Hendrick Body and Wellness earns national bariatric accreditation

Hendrick Body and Wellness has earned national accreditation for excellence in bariatric surgery and obesity medicine less than two years after opening.

The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a joint program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), recognizes bariatric programs that meet rigorous national standards for safety, outcomes and quality improvement.

The Comprehensive Center with Obesity Medicine Qualifications designation reflects Hendrick Health's commitment to providing evidence-based weight-loss care across West Central Texas. To earn accreditation, Hendrick Body and Wellness underwent a rigorous review of patient care, outcomes and quality improvement efforts.

"One of the most important things for anyone on a weight-loss journey is to have it managed by a weight-loss professional who is trained in the system and culture of weight loss," said Ashley Bradshaw, MD, general and bariatric surgeon at Hendrick Body and Wellness. "Patients should work with specialists who understand the full range of treatment options, including medications and surgery. I am passionate about helping people understand those options and how they can work together to achieve long-term success."

Hendrick Body and Wellness brings together physicians, nurses, nutrition services, radiology, anesthesia, pharmacy and surgical services to provide coordinated obesity care.

That collaborative approach is important because successful weight management often requires expertise from multiple specialties and a treatment plan tailored to each patient's needs, said Bradshaw.

The program recently surpassed 100 bariatric procedures within 20 months, more than double the annual surgical volume required for accreditation, reflecting both the program's rapid growth and the demand for comprehensive weight-loss care in the region.

The achievement reflects planning, collaboration and a commitment to meeting the highest standards in bariatric care.

"MBSAQIP accreditation is considered the gold standard in bariatric surgery," said Melanie White, RN, BSN, metabolic and bariatric surgery accreditation manager at Hendrick Body and Wellness. "This designation validates the high-quality care our team provides and our commitment to helping patients achieve healthier lives."

Hendrick Body and Wellness offers bariatric surgery, medical weight management, nutrition counseling and ongoing support programs.

For more information about Hendrick Body and Wellness, visit hendrickbodywellness.com.