David von Rueden, MD, FACS

Bariatric Surgeon

Click the link below to hear Dr. von Rueden's thoughts on his approach to Bariatric Surgery.

http.//youtu.be/kp7LzQbzazk

Dr. von Rueden was born and raised in the Midwest and 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. An advanced laparoscopic surgeon with a special interest in bariatrics, Dr. von Rueden was instrumental in developing a laparoscopic surgical program at Lankenau Hospital. He has performed and taught minimally-invasive procedures for over 15 years, developing laparoscopic bariatric surgery programs in Philadelphia and, most recently, at Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Baltimore.

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.

Currently, Dr. von Rueden performs bariatric surgery in the Baltimore, Maryland area at St. Agnes and St. Joseph hospitals.

 

Barbie Stricker, RN 

Bariatric Nurse Clinician-Certified by ASMBS

Barbie is a bariatric nurse clinician with over twenty years of experience as a registered nurse.  Her nursing career has focused predominantly on surgical patients, and she has held positions from unit charge nurse to nurse manager of a surgical unit. 

Barbie enjoys “hands-on,” bedside nursing, following a patient's care from start to finish. It not only gives her a great deal of satisfaction, but allows her to develop relationships with her patients in an open and friendly manner with a great 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, received her master’s degree in Health Sciences at James Madison University and 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 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, NST

Office Manager

Chris has been in the healthcare field for over ten years acting in several roles.  She enjoys helping patients through the bariatric process and is always available to discuss any questions or concerns you may have regarding the program. 

 

 

 

Rose Sparrow-Feaster, CPC

Benefits Coordinator

 

Rose has been in healthcare billing since 2004 and is a certified professional coder with AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders). She specializes in surgical procedure authorization and the appeals process, and 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 and verify your benefits and to answer any questions you may have. Should you need to appeal a denial from your insurance company, Rose will help guide you through the process.

 

 

 

 

 

Tyra Johnson

Medical Assistant

 

Tyra received her training as a medical assistant at Medix School West in Baltimore. Friendly and passionate about caring for patients, Tyra assists in weight measurements and vital signs as well as other preparations for consultation and surgery. You will meet and get to know 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 who 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 cognitive issues that bariatric patients may face on their journey. Ranesa is part of our counseling team available to our patients for support before and after weight loss surgery.

 

 

 

Liz Dumont Proctor

Exercise Physiologist

Liz is an ACE certified personal trainer and has fifteen years 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, so she knows firsthand the challenges and hurdles facing our patients. Her mission is to teach and inspire her clients to find their own personal best exercise program and stay motivated and excited about all the great results that come from staying positive and consistent.