Fellowship Program - Torrance Bariatric Institute

Introduction

R&R Surgical Institute is one of only three Fellowship Council-approved programs in LA County that offers a fellowship in Bariatric Surgery & Advanced GI-MIS.

Description

The R&R Surgical Institute’s Bariatric & Advanced GI MIS Surgery Fellowship is a comprehensive one-year program focused on cultivating expertise in Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery. Trainees receive foundational training in Bariatric Surgery while honing technical skills in a range of laparoscopic procedures, including hiatal hernia repair, management of esophageal motility disorders, hernia surgeries, biliary procedures, and solid organ surgeries. As Los Angeles’s largest independent bariatric center, R&R boasts an extensive case variety and volume, along with the necessary infrastructure to nurture the development of future leaders in bariatric and minimally invasive surgery. The program primarily operates at R&R Surgical Institute, an MBSAQIP-accredited ambulatory surgery center (ASC) with a 23-hour stay capability.

The program’s objective is to produce experts in Bariatric Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, both clinically and technically. It encompasses inpatient rounds, outpatient clinics, weekly didactic sessions, clinical research, and other relevant educational activities. The primary focus of the technical training is on advanced laparoscopic skills. By the end of the fellowship, fellows are expected to master manual laparoscopic techniques, including advanced intracorporeal anastomosis, laparoscopic suturing, fine tissue handling, and advanced dexterity. They should be able to effectively incorporate these skills into their practice. While DaVinci robots are available at hospitals and fellows are encouraged to learn robotic skills, robotic surgery is not the main emphasis of the program. Participation in the call schedule also affords the fellow the chance to conduct common general surgical procedures. Fellows will experience a uniquely diverse range of cases, receiving personalized instruction and thorough clinical mentorship.

By the conclusion of the year, fellows will have gained the skills and knowledge required to independently perform a broad spectrum of Bariatric and Minimally Invasive surgical procedures.

Basic Program Information

Location: Torrance, California
Primary Program Site: R&R Surgical Institute
Primary Hospital: Total bed size, # OR’s, # Surgical ICU beds: MBSAQIP and BDC Accredited ASC, 4 Fully integrated Operating rooms, 8 PACU bed
Secondary Program Site: Torrance Memorial Medical Center
Secondary Hospital: Total bed size, # OR’s, # Surgical ICU beds: MBSAQIP Accredited. 500 bed, 16 Operating Rooms, 33 ICU beds
Clinic locations and schedule: Clinic is located adjacent to the primary hospital. 3 days of afternoon clinics (in person and telemedicine).
University Affiliation: N/A
School of Medicine Affiliation: N/A
Year Program and/or Designation Established (Can be a future or anticipated year.): 2025
Number of Faculty: 4
Clinical: 90%
Research: 10%

Additional Program Information

Interaction with Residents: No residents
Is there a General Surgery Residency at the Primary Institution? No
Is there a General Surgery Residency at the Secondary Institution? No
Is there a curriculum in place for fellowship? Yes
Is there a skills lab at the institution with fellow access? Yes
Are there teaching conferences available for the fellow? Yes
Is there an evaluation tool for fellow by faculty in place? Yes
Is there an evaluation tool for faculty by fellow in place? Yes
Papers Accepted For Publication where PD was an author: 4
Publications that Involved Input from the Fellow: 0
Are funds available for the Fellow to attend conferences? 1

Malpractice Insurance Information

The fellow(s) only works as a fellow, i.e. does not/will not have attending privileges and the program provides the following:Claims-based malpractice coverage including a tail for the statute of limitations

Facilities

Dry Lab Wet lab Library Administrative Support Clinical Research Simulation Lab

Fellowship Opportunity

Number of Positions Available: 1

Type of Fellowship: Bariatrics

Duration: 1 year

Start Day: August 1

End Day: July 31

Is this a salaried position? Yes

It is a requirement that the salary must be commensurate to a PGY 6 or greater in the same city. Does your program meet this requirement? Yes

Is the salary guaranteed for the year? Yes

Is there funding available beyond salary for meeting attendance, research, etc? Yes

Is the salary dependent on call? No

Is the Fellow on call? Yes What are the on call requirements? The fellow will be on call for the program, supervised by the program attendings. The frequency of the call will range 5-6 calls per month

What are the estimated fellow weekly work hours? 40

It is a requirement that Health Insurance be provided. Do you provide health insurance to your fellows? Yes

Teaching Responsibilities: Yes

Courses/Academic Presentations: Yes

Does reimbursement for the above make up part of the salary? No

Does the fellowship contract include a non-compete clause? No

What type of malpractice insurance will cover the Fellow?

