The SSM Saint Louis University Hospital Comprehensive Metabolic Center Program is spearheaded by the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and combines multidisciplinary hepatology (liver services), gastroenterology (advanced endoscopy), endocrinology (experts in diabetes management) and weight management.
It operates a one-stop shop service for patients with multiple metabolic disorders, including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease), obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hypothyroidism and polycystic ovarian syndrome, as well as those with metabolic syndrome.
At each visit, patients are seen by one or more providers who are specialists in their respective fields and undergo point-of-care evaluation of A1c, blood pressure, weight, liver stiffness (using a non-invasive ultrasound technique), and waist, hip and neck circumference measurements.
Patients are offered various treatments, including lifestyle modification advice, counselling or behavioral health management (by psychologists), and may also receive treatment with weight loss medication or new treatments for type 2 diabetes mellitus (which not only lead to weight loss but may also benefit the heart and kidney); endoscopic weight loss therapies (also called metabolic endoscopy); or bariatric surgery.
Traditionally, bariatric surgery has been the standard approach for effective weight loss in patients who are obese and who have multiple metabolic conditions; whilst bariatric surgery remains the most effective modality, not all patients are eligible or require this type of surgery. The advent of minimally invasive, endoscopic techniques has pushed the frontiers of metabolic medicine and offers patients less invasive alternate options.
Patients with MASLD and liver scarring (fibrosis to cirrhosis) may also participate in clinical trials. Patients who participate in liver clinical trials are jointly managed by physician experts who are also members of the GI Division and SLU Liver Center.
Ultimately, the goal of SSM Saint Louis University Hospital Comprehensive Metabolic Center Program is to help patients with complex and multiple metabolic disorders achieve long-term, optimum health and wellness through a combination of medical services tailored to address their needs and concerns.
Key Members
Hepatology
Wing-Kin Syn, M.D., Ph.D. (center director), Brent Tetri, M.D., Uchenna Agbim, M.D., and Kamran Qureshi, M.D.
Internal Medicine/Weight Management
Francis Gerald Wade, M.D. (center co-director)
Advanced Endoscopy
Wissam Kiwan, M.D., Antonio Cheesman, M.D., and Marina Kim, D.O.
Endocrinology
Sandeep Dhindsa, M.D., and Emily Wood, D.O.
Psychology/Psychiatry
Lauren Schwarz, Ph.D., Laura Burch, Ph.D., and Ruth Shach, Ph.D.
Obstetrics/Gynecology
Michael Thomure, M.D.
Nurse Coordinator
Lori Spanley