Meet Our Weight Loss Surgery Center Staff – 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 support group. Like her colleagues, Lisa is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgery and actively participates in Bariatric Support Centers International.
Dena Trusler, RN
Clinical Nurse
Mrs. Trusler is a registered nurse with 12 years of experience as a teacher. Dena serves as the clinical nurse of 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.
Valorie Barnes, MA
Insurance Coordinator
Mrs. Barnes is one of the newest additions to the team at our weight loss surgery center in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. She has 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.
Vanessa Perniciaro, BS
Marketing Director
Mrs. Perniciaro is the newest member of the South Mississippi Surgeons. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. She has over five years of marketing experience, primarily in the medical industry. Her responsibilities with the program include advertising, website development and management, scheduling patient consultations, and coordinating marketing and public relations activities.
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.
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Any of the staff members at our weight loss surgery center in Ocean Springs, Mississippi will be happy to assist you and answer your questions. Please contact our bariatric practice today.