory written faculty evaluation at the conclusion of the rotation.
PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF THE ROTATION:
Please contact Brystal Morgan, brystal.morgan@wvumedicine.org at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the rotation.