Meet Our Weight Loss Surgery Center Staff in Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Dr. William Avara and our dedicated and caring team are proud to provide patients with compassionate, thorough, and personalized care. Our staff is trained to make sure that patients are as well-informed and comfortable as possible while receiving treatment. Because the team members at our weight loss surgery center in Ocean Springs, Mississippi are so friendly and well-qualified, we are able not only to perform operations, but seek to help our patients achieve long-lasting results as well.
Lisa Branam, ORT
Program Director / Support Group Coordinator
Mrs. Branam is an Operating Room Technician who provided assistance in many weight loss surgery cases at two Coast Hospitals before she joined South Mississippi Surgeons. She works with patients to coordinate all aspects of the pre-operative workup, including nutritional and psychological screenings, pre-operative lab and X-ray testing, and ultimately the scheduling of the actual surgery. She oversees all necessary aspects of this process to ensure efficiency and patient safety. Furthermore, she is well-versed in the care of the bariatric patient, both before and after surgery. Lisa also coordinates the South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center's Support Group. Like her colleagues, Lisa is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgery and actively participates in Bariatric Support Centers International.
Kim Gray, MHS, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Kim Gray received her BS in Athletic Training from the University of North Florida in 2005. She is a Certified Athletic Trainer. Ms. Gray attended Physician Assistant School at the University of South Alabama from 2005 to 2007 and received a Master of Health Science. She is currently the Southern Representative on the Board of Directors for the Mississippi Academy of Physician Assistants. She joined South Mississippi Surgeons in September of 2007 and has been trained in performing Adjustable Gastric Banding adjustments by Allergan, who make the Lap Band System. Ms.Gray assists Dr. Avara in many of his bariatric cases in the OR, provides post-operative care in the hospital, as well as provides follow up care to many of the Adjustable Gastric Band patients in the clinic. She is also a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and American Academy of Surgical Physician Assistants.
Dena Trusler, RN, CBN
Clinical Nurse
Mrs. Trusler is a Registered Nurse with 12 years of experience as a teacher. Dena serves as the Clinical Nurse for the bariatric program, assists in support groups and info sessions, and treats patients post-operatively. Mrs. Trusler assists Dr. Avara in the office with both General Surgery and Bariatrics and educates post-operative patients. Dena is also a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgery and she is a Certified Bariatric Nurse, one of just a few in Mississippi and the only one on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
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Valorie Barnes, MA
Insurance Coordinator
Mrs. Barnes is our experienced Insurance Coordinator with 18 years of experience in the medical field. Valorie provides a critical link between the insurance company and the patient. She works with patients in gathering all information needed for insurance approval and is in constant contact with the insurance company to verify each patient's benefits and approval status. Valorie also assists in monthly info sessions. Furthermore, she is knowledgeable about bariatric patient care and is a member of the ASMBS.
Tanya Delacruz
Insurance Coder
Mrs. DelaCruz has been in the medical insurance field for 20 years. Tanya has experience in all aspects of medical front office work, insurance billing and coding. She currently keeps South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center in compliance with SRC outcome data through the Bariatric Outcomes Longitudinal Data (BOLD) Program. She processes patients through our database systems, post/codes bariatric charges, schedules appointments, handles Doctors referrals and assists Dr. Avara with patient assessments. Tanya is also a member of the ASMBS.
Contact Our Office to Learn More about Our Weight Loss Surgery Center
Dr. William Avara is one of the leading Bariatric Surgeons in Mississippi. He and his exceptional staff are experienced and skilled and can help you achieve excellent results. To learn more about how Dr. Avara can help you lose weight, contact our weight loss surgery center located in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
Contact South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center today if you live near Ocean Springs, Mississippi and are considering bariatric surgery. We will be happy to schedule you for one of our info sessions.