Clinical Outpatient Experience

Initial consultation

pre op visits

post op visit

Continuation of the care visits

Monthly group seminars

Mon and Wed afternoons

Research / Scholarship Resources

Our mission is to facilitate research and knowledge in biomedical sciences, patient care and healthcare administration. With access to extensive digital and print collections, access to key databases, technology and personalized support, digital library is a one-stop resource for the highest-quality information.

Program Directors Detailed Information

Ramin M. Roohipour MD, FACS, FASMBS

Program Director

At Institution Since: 2017

Program Director Since : 2024

Year Residency Training Completed : 14

Year Fellowship Training Completed : 13

Board Certification: Board Certified

Society Memberships

ACS

ASMBS

SAGES

Areas of Expertise

Complex revisional bariatric surgery, Complex and redo foregut surgeries, interventional endoscopies, complex MIS procedures, solid organ surgery

Teaching Qualifications

Active participation of student and resident teachings. Prior fellowship teaching.

Summary of Qualifications

Dr. Ramin Roohipour is a board-certified general surgeon with fellowship training in Minimally Invasive, Metabolic (Bariatric), and Endocrine Surgery. He graduated from medical school in 1996 and completed his residency in surgery at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons at Harlem Hospital Center. With a keen interest in gastrointestinal surgery, Dr. Roohipour spent a year as a clinical research fellow in transplant surgery at the University of Miami, a year in colorectal surgery at Cleveland Clinic Florida, and a year researching Colorectal Oncologic Surgery at Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center in New York. He also completed a fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopy, Bariatric, and Endocrine Surgery at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Dr. Roohipour holds board certification in General Surgery from the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is an active member of several professional societies including the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), and American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), among others. In 2011, he received the prestigious ASMBS Certificate of Acknowledgment of Satisfactory Training in Bariatric Surgery, recognizing him among the top specialists nationwide.

Dr. Roohipour is a nationally recognized robotic surgeon, formerly an Associate Professor of Surgery at Icahn School of Medicine. He has pioneered robotic surgery techniques, including performing the first robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy in South Bay in 2014, and the first Robotic Single Site, Extra-Peritoneal Bilateral Inguinal Hernia Surgery in the U.S. the same year. In 2015, he performed Los Angeles’ first endoscopic Orbera Balloon placement and is the only surgeon in South Bay certified to perform endoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

While specializing in Advanced Robotic, Laparoscopic Hernias, and Bariatric procedures, Dr. Roohipour also practices general surgery, treating a wide range of conditions including obesity, cancer, and gastrointestinal diseases like Nissen fundoplication. He has consistently received accolades for his compassionate care, including the “Compassionate Doctor Recognition” and “Patient’s Choice” Award for five consecutive years. From 2014 to 2022, Dr. Roohipour was also named among the Top 10 Surgeons of the LA Metro Area.

Education

Fellowship in Metabolic, Endocrine and Minimally Invasive (MEMIS), The Mount Sinai Hospital, NYC. NY. 2010-2011

Residency in General Surgery; Columbia University at Harlem Hospital Center, NYC. NY 2004-2010

Publications

– Roohipour, R. Angelo, A. Revision of Vertical Band Gastroplasty: Avoiding Pitfalls. Bariatric Times; 2023; 20 (7-12): 30-32

– Herron, D, Roohipour, R. Complications of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Abd imaging 2012 Oct; 37(5): 712-8

– Herron, D, Roohipour, R. Bariatric Operations, Anatomy and Mechanisms ofAction. Gastrointest Endoscopy Clin N Am 21; 2011; 213–228

– Roohipour R, Patil S, Goodman KA, Minsky B, Wong WD, Guillem GJ, Paty PB,Weiser MR, Neuman HB, Shia J, Schragh D, Temple LK. Squamous cell carcinoma of the Anal Canal: Predictors of treatment Outcome. Diseases of TheColon and Rectum, 2008 Feb; 51(2):147-53

– Talus H, Roohipour R, Depaz H, Adu AK, Preduodenal portal vein causing duodenal obstruction in an adult patient. Journal of the American College ofSurgeon: 2006 Mar; 202(3): 552-3

