Bariatricians in NC?

Does anyone know of practices that use bariatricians in their offices?  These are not surgeons.. but docs (or PA's) that help with preop medical supervised diets, followup care, selecting patients for surgical intervention, etc. As soon as I get my guts together, I'm heading back to school to become a PA, and I think this would be an excellent field for me to go into.  I can't imagine the demand going down anytime soon, either.

Andrea, I'm not really involved with the civilian medical field, so I can't help you with any bariatricians.  But...I think it's a fabulous idea for you to go into this field!  You're right...there's a definite demand and it's not going to get higher.  Also, you're that person that educates yourself and others on all aspects about this surgery...I think you'd be great at it!  Good luck!

Thanks.  I thought about a number of fields (neuro, family practice, nicu, ob), but just decided I thought this would be the best field for me.  Hubby thought it was a good fit, too.

You might also consider nephrology. With diabetes being the number one cause of kidney failure and new diabetes cases on the rise, you'd definitely have job security!! Our clinic averages two new paitents a week!!

Kelly

I want to go back to school sometime in the next year or so and I had a thought I would get into nutrition for diabetes and weight loss and maybe specialize in WLS patients. Like you it is near and dear to my heart and I think I could make a difference for people. I also want to work with teens and see if I can get into intervention for children and teens to maybe prevent the diabetes and get them into good habits that may save them some of the grief we have had to suffer before having to have our surgery.

I called up ECU and left a message about their PA program and requisites.  I've decided on a Science major with a minor in nutrition.  Figured those two would be helpful for me. Who knows?  Maybe we could end up in the same practice some day!

Unfortunately, I had to delete this post due to privacy concerns.

I want you to know I went to mail your package yesterday. I got to the PO at 4:02.  They closed at 4. As soon as we get out this pm, I'm heading there *first*.  Package is already in the car, waiting.

I know Southeast Bariatrics is looking for a Bariatrician.  I think that it's a great idea for you to go into! Good Luck!