Pacific Laparascopy Staff
L to R: Ernesto Sanchez, Matt Williams, Dana Benner, PA-C, Jennifer Smith, PA-C, Barbara Metcalf, RN, CBN, Dr. Bill Hartman,
John Rabkin, MD, FACS, Michel Velo, Mitra Sayadi, Michael Bali,
Grace Harris
..Barbara Metcalf, RN, Program Director
Barbara graduated from nursing school in 1968. Her experience in nursing has involved surgical, respiratory, infectious and general intensive care, coronary care, cardiac cath lab, pediatrics and teaching nutrition at the junior high level. During the time she was raising four children she also coached track and field for many years. In 1995 she started working with Dr. Rabkin in Ventura and helped develop Pacific Laparoscopy. In 1999 she helped develop Central Valley Bariatrics in Delano, CA. She has been working with Pacific Laparoscopy in San Francisco since 2000. As Program Director she is facilitating patient education, monthly group support meetings, editing the quarterly newsletter and hospital liaison for in-service training and education. Patient follow-up, marketing and research are included as well. She has published on the importance monitoring body fat composition with exercise after duodenal switch procedure. She has presented many times at the national ASBMS meetings on vitamins, nutrition, exercise, group supports and duodenal switch controversies. She is on faculty for the Certification of Bariatric Nurses and recently earned her Certification for Bariatric Nursing as well. She is on Editorial staff for Allied Health, for SOARD (Surgery for Obesity and related Diseases) a professional peer reviewed journal. She is a consultant for Ethicon and talks on subjects from Sensitivity Training, Overview of Obesity and Motivating Patients to Exercise. She also helped establish our non-profit organization, Pacific Institute Explorer, whose mission is obesity education and public awareness. She is also on faculty with the American Society of Bariatrics Society, Allied Essentials Course.
Certifications:
State of California, Board of Nursing
Associations:
Membership American Society for Bariatric Surgery, 1997-current
Member ASBS Allied Executive Board, Member at Large, 2000-2001
Member ASBS Public Education Committee 2000-present
American Nurses Association, 2000-current
Faculty:
Allied Health Essentials in Surgical Support Course, ASBS, 2001-current
..Mitra Sayadi, Office Administrator
With over 8 years of experience in medical practice management, Mitra joined Pacific Laparoscopy in 2001. She earned her B.A. degree in Biological Science at U.C. Berkeley in 1989 and completed the Multimedia Studies Program at San Francisco State University in 2001. As Office Administrator, Mitra develops and implements office procedures and programs. She oversees daily operations, resolves patients’ administrative issues, and supervises the staff.
..Dana Benner, Physician Assistant
After completing her Bachelor's degree in Biology at UC Santa Barbara, Dana received her Master's in Medical Science at Emory University's Physician Assistant Program late 2004. Following graduation, she worked as a PA in cardiology and then on a liver transplant hospitalist service. She joined our practice in August of 2007. As a PA she first assists in surgery and closely follows pre and post-operative patients. When Dana is not working, she and her husband enjoy hiking and snowboarding.
..Scott Becker, Physician Assistant
After earning his undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis, Scott Becker earned his Masters of Medical Science degree from Emory University in 2002. He has worked in primary care and orthopedics prior to moving to San Francisco from Atlanta. In 2006, he began working with Dr. John Rabkin at CPMC with the Liver Transplant Service. He joined Pacific Laparoscopy in June of 2008.
..Matt Williams, Billing Manager
With an A.S. in Business Administration and three years of prior experience, Matt joined Pacific Laparoscopy in 2002. He manages accounts receivables and acts as a liaison between patients and insurance companies.
..Ernesto Sanchez, Patient Coordinator
Before joining Pacific Laparoscopy , Ernesto worked and volunteered in various hospitals and medical clinics. He has extensive experience with medical records and patient services. He is a graduate of University of San Francisco in the field of Biology. He is responsible for the front desk and the office flow. He handles all phone inquiries and patient scheduling.
..Alexander Solorzano, Surgical/Insurance Coordinator
After completing his undergraduate degree in Pre-Medicine Biology and Psychology from the University of San Francisco, he began working for St. Luke's Hospital Emergency Department helping medically indigent patients with government assisted programs. He also joined the Circulatory Support Team at CPMC and woked on some of Dr. John Rabkin's liver transplant cases. Joining Pacific Laparoscopy in 2008, his responsibilities include the surgical and insurance aspect of the practice in addition to screening patients for appointments. When Alexander is not working, he is studying, boxing, and preparing for his future career in medicine.
..Annalyn Carlos , Medical Assistant
After completing her degree in Medical Assisting from Heald, she began her externship with Pacific Laparoscopy in 2006. As a Medical Assistant, she records vital signs and reviews lab orders. Annalyn also performs administrative duties which includes answering phones, coordinating with testing labs and attending to patients.
