FLORENCE – North Alabama Medical Group unveiled today a new name and brand to reflect bariatric services provided to patients throughout Florence and beyond: Alabama Bariatric Institute. Board-certified general and bariatric surgeon Dr. Dennis Fernandez, who joined the North Alabama Medical Center staff in February 2023 will provide bariatric surgical options to patients at the hospital and clinic, located at 1751 Veterans Drive, Suite 125, Florence, AL 35630.
“This new name and brand underscore the specialization that we have at the practice as well as the work that Dr. Fernandez is doing to grow our bariatrics program,” shared Russell Pigg, Market President and CEO of North Alabama Medical Center. “We are honored to provide bariatrics and weight loss services to the patients in our community.”
Dr. Dennis Fernandez
Dr. Fernandez is a well-established surgeon, with extensive experience in robotic and bariatric procedures. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and formerly served as the Chief of Surgery at Crestwood Medical Center. He serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the following regional schools of medicine: University of Alabama Birmingham, Huntsville Campus; Edward VIA College of Osteopathic Medicine; and the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. A native of West Point, Georgia, Dr. Fernandez received his BS in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University and his MD from the University of South Alabama. He completed his residency at Carraway Methodist Medical Center in Birmingham, Ala., Dr. Fernandez has completed hundreds of robotic surgeries, including bariatric surgeries, for patients across Alabama and beyond.
“What sets our program apart is our approach to treating obesity,” said Dr. Fernandez. “There are many people who would see tremendous health benefits from weight loss but have not been successful with conservative measures including diet and exercise. I offer an array of minimally invasive bariatric techniques including the robotic approach. Working one-on-one with each patient, together we devise a unique plan of care that focuses on long-term success. That includes identifying the most appropriate surgical technique as well as preoperative and post-operative care.”
Media Release/Shane Herrmann/Director of Communications and Marketing/North Alabama Medical Center