– Ciancio G, Burke GW, Gaynor JJ, Mattiazzi A, Roohipour R, Carreno, MR, RothD, Ruiz P, Kupin W, Rosen A, Esquenazi V, Tzakis AG, Miller J. The Use of Campath-1H as Induction Therapy in Renal Transplantation: Preliminary Results.Transplantation: 2004 Aug; 78(3): 426-433

– Roohipour R, Varasteh Kia GR, Tehrani A, Moradi M. Comparison of two methods of bowel preparation: Polyethylene glycol, Neomycin, Erythromycin and ceftizoxime (PNEC) vs. Castor oil, Co-Trimoxazol, Metronidazole and Ceftizoxime(CCMC). 2002 Nov; 9(30): 349-356

– Roohipour R, Varasteh Kia GR, Tehrani A, Moradi M. Comparison of accuracy of trauma scoring system for prediction of patients’ prognosis. Journal of IranUniversity of medical Sciences: 2002 May; 9(28): 129-138

Abstracts

– Roohipour R, Herron D, Tabrizian P. Right Lower Quadrant Pain: AcuteAppendicitis? Give It A Second Thought! Oral presentation at the 2011 ACSMeeting, Scientific Session: VE01: Challenging and Unusual Problems in Surgery.San Francisco, CA, October 24, 2011.

– Roohipour R, Edye M, Kushnir L, Inabnet WB. Slipped Gastric Pouch: HiatalHernia after Gastric Bypass The Pearls of Successful Surgical Repair. Oral Presentation at the 2011 ACS Meeting, Scientific Session: VE23: Bariatric Surgery.San Francisco, CA, October 27, 2011.

– Roohipour R, Herron D, Kini S. Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Gastric CancerFollowing Open Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass. Oral Presentation at the 2011 AnnualSAGES Meeting, Scientific Session. Presenter: Roohipour, R. Session Number:SS07, Session: Best of Video II, San Antonio, TX. April 01, 2011.

– Edye M, Roohipour R, Kushnir L, Herron D, Jaffin B. Laparoscopic Revision ofEsophagomyotomy. Oral Presentation at the 2011 Annual SAGES Meeting,Scientific Session. Presenter: Roohipour, R. Session Number: SS03, SessionName: Best of Video I, San Antonio, TX. March 31, 2011.

– Roohipour R, Ahmed L, Sarhan M. Laparoscopic Extraction of JejunalPhytobezoar after Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass. Oral presentation at the Society ofLaparoendoscopic Surgeons, 19th SLS Annual Meeting and Endo Expo 2010, ,New York City, NY, September 1-4, 2010.

– Roohipour R, Ahmed L. Laparoscopic Revision of Open Roux-En-Y GastricBypass with Fundus Resection. Abstract # 9306, S70. Oral presentation at theSociety of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, 18th SLS Annual Meeting and Endo Expo2009, Boston, Massachusetts, September 9-12, 2009.

– Roohipour R, khalil B, Ahmed L. Laparoscopic Reduction of IntussusceptionFollowing Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y GBS. Abstract # 9308, S70. Oral presentation at the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, 18th SLS Annual Meeting and EndoExpo 2009, Boston, Massachusetts, September 9-12, 2009.

– Mattiazzi A, Roohipour R, Ciancio G, Illanes H, Gaynor JJ, Cordovilla T, WarqueM, Carreno, MR, Roth D, Ruiz P, Kupin W, Rosen A, Esquenazi V, Tzakis AG,Miller J, Burke GW. Combined Thymoglobulin/ Daclizumab induction in high-risk renal transplantation. American Journal of Transplantation: 2005 May. Vol. 5 (s11);185. Abstract # 115

– Ciancio G, Burke GW, Roohipour R, Gaynor JJ, Mattiazzi A, Carreno, MR, RothD, Ruiz P, Kupin W, Rosen A, Esquenazi V, Tzakis AG, Miller J. Prophylaxis forCytomegalovirus Disease in a randomized trial of three different immunosuppressive regimens in renal transplantation. 2004 may. Vol. 4 (s8); 494.Abstract # 1228

– Ciancio G, Roohipour R, Burke GW, Gaynor JJ, Mattiazzi A, Carreno, MR, RothD, Ruiz P, Kupin W, Rosen A, Esquenazi V, Tzakis AG, Miller J. The Use ofCampath-1H as Induction Therapy in Renal Transplantation: Preliminary Results.American Journal of Transplantation: 2004 May. Vol. 4 (s8); 404. Abstract # 902

