The Advanced GI Minimally Invasive Surgery & Bariatric Fellowship at Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) aims to provide a well-rounded experience in all aspects of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) including bariatrics, foregut, diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, and complex abdominal wall reconstruction. The split is roughly 50% bariatric and 50% other MIS operations. The bariatric surgery experience includes sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding, and revisional bariatric operations.

Our program offers a robust experience in robotic surgery. Our fellow will also hold a teaching appointment as a clinical instructor at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and will play an integral role in the education of residents and medical students. Upon completion of our fellowship, our fellow will gain proficiency in both advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

    Why Choose Us

    • Fully accredited by the Fellowship Council since inception in 2015.
    • As a fellow, you will be able to tailor your operative experience to match your career goals.
    • Offers complete exposure to all facets of advanced MIS including bariatric, foregut, and complex abdominal wall reconstruction surgery, with a fine balance between laparoscopy and robotics.
    • High bariatric anastomotic case volume allowing the fellow to meet the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) fellowship certificate requirements.
    • Robust experience in diagnostic endoscopy and exposure to advanced therapeutic endoscopy including peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), peroral pyloroplasty (POP), and endoluminal stenting and suturing.
    • Organized didactic component with weekly educational conference, including case presentations and journal club.
    • Advanced Practice Provider (APP) support in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.

    Program Director

    Keith Scharf, DO

    Director of Bariatric Surgery

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