Mark Smolik, M.D.

Surgeon, Medical Director

Dr. Smolik graduated from the University of South Dakota School of Medicine and has been in Des Moines since 1997. Dr. Smolik began performing Gastric Bypass again with the implementation of the Center for Weight Reduction and has been the Medical Director since 2003. He is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, American Oncology Research Association, Iowa Medical Society and American College of Surgeons. He is an advanced laparoscopic surgeon. He continues to be involved in teaching others in the health field.

Steven Cahalan, M.D.

Surgeon

Dr. Cahalan was born at Mercy Medical Center, grew up in Des Moines and graduated from the University of Iowa College of Medicine. He joined Surgical Affiliates in 1989 and is an advanced laparoscopic surgeon. Dr. Cahalan began performing Gastric Bypass with the implementation of the Center for Weight Reduction in 2003. He is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, American Oncology Research Association, Iowa Medical Society and American College of Surgeons. He says, "I enjoy treating gastric bypass patients and helping them realize their optimal health."

Bariatric Surgery Staff

Patty Nance, RN

Program Coordinator

Patty is a registered nurse who graduated from the Mercy School of Nursing.  She began working at Mercy Medical Center in June of 2002.  Patty is the program coordinator for Mercy Capitol CICU, Mercy Center for Weight Reduction Gastric Bypass Program and the LEARN Program. Her background includes 20 years of critical care, education and management. Patty was a key participant in the program from the beginning. She coordinates the surgical, physician and staff schedules while also being involved with staff education and monthly support group meetings. Under Patty’s leadership, the Mercy Center for Weight Reduction has been designated a local, as well as, National Center of Excellence for Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Patty’s dedication to the Program and patient care has resulted in a comprehensive program from the preoperative phase through two years of postoperative care and data collection for five years.  

Susan Pendegraft, RN, BSHA

Program Nurse

Susan is a registered nurse who earned her Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration degree from St. Francis in Joliet, IL. She began working with Mercy Medical Center in 2003. Her career includes 25 years in the operating room followed by six years as clinic manager in the primary care setting. She provides direct patient care as well as education. She is committed to improving physical, emotional and social health through education to assist patients to change behavior and be successful and happy with the choices they have made. Susan has been a key participant in the implementation of the LEARN Program and assists with support groups and process improvement for the department. 

Tracy Pohlman, RN

Program Nurse

Tracy graduated from Mercy School of Nursing in 1991. Tracy joined the staff at Mercy Center for Weight Reduction in April 2006 after having gastric bypass herself in 2003. She has embraced the total lifestyle which impacts all aspects of life and family. Tracy provides direct patient care and education. She participates in the support groups and is able to provide insight from being a patient as well as a health care provider. In addition to her current duties in the clinic, she continues to work on the neurology floor at Mercy.

Melanie Follett, RN

Insurance Verification Nurse

Melanie graduated from Mercy School of Nursing in 1985. She brings a wealth of knowledge to this department from her 20 years of working in Critical Care, Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Cardiac Rehabilitation. As the insurance verifier, she helps the patients through the prior authorization process and assists with direct patient care. Melanie joined the staff at Mercy Center for Weight Reduction in May 2004. She is ACLS certified since 1986 and continues to work critical care on weekends. Melanie realizes how important lifestyle changes are, which enables her to help and encourage the patients. She participates in the support groups and enjoys the challenge of all aspects of nursing and the clinic environment.

Diane Leonetti

Patient Liaison

Diane joined the Mercy Center for Weight Reduction in January 2005. She is responsible for the essential functions of organization, maintenance and accuracy of medical records. She provides medical reception and clerical duties in the outpatient clinic. Diane initiates and completes the registration process including the interview and data entry for patient records. Diane works closely with patients and staff. She provides direction for patients to appropriate staff and programs related to their weight loss experience.

Cynthia Bowen, M.A., CTRS

Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Cindy earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees from the University of Iowa and is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Her clinical experience includes group and individual therapy in pediatrics (Child Life), oncology, geriatrics, pre- and post natal, bariatrics, mental health/chemical dependency, developmental disabilities, neurology and physical rehabilitation. Cindy began working at Mercy Medical Center in 2000 and now leads the Medical Fitness program at Mercy Capitol. She is a presenter and consultant on health and wellness topics for community groups and organizations. Her role in the OPTIFAST program is educating clients to integrate activity and exercise into a balanced lifestyle.

Peggy Palmer-Johnson, MSW, LISW

Behaviorist/Group Facilitator

Peggy earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree from Indiana University. She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) in the State of Iowa. Peggy has been a social worker at Mercy Medical Center since February 1999 and joined the Mercy Center for Weight Reduction team in June 2004. In September 2006, she completed training to become a certified holistic stress management instructor. She also provides outpatient stress management education in the areas of prevention, outpatient cardiac & pulmonary rehabilitation, and the Diabetes Preceptor Education program.  Additional responsibilities include teaching the LEARN program and consulting with Mercy’s sixteen affiliate hospital social workers.