Meet Our Team

Surgeons

Dr. Patrick Chiasson migrated to Tucson from Canada. He received his medical education at MGill University, a Master's Degree from the Institute for the History of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University, and his general surgical training at Dalhousie University. More recently, he completed his sub-specialty training in advanced laparoscopic surgery at the University of Toronto's highly-regarded Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery. He has numerous publications to his credit that address such issues as Minimally Invasive Surgery techniques and outcomes, Health Policy, Medical Ethics and Health Law. His particular surgical interests include the application of advanced laparoscopic and endoluminal techniques to manage colorectal diseases, solid organ diseases, and conditions involving the esophagus and stomach including the surgical management of morbid obesity.

Dr. Stephen Burpee is also a native of Canada. He received his medical degree from the University of Western Ontario. His surgical residency was performed at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and his subsequent fellowship in advanced laparoscopic surgery was performed at the University of Toronto. He received additional training in laparoscopic bariatric surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and spent time as a research fellow in the department of Minimally Invasive Surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He has many publications in the area of Minimally Invasive Surgery and has special interest in diseases of the gastroesophageal junction, colorectal disease and the surgical management of morbid obesity.

Physician Assistant

Renee Corrigan moved to Tucson, Arizona from Lincoln, NE in 1995. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Midwestern University's Physician Assistant program in 2002. Prior to joining Southern Arizona Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery in March of 2005, she worked as a "Hospitalist" here in Tucson for almost three years. She brings 17 years of surgical experience and has a special interest in both surgical and non-surgical weight loss. Renee recently completed a training course for our medically managed weight loss program and she also is part of the physicians' surgical team.

Psychotherapist

Anne Russell, Ph.D., LISAC, NCC has been working with Eating Disorders and obesity since the 1980's. She has worked in treatment centers such as Hazelden, The Meadows and most recently as a Family Therapist at Cottonwood de Tucson. Anne as worked with the Surgical Weight Loss Program since June 2006 and recognizes each client's specific needs and listens with respect, confidentiality and compassion. She also has a private psychotherapy practice where she utilizes EMDR, Cognitive Restructuring, and hypnosis & visualization.

Nutritionist

Tina Payne, RD is a native of Tucson. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from The University of Arizona in 2003. She has been working at Northwest Medical Center as a Clinical Dietitian since 2004. Due to her interest in nutritional education and counseling she has been working with the Surgical Weight Loss Program since the spring of 2005.

Bariatric Patient Advocate

Patty Moreno has been a medical administrative assistant for a number of years mainly in the primary care sector before joining Southern Arizona Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery. Patty assists patients through the surgical weight loss process from seminar to surgery by answering questions, tracking patient clearances including tests and evaluations, submitting for insurance authorizations and scheduling surgery and other pre-op requirements. Patty can be reached at 520-219-8690 ext 103.

Bariatric Patient Advocate

Tracy Martinez has worked in the medical field for a number of years including holding the position of Back Office Manager/Surgery Scheduler in a plastic surgery office prior to joining So. AZ Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery. Tracy assists patients through the surgical weight loss process from seminar to surgery by answering questions, tracking patient clearances including tests and evaluations, submitting for insurance authorizations and scheduling surgery and other pre-op requirements. Tracy can be reached at 520-219-8690 ext 102.

Bariatric Coordinator

Gayle Duke is the Bariatric Coordinator at Northwest Medical Center. Her role is to assist you pre-surgery and post-surgery. She'll ensure you know what you need to do prior to surgery, what will happen the day of surgery and during your hospital stay. Gayle will educate you on what to expect after you leave the hospital, how to manage your diet and water intake, and review the exercise and behavioral changes necessary to keep the weight off. She'll call you several times during the first few weeks after surgery to find out how you're doing and make sure you understand each phase of your diet. Gayle brings much enthusiasm, support and insight to our patients as she is a successful surgical weight loss patient herself.