American Society for Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence

About Dakota Surgical

Dakota Surgical is designed to function as an integrated team. Employees are chosen because they care about patient comfort and quality of patient care. We have a very experienced staff, due in part to our very low turnover rates. The majority of our staff has been working together for over five years.

Continuing education is encouraged and supported in order to ensure that skills are maintained and updated in the ever changing world surgical practices.

Reception and Clerical Staff

Reception and clerical staff provide the interface between the practice and the public. They are available to help you schedule appointments and they can help you get any questions you have answered. This staff also provides transcription, record keeping, and precertification services.

Our Reception and Clerical Staff:

• Dawn

Accounting Staff

Accounting is responsible for billing and coding. They are also the interface between you, Dakota Surgical, and your insurance provider. This staff is skilled in working with insurance companies, and will assist you with issues related to insurance. The accounting staff will also work with you on a payment plan if you are self-insured.

Our Accounting Staff:

• Ann
• Lori

Nurses

The nursing staff provides direct patient and physician support. They have been chosen because they consider patient care a calling, not just a job.

Our Nurses:

• Sheila Walters, LPN
• Kaye Hasvold, LPN

Dietitians

Dietetic services are provided by a dedicated professional. Our dietitians will work with you both individually and in groups to educate you about your nutritional requirements, the changes you should expect after the surgery, and to work out a diet program that makes sense for you.

Our Dietitians:

• Kristin Sousek, RD

  Kristen has more than 5 years experince working with obese patients. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from UND with a B.S. in Dietetics.

Physicians

At Dakota Surgical, all physician staff must be a graduate of an accredited medical school, have successfully completed an approved surgical residency, successfully achieved licensure and credentialing, and either be board certified or board eligible (with certification required within five years) in General Surgery. Continuing medical education and academic involvement is required. Physicians must also participate in quality assurance programs.

Our Physicians:

• Dr. Frederick L. Harris MD, MS, FACS

  Dr. Harris is has led a tradition of innovation, education, quality assurance and excellence in outcomes. He is Board Certified in both Surgery and in Critical Care. He has served as President of the South Dakota Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, president of Northern Plains Vascular Society, site director of surgical residents at the Sioux Falls V.A. Hospital, Associate Examiner of the American Board of Surgery, and member of the American College of Surgeon's Committee on Trauma. He has served as Director of Trauma, Critical Care and Bariatric Services at Avera McKennan hospital. Dr. Harris has published in the fields of Organic Chemistry, Cell Physiology, and Medicine.
  
  Dr. Harris is the Medical Director of an ASBS Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence.

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© Copyright Dakota Surgical, Ltd. 2005 - 2006