Our Bariatric Care Center has a team of dedicated physicians and staff who provide attention to every aspect of an individual's endeavor to regain his or her health. Led by Michael Trahan, MD, this group of professionals has developed a program that provides patients the finest quality clinical care within an atmosphere of encouragement and support.
Michael Trahan, MD
Rita P. Smith, MS, RD, CDE
Dianne Vitt, RD, CDE
Patricia Cheeks, MSN, RN, APN, BCA
Michael Trahan, MD
Dr. Michael Trahan joined Martha Jefferson Surgical Associates after six years as a surgeon and assistant professor of surgery at the Center for Weight Management, University of Texas Medical Branch (Galveston, TX). He received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Lamar University (Beaumont, TX) and his Medical Degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (Lubbock, TX). He completed his residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He is specially trained in bariatric surgery having completed the Fundamentals of Bariatric Surgery training course and the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) endorsed Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery Mini-Fellowship Program. Dr. Trahan also completed the Lap-Band System Workshop, where he gained specialized training in Lap-Band placement and adjustments. Dr. Trahan is board certified in general surgery and in bariatric surgery. He is a member of the American Medical Association, American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons.
Rita P. Smith, MS, RD, CDE
Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator
Registered Dietitian Rita Smith has provided nutrition counseling for more than 30 years, with an emphasis on appropriate food choices for disease prevention. Reducing cholesterol and high blood pressure, losing weight, regulating blood glucose levels, eating a gluten-free dietÑall are possible with RitaÕs help. Rita is also a Certified Diabetes Educator.
Dianne Vitt, RD, CDE
Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator
Dianne Vitt has practiced nutrition for 26 years with an empathetic perspective to her counseling. She guides individuals and their families toward healthy nutrition practices appropriate to any medical issues. Dianne works with patients who have a variety of conditions, including eating disorders, weight management issues, diabetes and heart disease.
Patricia Cheeks, MSN, RN, APN, BC
Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
Pat Cheeks has been involved in psychological and mental health for 25 years. She has served as a psychotherapist, and has spent a significant amount of her career focused on the treatment of eating disorders. As Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist she has experience in inpatient, intensive outpatient and private practice. Pat started running support groups in the early 1980's.