David von Rueden, MD, FACS

Surgeon

Dr. von Rueden was born and raised in the Midwest.  He received his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University, and his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He completed his surgical residency at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, and Lankenau Hospital, Philadelphia, followed by a surgical oncology fellowship at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.   

Dr. von Rueden’s surgical career began at Lankenau Hospital, where he became Assistant Program Director for the Surgical Residency Program while also holding an academic appointment at Jefferson Medical College as Liaison for Medical Student Education. He was instrumental in developing a laparoscopic surgical program at Lankenau Hospital and is an advanced laparoscopic surgeon with special interest in bariatrics.  He has performed and taught minimally-invasive and laparoscopic procedures for over 15 years, developing Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery Programs in Philadelphia and, most recently, at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. 

In 2005, Dr. von Rueden was named one of the "top doctors" by his peers in Baltimore magazine and his program at Greater Baltimore Medical Center received a "Center of Excellence" designation from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.  Dr. von Rueden is a member of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. 

 

 

 

 

 

Barbie Stricker, RN 

Bariatric Nurse Clinician

 

Barbie is a bariatric nurse clinician with over twenty years of experience as a registered nurse.  Nursing career has focused predominently with surgical patients from unit charge nurse to nurse manager of a surgical unit.  Bedside nursing has always held a tender spot in her heart.  Hands on nursing care is what she enjoys, to follow a patient's care from start to finish and then some.  Developing relationships with her patients in an open and friendly manner with a sense of humor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sloane Mendelsohn, MS, RD, LDN

Bariatric Nutrition Specialist

 

Sloane is a licensed dietitian/nutritionist with over seven years of experience in the field of nutrition.  She is a graduate of Virginia Tech and received her master’s degree in Health Sciences at James Madison University.  She completed her clinical internship at Fairfax Hospital, VA.  Sloane specializes in bariatric surgery and weight management, and has been working with Dr. von Rueden since 2004.  She is very passionate in helping patients improve their quality of life and takes the one-on-one time before and after surgery to counsel her patients.  Sloane is the author of a book called, “My Bari Good Life.”  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chris Nelson

Administrative Coordinator

Chris has been in the healthcare field for ten years as an administrative assistant and a certified nursing technician.  She enjoys working with patients and will take care of all your administrative needs.  Feel free to contact Chris with any questions or concerns regarding the program.  You will meet with Chris at your initial visit.

 

 

 

 

 

Rose Sparrow-Feaster, CPC

Benefits Coordinator

 

Rose has been in the healthcare billing since 2004.  She is a certified professional coder with AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) and specializes in surgical procedure authorization and appeals process.  She acts as a liaison between patients and insurance carriers for benefit verification coverage and policy guidelines.  Rose takes the time to meet with you to discuss your benefits and answer any questions. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tyra Johnson

Medical Assistant

 

Tyra received her training as a medical assistant at Medix School West.  She is friendly and enjoys caring for patients.  She assists in weight measurements and vital signs.   You will meet Tyra when you come in for your appointment.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debbra DuMoulin, CST

Surgical Technician 

 

 

 

 

 

Ranesa McNally, LCSW-C

Clinical Social Worker

Ranesa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that has provided individual and family counseling to bariatric patients and their families both pre and post surgery for the past four years. Ranesa has assisted with various support groups in the Baltimore area and is the author of an article and book addressing common behavioral and coginitive issues that bariatric patients may face on their journey.  In addition to Ranesa, we have additional counseling staff available to our patients.

 

 

Liz Dumont Proctor

Exercise Physiologist

 

Liz is an ACE certified personal trainer and has fifteen years of experience training and motivating clients, teaching group exercise and directing weight loss programs.  Her enthusiasm for helping her clients adopt and stick with an exercise program comes in part from her own personal history.  Liz lost over 100 pounds 18 years ago and has kept it off.  Her mission is to teach and inspire her clients to find their own personal best exercise solution and to stay motivated and excited about all the great results that come from staying consistent.