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 1991 and a member of Mercy Surgical Affiliates since 1996. Dr. Smolik began performing gastric bypass with the implementation of the Center for Weight Reduction and has been the Medical Director since 2003. Dr. Smolik is the Co-Medical Director of the Mercy West Lakes Intensive Care Unit. 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 and continues to be involved in teaching others in the health field. To date, Dr. Smolik has completed more than 300 bariatric surgeries. “The greatest reward of my job is seeing the lifestyle, behavior and attitudes changes our patients make to help gain their life back and live healthier lives,” says Dr. Smolik.

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 Mercy 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 bariatric surgery patients and helping them realize their optimal health."

Bariatric Surgery Staff

Jill, BSN, RN

Clinic Director

Jill has been part of the Mercy Family for more than ten years since earning an Associate of Science in Nursing degree from Mercy College of Health Sciences. She went on to complete her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Grandview College. Before becoming the Mercy Weight Loss & Nutrition Center manager in 2009, Jill was a nursing leader on one of Mercy's patient care floors. Jill is certified in Medical-Surgical Nursing through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.  Jill is committed to creating a center focused on excellence and offering high quality services. she is passionate about helping others reach their goals and living healthier lives.

Kris, RN

Program Nurse

Kris graduated form Mercy School of Nursing in 1979 and completed her BS in Health Care Administration in 2009. Kris has an extensive background as an operating room nurse, as well as clinical experience in cardiovascular thoracic surgery, urology and bariatrics. Kris provides direct patient care in clinic, teaches preoperative classes, participates in support groups and assists with community lectures.

Tracy, RN

Program Nurse

Tracy graduated from Mercy School of Nursing in 1991. Tracy joined the staff at Mercy Weight Loss & Nutrition Center in 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.

Katie, R.D., L.D.

Program dietitian
Katie received her degree in dietetics from Iowa State University in 2006, where she also completed her internship in 2008.  She has worked for Mercy since 2006 and is currently the program dietitian for the OPTIFAST® Program, bariatric surgery and Intuitive Eating.  She also helps cover inpatient areas throughout the hospital and works with outpatient services for outpatient dietitian counseling.  She is very excited to be working with such an established facility that teaches lifestyle changes and provides support and nutrition education to all of the programs participants and members.

Melanie, 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 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.

Peggy, 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 1999 and has been part of the Mercy bariatric surgery team since. In 2006, she completed training to become a certified holistic stress management instructor (HSMI). In 2008, she completed training to become a certified hypnotherapist (CHT). She also provides outpatient stress management education in the areas of prevention, outpatient cardiac & pulmonary rehabilitation.

Jill
Mental health counselor

Jill earned a Masters of Arts degree from Drake University in Psychology a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development and Family Studies with a specialization in Marriage and family Therapy from Iowa State University. Jill teaches Masters level students in Counselor Education at Drake University. She has spent most of her career providing counseling for employees, students and their family members and assisting them in all areas of their lives.  Jill has specialized in depression, anxiety, women’s issues, trauma, marital issues, relationship issues, attention deficit disorder, work issues, grief, loss, suicide, eating disorders, and life transitions.  As Mercy Weight Loss & Nutrition Center’s Mental Health Therapist, Jill provides individual counseling and group sessions for patients. Jill enjoys helping patients gain greater insight and understanding of themselves so that they can make informed choices in their lives and how this impacts their eating, weight loss and relationships. 

Joyce

Exercise specialist

Joyce earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Arizona University in Recreation Therapy and a Masters of Science degree from Drake University in Rehabilitation Counseling in 2005.  She has spent most of her career assisting and encouraging patients in the inpatient rehabilitation setting to return to their previous recreation/leisure pursuits after a traumatic injury or illness.  Joyce joined Mercy Weight Loss & Nutrition Center team in 2009 to teach pre- and post-surgical exercise classes and has since developed additional wellness classes through the Mercy Wellness Center specifically for bariatric patients.  She enjoys seeing people achieve their goals by participating in recreational activities or incorporating new leisure pursuits that are important to a healthy and balanced lifestyle. 

Deb

Receptionist

Deb joined the Mercy Center for Weight Reduction in 2007.

She is responsible for the essential functions of organization, maintenance, accuracy of medical records. She provides medical reception and clerical duties in the outpatient clinic setting. Deb initiates and completes the registration process including the interview and data entry for patient records.  Deb works closely with patients and staff. She provides direction for patients to appropriate staff and programs related to their weight loss experience. After having gastric bypass surgery herself she brings her own experiences and readiness to answer questions regarding the center.