FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (April 25, 2024) - The Bariatric Surgery Center at Broward Health Imperial Point has achieved accreditation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) for meeting the highest standards for patient safety and quality. A joint Quality Program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), the MBSAQIP is a not-for-profit organization that works to advance the science of metabolic and bariatric surgery.

“We’re proud to have earned this accreditation by meeting essential criteria for staffing, training, facility infrastructure and patient care pathways, which ensure our ability to support patients with obesity,” Broward Health Imperial Point Regional Bariatric Manager, Valerie Matthews said. “This national recognition underscores our commitment to excellence in delivering exceptional care to all those we serve.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates about 93 million adults in the U.S. are affected by obesity, with that number continuing to increase. The disease of obesity increases the risks of morbidity and mortality because of the diseases and conditions that are commonly associated with it, including type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, among other health risks.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery has proven to be effective in the reduction of comorbid conditions related to obesity.*

Working together, the ACS and the ASMBS have developed accreditation standards for metabolic and bariatric surgery to assist patients with obesity in identifying centers that provide optimal patient care. The MBSAQIP Standards, Optimal Resources for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, ensure that metabolic and bariatric patients receive multidisciplinary medical care, which improves patient outcomes and long-term success.

“Broward Health is continuously evolving to ensure that patients receive exceptional care and access to the most advanced medical procedures,” Broward Health Imperial Point Interim CEO, Calvin Glidewell said. “The safety of our patients and delivering the highest quality care to them are our highest priorities. Congratulations to the entire metabolic and bariatric surgery team for achieving this accreditation and supporting all those who suffer from obesity, which is the second-highest cause of death in the U.S. behind smoking.”

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*Buchwald H, Avidor Y, Braunwald E, et al. Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA. 2004;292(14):1724-1737. DOI:10.1001/jama.292.14.1724.

About Broward Health
Broward Health, founded in 1938 and headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, ranks among the 10 largest public healthcare systems in the United States. Nationally recognized for its focus on high-quality care for the residents of Broward County and beyond, Broward Health boasts five hospitals, two trauma centers, a dynamic academic partnership with Florida Atlantic University, was the county’s first statutory teaching hospital and has an ever-growing graduate medical education program. It includes more than 50 health centers and physician practices covering virtually every healthcare specialty. 

Broward Health never stops working toward its mission of Exceptional Care, Extraordinary Compassion and Everyday Excellence. Driven by more than 11,000 talented employees and physicians who deliver care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay, Broward Health is one of the largest employers in Broward County with an operating budget of $1.6 billion, and annually provides almost $225 million of charity and uncompensated care.

For more information about Broward Health, visit BrowardHealth.org.

About the American College of Surgeons

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical education and practice and to improve the quality of care for surgical patients. Its achievements have placed it at the forefront of American surgery and have made the College an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 82,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world.

About the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) is the largest organization for metabolic and bariatric surgeons in the world, with more than 4,200 members. It is a not-for-profit organization that works to advance the science of metabolic and bariatric surgery. The ASMBS is committed to educating medical professionals and the lay public about metabolic and bariatric surgery, including the associated risks and benefits, as a treatment option for obesity.