Erica R. Podolsky, M.D.
Special Expertise: Bariatric Surgery
Specialties: Bariatric and General Surgery, Obesity Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Robotic Surgery, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Hernia, Biliary Surgery
Board Certified: Surgery
Patients get emotional around Erica R. Podolsky, M.D., FASMBS, founder and Medical Director of the nationally recognized Weight Loss Management Program at Delray Medical Center. “Bariatric surgery is a big decision,” says Dr. Podolsky. “Now with medications expanding our treatment options there is a better understanding and acceptance of obesity as a disease prompting an open discussion around treatment. Patients can finally access care with less bias and get the help they need after they’ve been struggling with diet, exercise and different medical issues.”
The program offers a multimodal approach including nonsurgical and surgical options. “For some people, the only thing that works is surgery,” says Dr. Podolsky. She says surgery has helped patients not only lose weight but helped them have kids after years of infertility or stop taking medication for heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and other health conditions. Surgery helps decrease cancer and cardiovascular risk, arthritis and skin diseases. Patients even experience fewer migraines. “It’s a head-to-toe result.”
Dr. Podolsky specializes in minimally invasive surgery using laparoscopy and robotic-assisted surgery (now using a fifth-generation robot) to treat multiple abdominal conditions such as reflux and hernias. “Surgeries have smaller incisions, quicker recovery times and less need for pain medications.”
She offers a concierge-level pre-op and post-op program to all patients centered around her all-female team. “We follow patients for life.” They offer monthly online and in-person support groups. Someone from the team is always accessible. “We stress commitments and long-term goals,” says Dr. Podolsky. “It’s more than surgery. Surgery is just a tool to help them along the way.”
Dr. Podolsky is the Vice Chief of Medical Staff, the Chair of the Credentials Committee and the Director of FAU third-year medical students at Delray Medical Center. She is a partner at Palm Beach Surgical, a multispecialty general surgery practice with Palm Beach Health Network Physician Group in Delray Beach offering treatment for general, endocrine and colorectal surgery.
She earned her medical degree at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University and did her residency in general surgery at Drexel University College of Medicine. She completed her fellowship in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery in the Department of Surgery at Duke University. Hailing from South Jersey, she lives in Delray Beach.
Location: 16215 S. Jog Road, Ste. 204, Delray Beach, 561-448-3848, pbsurgical.com
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