Leonardtown, MD – MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital has secured reaccreditation for its bariatric surgery center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, a joint initiative by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. The program, which focuses on ensuring safe and effective metabolic and bariatric procedures, has been accredited at the hospital since 2023.
This reaccreditation highlights the center’s adherence to rigorous standards aimed at improving surgical outcomes for patients dealing with obesity and related conditions, such as diabetes and sleep apnea. Research indicates that accredited centers report lower complication rates and superior results compared to non-accredited facilities, with studies showing mortality risks reduced by factors ranging from 2.26 to 3.57 in accredited programs. As the only accredited bariatric surgery facility in Southern Maryland, MedStar St. Mary’s provides a vital resource for local residents seeking weight-loss interventions.
The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program sets comprehensive guidelines, including requirements for multidisciplinary teams, ongoing data collection, and patient education. Centers must demonstrate consistent performance in areas like preoperative assessments, surgical techniques, and postoperative care. For patients in Southern Maryland, this means access to high-quality bariatric surgery without traveling to urban areas like Baltimore or Washington, D.C.
“We are extremely proud to be recognized for our continued dedication to excellence through our bariatric surgery program,” said Mimi Novello, MD, FACHE, president of MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital and senior vice president of MedStar Health. “Our team is committed to meeting the rigorous standards of this accreditation to ensure our patients have the best possible outcomes that will help them attain their goal of achieving a healthier future.”
In addition to the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program status, the hospital has earned designation as an American College of Surgeons Surgical Quality Partner. This recognition underscores a commitment to ongoing process improvements and adherence to evidence-based practices in surgical care.
“ACS Quality programs are grounded in more than a century of experience, and participation is an important measure of a hospital’s surgical quality,” said Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS, ACS executive director & chief executive officer. “As an ACS Surgical Quality Partner, MedStar St. Mary’s has shown a commitment to providing the best possible patient care, evaluating that care in a rigorous fashion, and dedicating itself to continuous self-improvement.”
Led by surgeon Sameer Alrefai, MD, the bariatric surgery team at MedStar St. Mary’s has performed over 500 robotic-assisted procedures, utilizing advanced technology to enhance precision and recovery times. Services include gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and non-surgical weight-loss options, all tailored to individual patient needs. The program emphasizes a holistic approach, incorporating nutrition counseling, psychological support, and long-term follow-up to sustain weight loss and health improvements.
Obesity remains a significant health challenge in Maryland, where 34.1 percent of adults have a body mass index of 30 or higher, according to recent health rankings. Projections suggest this rate could climb to 50 percent by 2030, amplifying the need for effective interventions like bariatric surgery in Southern Maryland. In St. Mary’s County and surrounding areas, where rural access to specialized care can be limited, the accredited center addresses conditions tied to obesity, including heart disease and joint issues, potentially reducing healthcare burdens on the community.
MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, located at 25500 Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown, has served Southern Maryland for over 100 years. Originally founded as St. Mary’s Hospital, it merged with MedStar Health in 2009, expanding its capabilities while maintaining a community focus. Today, it offers a range of services beyond bariatric surgery, including emergency care, orthopedics, and oncology, with connections to larger MedStar facilities for complex cases.
The reaccreditation process involves site visits, data reviews, and compliance checks, ensuring centers like MedStar St. Mary’s maintain low complication rates—often below 5 percent for major procedures—and high patient satisfaction. Nationwide, accredited centers contribute to a database that tracks outcomes, fostering continuous advancements in bariatric surgery techniques.
For Southern Maryland residents considering bariatric surgery, the program’s accreditation provides assurance of quality. Patients undergo thorough evaluations, including medical history reviews and lifestyle assessments, to determine suitability. Postoperative support includes regular check-ins to monitor progress and adjust care plans.
This milestone aligns with broader efforts to combat obesity in the region, where community health initiatives promote preventive measures alongside surgical options. Local organizations often collaborate with the hospital to educate on nutrition and exercise, complementing the bariatric surgery program’s goals.
As obesity rates rise, accredited facilities like MedStar St. Mary’s play a crucial role in offering evidence-based solutions. The center’s team, comprising surgeons, dietitians, and nurses, works to empower patients toward sustainable health changes, reflecting the hospital’s longstanding dedication to Southern Maryland.
More details on the bariatric surgery program can be found in the MedStar Health location page. For information on Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program standards, visit the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery site.