– Ciancio G, Burke GW, Gaynor JJ, Mattiazzi A, Roohipour R, Carreno, MR, RothD, Ruiz P, Kupin W, Rosen A, Esquenazi V, Tzakis AG, Miller J. Randomized trial of three different induction regimens to prevent acute renal allograft rejection: early results. Am. Journal of Transplantation: 2004 May. Vol. 4 (s8); 266. Abstract # 392

– Roohipour R, Varasteh Kia GR, Tehrani A, Moradi M. Comparison of the Accuracy Of the Trauma Scoring System for prediction of Patients’ Prognosis. The EuropeanAssoc. of Emergency Medicine: 2001 Dec 8 (s4); 121. Abstract # 226

– Roohipour R, Varasteh Kia GR, Tehrani A, Moradi M. Comparison of two methods of bowel preparation: Polyethylene glycol, Neomycin, Erythromycin and ceftizoxime(PNEC) vs. Castor oil, Co-Trimoxazol, Metronidazole and Ceftizoxime (CCMC).Journal of Iran University Student research committee: 1998 Oct. Vol 2 (s1): 11 Abstract # 28

Oral Presentation

– Roohipour R, Edye M, Kushnir L, Inabnet WB. Slipped Gastric Pouch: HiatalHernia after Gastric Bypass The Pearls of Successful Surgical Repair. Oral presentation at the 2011 ACS Meeting, Scientific Session: VE23: Bariatric Surgery.San Francisco, CA, October 27, 2011

– Edye M, Roohipour R, Kushnir L, Herron D, Jaffin B. Laparoscopic Revision ofEsophagomyotomy. Oral Presentation at the 2011 Annual SAGES Meeting, Scientific Session. Presenter: Roohipour, R. Session Number: SS03, SessionName: Best of Video I, San Antonio, TX. March 31, 2011

– Roohipour R, Leaque A. Laparoscopic Revision of Open Roux-En-Y GastricBypass with Fundus Resection. Oral presentation at the Society ofLaparoendoscopic Surgeons, 18th SLS Annual Meeting and Endo Expo 2009,Boston, Massachusetts, USA. September 9-12, 2009

– Roohipour R, Khalil B, Leaque A. Laparoscopic Reduction of IntussusceptionFollowing Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y GBS. Oral presentation at Society ofLaparoendoscopic Surgeons, 18th SLS Annual Meeting and Endo Expo 2009,Boston, Massachusetts. September 9-12, 2009

– Ciancio G, Burke GW, Gaynor JJ, Mattiazzi A, Roohipour R, Carreno, MR, RothD, Ruiz P, Kupin W, Rosen A, Esquenazi V, Tzakis AG, Miller J. Randomized trial of three different induction regimen to prevent acute renal allograft rejection.American Transplant Congress. Boston, MA. 2004

– Roohipour R, Sands DR, Wexner SD. Management of rectal prolapse. SouthFlorida Chapter of American College of Surgeon. Miami, FL. 2003

– Roohipour R, Tehrani A, Moradi M. Comparison of accuracy of trauma scoring system for prediction of patients’ prognosis. First Mediterranean Symposium ofEmergency Medicine Congress. Stresa, Italy 2001

– Roohipour R, Varasteh Kia GR, Tehrani A, Moradi M. Comparison of two methods of bowel preparation: First Iranian Medical Graduates Thesis Festival. Tehran, Iran.1998.

Jillian Angelo MD, MS

Program Co-Director

At Institution Since: 2022

Program Director Since : 2024

Year Residency Training Completed : 4

Year Fellowship Training Completed : 3

Board Certification: Board Certified

Society Memberships

ACS

ASMBS

SAGES

Areas of Expertise

Bariatric and Foregut Surgery, MIS and Endoscopy

Teaching Qualifications

General Surgery Simulation Lab; Mass General Hospital; April 2022

Cutler Advanced GI & Bariatric Surgery Conference; Brigham & Women’s Hospital, weekly September 2021-present

Multidisciplinary Bariatric Surgery Conference; Brigham & Women’s Hospital, monthly September 2021-present

CME Course: Updates in General and GI Surgery: “Anatomy, Physiology and Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease”; Harvard Medical School, September 2021

Trauma Educational Conference: “Pelvic Fractures”; Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, January 2021

Grand Rounds: “The Evolution of the Well-Rounded Surgeon”; Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Nov 2020

