In an effort to combat obesity and diabetes in the region, Edinburg, Texas-based Doctors Hospital at Renaissance has affiliated with Cleveland Clinic's Bariatric and Metabolic Institute.
More than half of Americans are overweight, and 22 million have type 2 diabetes, according to a news release. Additionally, DHR's metro area ranked in the top two in the country for the most obese residents this year, according to a Gallup poll. Another study shows the metro area pays more than $400 million in unnecessary healthcare costs because of the high obesity rates.
"This exciting affiliation will provide us with new tools, cutting-edge technology and evidence-based medicine to combat diabetes and obesity in the Rio Grande Valley," said Israel Rocha, CEO of physician-owned DHR, in the release.
This affiliation is the first of its kind for the Cleveland Clinic's Bariatric and Metabolic Institute.
"We are thrilled to work with Doctors Hospital at Renaissance to develop a bariatric surgery program with the highest standards for patient care, safety and efficient operations," said Philip Schauer, MD, the Institute's director, in the release. "Our mission is to be a resource for patients and healthcare providers at DHR, to provide guidance and share our expertise, to enable the delivery of world-class treatment for individuals suffering from obesity and diabetes. Together, we can best combat the 'diabesity' epidemic."
More Articles on Clinical Affiliations:
Susquehanna Health Affiliates With Cleveland Clinic for Heart Care
6 Recent Hospital-Physician Transactions
Los Robles Hospital Partners With USC Urology Institute