MEMPHIS, TENN – Saint Francis Medical Partners surgeon Robert Wegner, MD, has earned a focused practice designation in metabolic and bariatric surgery from the American Board of Surgery (ABS). Dr. Wegner serves as Medical Director of the Saint Francis Center for Surgical Weight Loss at Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis.

The designation, which was first introduced in 2022, is achieved through a combination of fellowship training and/or clinical practice dedicated to the treatment of obesity. Developed in conjunction with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the new designation defines the standards of practice, participation, and knowledge that are required to be identified as a surgeon who focuses their practice on metabolic and bariatric surgery.

Focused practice designations recognize surgeons who have concentrated their practice on one aspect of a field of medicine or surgery – such as metabolic and bariatric surgery – that is not already recognized by specialty or subspecialty certification. Certification in general surgery is required to apply for the ABS Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Focused Practice Designation Examination, which is designed to evaluate a surgeon’s knowledge of metabolic and bariatric surgery principles and applied science. General surgery certification must be maintained to keep the designation.

“We congratulate Dr. Wegner on achieving this prestigious designation from the American Board of Surgery,” said Leslie Malone, Market Operations Manager for Saint Francis Physician Network. “Dr. Wegner is a highly trained, compassionate metabolic and bariatric surgeon who has dedicated his practice to helping his patients receive the benefits and higher quality of life often associated with weight loss surgery. This designation is yet another affirmation of his commitment to both his patients and to his chosen field of medicine.”

Dr. Wegner, who is board certified in general surgery, joined the Saint Francis Center for Surgical Weight Loss in 2010. He completed his general surgery residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago and his fellowship training in bariatric surgery at the University of Iowa. He is an active member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. 

For more information about the bariatric program at Saint Francis Healthcare, please call (877) 848-7519 or visit our website.