General Surgery Learning Module: Pancreas; Harbor UCLA-Medical Center, Oct 2019

General Surgery Learning Module: Small intestine; Harbor UCLA-Medical Center, May 2019

General Surgery Learning Module: Anesthesia and Peri-Operative Pain Control, Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Jan 2019

UCLA Clinical Foundations week: AAC01 Applied Anatomy College Foundations, May 2018-2019

Summary of Qualifications

Dr. Jillian Angelo Caccamo is a board certified general surgeon who is fellowship trained in Advanced Gastrointestinal and Metabolic (Bariatric) Surgery. She obtained her Medical Doctorate degree from Temple University School of Medicine and went on to complete her residency in general surgery at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where she was awarded as Physician of the Year (The Committee of Interns & Residents and the Union of American Physicians) and Outstanding Minimally Invasive Resident Award (Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons).

She completed an esteemed fellowship in Advanced Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgery with Harvard Medical School at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. She is trained in advanced laparoscopy, endoscopy, and robotic surgery. She has published multiple peer-reviewed papers and has presented state of the art research at national meetings including the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

Her educational journey includes:

Fellowship in Advanced Gastrointestinal & Bariatric Surgery at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston (August 2021 – July 2022)

Residency in General Surgery at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA (June 2015 – June 2021)

In addition to her clinical prowess, Dr. Angelo has held significant leadership and teaching roles, both nationally and locally. These include serving as the Administrative Chief Resident and contributing to the Graduate Medical Education and Program Evaluation Committees at Harbor-UCLA. She has also played a pivotal role in mentoring and orienting new residents and students, alongside her contributions to the admissions and mentorship programs at Temple University School of Medicine.

Dr. Angelo’s blend of clinical expertise, academic excellence, and leadership skills underscore her dedication to the surgical profession and her commitment to patient care and medical education.

Leadership and Teaching Roles

Chief Resident for Harbor-UCLA Medical Center June 2020-June 2021

Graduate Medical Education Committee for Harbor UCLA Medical Center General

Surgery Program March 2019-June 2021

Program Evaluation Committee for Harbor UCLA Medical Center General Surgery Program; August 2015-June 2021

Resident & Student Orientation Leader for Harbor UCLA Medical Center General Surgery Program; July 2020

Admissions Committee for Temple University School of Medicine: Student interviewer; August 2012-April 2013

Senior Student Mentor: Temple University School of Medicine; October 2012-April 2013

Publications

Roohipour, R. Angelo, A. Revision of Vertical Band Gastroplasty: Avoiding Pitfalls. Bariatric Times; 2023; 20 (7-12): 30-32

Angelo JL, MD, MS, Soto M, MA, Griggs D, BS, Tavakkoli A MBBS, Orav EJ PhD, Tsai TC, MD, MPH “Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Utilization of Inpatient and Outpatient Bariatric Surgery”. Surgical Endoscopy. 2022 Sept 2022 Sep 27;1-9.

Shellito A, De Virgilio C, Calhoun K, Surgery Educators Workgroup et al. “Investigating Association Between Sex and Teaching Evaluation in General Surgery Residency Programs: A Multi-Institutional Study”. J Am Coll Surg. 2020 Sep;231(3):309-315.e1.

Angelo JL, MD, MS, Moazzez A MD, Neville A MD, Dauphine C MD, De Virgilio C MD. “Investigating Gender Differences in Faculty Evaluations by Trainees in a Gender-Balanced General Surgery Program” Journal of Surgical Education. 2019 Nov-Dec, 76(6):132-137.

Angelo JL, Kaji A, Spence L, Plurad D, Asis M, Barber A, Schroeppel T, Callaghan E, Grover B, Regner J, Truitt M, Kim D. “Follow-up Trends after Emergency Department Discharge for Acutely Symptomatic Hernias: A Southwestern Surgical Congress Multi-Center Trial” The American Journal Of Surgery. 2019 Dec, 218(6):1079-1083.

Angelo JL, Wu J, Sirody J, DeUgarte D. “Reduction in the Prescribed Opioids Following General Surgery Procedures at a Public Hospital”. The American Surgeon. 2019 Oct, 85(10):1198-1203.

Mancini SA, Angelo JL. “Pyloroplasty for Refractory Gastroparesis”. American Journal of Surgery. 2015 Jul, 81(7):738-46.Angelo JL, Mancini SA, Thai NL. “Pyloroplasty for Refractory Diabetic Gastroparesis after Renal Transplantation”. Transplantation Direct. 2015 March, 1(2):1-2.