Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/428513
T H E I N CI D E N CE O F obesit y is steadily rising, and according to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 20 years from now we will see two out of five Americans experiencing obesity. Unfortunately for many of these people, changes in diet and exercise are not enough to help them see significant improvement. Currently, bariatric surgical procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy represent one of the most effective surgica l therapies for the treatment of obesity, says Girard Medical Center's Chandroutie Latchman, DO, who specializes in bar- iatric and minimally invasive surgeries. "To date, the most common form of weight-loss surgery has been gas- tric bypass," Dr. Latchman explains. " Ho w e v e r, p a t ie nt s c o n s id e r i n g weight-loss surgery are increasingly choos- ing sleeve gastrectomy. The procedure is done laparoscopically, making it more beneficial for the patient's recovery." Dr. Latchman, who is originally from a small town — Canal No. 1, Guyana — came to this country at the age of 10. She then attended medical school at Nova Southeastern University in Florida, completed surgical residency at St. John's Episcopal Hospital in Queens, New York, and completed a fellowship in bariatric and minimally invasive surgery in Akron, Ohio, at Summa Health System. She chose to come to Girard Medical Center (GMC) because she saw it as a team of individuals with the opportunity to bring the highest standards of medicine to the community, while still enjoying all the benefits of close-knit relationships and retaining the deeply personal aspects of practicing medicine. Dr. Latchman, who is first a general surgeon and is also trained in robotic procedures, saw it as a wonderful opportunity to begin a program that would be a true asset to the community. "GMC is a good fit for me because it offered me the job role that I wanted and has maintained that relationship," she adds. "I wanted autonomy and a chance to grow as the hospital grows with me. I like that the CEO, Mike Payne, has supported my efforts. I like his philosophy of an open-door policy where you can come in and speak up." GMC maintains an inclusive culture that recognizes the many talents of its team and encourages all members to stretch and explore the possibilities. Better Health in Southeast Kansas By Jeanie Erwin Uncovering L–R: Angie Brooks, RN; Coty Johnson, RN; Missy Mulherin, RN; Chandroutie Latchman, DO; Dustin Ashmore, RN; Sherry Hughes, RN; Jeannie Peterson, CRNA; Kelci Newkirk, RN; Danna Carson, RN. Not pictured: Carol Diskin, RN and Director of Surgery; Peggy Kramer, dietitian; and Patty Shanholtzer, Patient Accounts Manager PHOTO © GIRARD MEDICAL CENTER COV ER FE AT UR E 6 | Greater Kansas MD NEWS ■ M D N E W S . CO M