A prestigious national organization has accredited Virtua Health’s Complete Weight Management Program as a Comprehensive Center with Obesity Medicine Qualifications. This designation, by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), recognizes the program’s comprehensive approach to weight management. Virtua’s Complete Weight Management Program is the first in the Philadelphia region to receive this recognition.
While the program had previously been accredited for its surgical treatments, the new accreditation endorses Virtua’s entire weight management program. The accreditation recognizes the program’s ability to seamlessly incorporate weight-loss medications, surgical and non-surgical procedures, and comprehensive support services to provide outstanding care.
“Earning accreditation for our entire program is an important milestone,” said Gaurav Sharma, MD, director of obesity medicine for Virtua’s Complete Weight Management Program. “It recognizes the collaborative work of our team and our commitment to delivering nationally recognized care that helps patients achieve long-lasting weight loss success.”
The MBSAQIP’s accreditation process consists of a comprehensive evaluation to ensure high levels of care. To earn accreditation, programs must document patient care outcomes, complete online training modules, and participate in routine MBSAQIP quality assessments. The MBSAQIP seeks to standardize benchmarks and improve quality among programs.
“We offer our patients a range of choices so they can receive the treatment that’s right for them,” said Samuel Wasser, MD, director of bariatric surgery with the Complete Weight Management Program at Virtua Health.
The program provides a wide range of resources and services to ensure patients are well-supported throughout their weight-management journey. It offers:
- Medical weight-loss options, featuring multiple FDA-approved medications
- Bariatric weight-loss surgery, including minimally invasive, robotic-assisted technology whenever possible
- Non-surgical, endoscopic weight-loss procedures
- Comprehensive support services, such as nutrition counseling, behavior counseling, fitness counseling, monthly support groups, and access to a personal weight-management navigation team, ensuring patients have the highest degree of support to maintain their weight loss
“It’s the full spectrum, which is what anyone needs to lose weight successfully,” explained Dr. Wasser.
Additionally, this accreditation recognizes the Complete Weight Management Program’s dedication to progressing alongside developing technologies. This commitment to innovation was on display last November when Virtua Health became the first in the region to offer a minimally invasive weight-loss procedure utilizing magnet technology. As only the 16th health system in the country to offer this procedure at the time, the program demonstrated its commitment to expanding access to minimally invasive treatments in addition to advancing innovations that enhance patient outcomes.
With locations in Haddon Heights, Marlton, Moorestown, and Sewell, the Complete Weight Management Program is committed to providing high-quality, leading, accessible care to the South Jersey community
“Having a full spectrum of services helps patients with their decision-making,” said Dr. Wasser. “It gives them a range of options that they can’t get anywhere else, and that’s what sets our program apart.”
For more information, visit Virtua Health’s Complete Weight Management Program or call 856-246-4155.
About Virtua Health
Virtua Health is an academic health system committed to helping the people of South Jersey be well, get well, and stay well by providing the complete spectrum of advanced, accessible, and trusted health care services. Virtua’s 16,000 colleagues provide tertiary care, including renowned cardiology and transplant programs, complemented by a community-based care portfolio. In addition to five hospitals, two satellite emergency departments, 44 ambulatory surgery centers, and more than 400 other locations, Virtua brings health services directly into communities through Hospital at Home, physical therapy and rehabilitation, mobile screenings, and its paramedic program.
Marlton, N.J.-based Virtua has 3,000 affiliated doctors and other clinicians, and its specialties include cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health, orthopedics, advanced surgery, and maternity. Virtua is academically affiliated with Rowan University, leading research, innovation, and immersive education at the Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University. Virtua is also affiliated with Penn Medicine for cancer and neuroscience, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for pediatrics.
As a not-for-profit health system, Virtua is committed to the well-being of the community and provides innovative outreach programs that address social challenges affecting health, most notably the “Eat Well” food access initiative, which includes the unparalleled Eat Well Mobile Grocery Store. To learn more, visit Virtua.org. To help Virtua make a difference, visit GiveToVirtua.org.