Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program Bariatric Center

I have an appt with Dr. Noel Williams on October 21st. He is with The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania-Ivy League teaching hospital. Can't go wrong there I figure...He will Likely be the doctor I go with...

I also have another appt with a Temple Univeristy Hospital Dr. on August 30th. But that's not with a Dr. That's with someone else.

I just received information on a THIRD hospital now. I'm looking into that today as a matter of fact.

I will post more later about all of this.

Dr. Schuricht is outgoing, informative and has a great sense of humor. There were four of us there to learn about not only the operation but his credentials as well. He was very forthright in his description of the procedure, the potential complications and the realistic results that we could expect. Chrissy, his office manager, is very helpful and took care of all of the insurance paperwork. I was approved the first time that the paperwork was submitted and all I had to do was fill out a health questionaire. After the group meeting with Dr. Schuricht we met with a dietician as a group and then she met with each of us individually. After that we met with Dr. Schuricht individually for a more detailed medical history processing and question and answer period. There is an aftercare program at the hospital which meets once a month but attendance is on a voluntary basis. Overall I found Dr. Schuricht and his office staff to be friendly, courteous and extremely professional.

It took me about six months to get in to see my surgeon. My appointment was at 12:15, I was taken back about 1:00 and first saw the nutritionsit who was very nice, and a med. student who took my history and vitals. We then waited about 45 minutes for the surgeon to come in. He explained the risks, asked me if I had any questions and answered them. And that was it, very short sweet and to the point. I thought the apointment would be more about deciding wheather or not I should get surgery. It was pretty much ok you can have the surgery this is just the stuff you have to do first. Nonetheless, I liked him. He seemed very confident, and sure of what he was doing. He is the head of the minimall invasive surgery department at UofP. Although my meeting with him was not long, I feel confident that he is a good surgeon.

Friendly, human, charming, caring.




Staff was very helpful.


First appt. was screwed up and office was somewhat chaotic due to volume of patients.

Very professional.

Aftercare is strongly emphasized.

Detailed instructions regarding aftercare and to call him any time.

Surgery risks were addressed honestly.

So far a 10.


AFTERCARE WITH DR. S HAS PROVEN TO BE JUST AS GOOD AS PRE OP. THIS IS A MAN YOU WOULD WANT TO WORK ON YOUR MOST BELOVED. I HAVE A SURGEON FOR LIFE.

My first impression was a very good one. He spoke with confidence and had a very good "bedside manor"

Office staff was also very nice and very willing to assist.

Dr. Kirkland emphasizes aftercare and suggests support groups.

All the risks of the surgery were explained verbally and in writing. I was not treated like I was stupid for asking any questions.

Overall I would rate Dr. Kirkland "excellent"

I think both are necessary to be a successful and I belive Dr. Kirkland has mastered them.

I would totally recommend Dr. Kirkland.

I was not sure if I would like the Doctor when I first meet him.

The Doctor came in and explained the surgery to me and as he began to tell me about the procedure I became more confident in his ability.

The office staff was nice but very business like.

There really wasn't anything that I did not like about the doctor after I meet him. I liked his confidence the most.

He really didn't emphasize aftercare that much. He does have a support group that meets the last Tuesday of each month but he does not usally attend.

We really did not discusse his aftercare program.

The doctor went over the risk but did not stress how risky the surgery is.

I would rate Dr. Kirkland a 9 on a scale of 1-10.

I think surgical competence, and bedside manner are great, but I have heard that this doctor does not have a very good bedside manner, but is a great surgon. I would rather have a great surgon then one with good bedside manner.

My first appt. with Dr. Williams was in March of 2002. I found him to be pleasant but brisk, however he made sure I understood the procedure. The nutritionist was nice, I meet with her and a psychologist, which will be $400.00 out of pocket next week, May 2002.

My surgery date is set for June 27th, 2002.

I HAVE NO COMMENT ON DR. KIRKLAND

He was very nice, didn't spend much time with him, everything seems to be moving very fast. My first appointment with him was on February 12th, got approval two weeks later in the mail. Office called me with appointments for nutritionist and pschologist. I will be seeing them on April 24th. Two weeks after they made my appointment I got a letter saying my surgery was scheduled for May 13th. Got another call the next day saying my pre admission testing is scheduled for the same day, April 24th. So far have only seen Dr Williams once He did discuss the risks of surgery, office staff was also nice. Can't really give an overall rating as of yet.

Very knowledgeable about surgery to be performed, was very concerned about my sfety and what would be best for my recovery as well and success, very caring and sympathetic. His Secty was excellent in help with appts, test, tec. and the Nutrionists working with him were awesome. Aftercare program is to follow-up with him and with his staff and support meetings are available. With inital appointment he answered every question that I had and explained what risks were involved. His overall beside manner was comforting to me not only pre-op but post op as well. Would recommend him to anyone.