Specialty Providers & Staff
Our comprehensive team of professionals is experienced in all aspects of care for the bariatric patient, allowing individualized attention and support for each patient. Both Jeffrey Baker, MD, and Edmund Chute, MD, have more than 30 years of combined experience specializing in bariatric medicine, with more than 4,000 surgeries performed to date. Our excellent outcomes are a testament to the preeminent care provided by our surgeons, dietitians, registered nurses, exercise physiologist, health coach and managed care and insurance specialists. We also partner with experienced psychologists who provide emotional support throughout every patient's surgical process.
Ridgeview offers a variety of other specialty services that may be required during the preoperative assessment. These include sleep assessments, imaging services, endoscopy and cardiology.
Our Staff
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Melanie Birtell, MPH, RD, LD
Melanie joined Ridgeview’s bariatric team in May 2022. She earned a Masters of Public Health from the University of Minnesota, where she also completed her dietetic internship. Using her expertise in nutrition, Melanie provides patient-centered care to help patients meet their health and weight loss goals.
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Kiersten Collings, EP-C, CIFT
Kiersten is passionate about helping others improve their well-being. She develops individualized exercise programs for each patient with an emphasis on functional movement and strength training. Her approach to exercise physiology is one of life-long learning while having fun and providing motivation.
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Jan Carlson, LPN
Jan joined Ridgeview in June 2022 and has experience in hospital, surgical and clinical settings. She is an integral part of the team as she assists in pre- and post-operative patient management. Jan reinforces patient education and strives to be an advocate for patients as they navigate the bariatric process.
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Kamille Hagen, Coordinator, Non-Surgical Weight Loss Program
Kamille is a coordinator for the non-surgical weight loss program. She will be your first point of contact on the care team and liaison with your providers—assisting with scheduling, navigating insurance and developing individual plans of care for best results and ultimate patient satisfaction.
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Marie P., Specialty Care Coordinator
Marie has a strong background in health care with experience in both clinic and dental settings. Customer service is a top priority to Marie as she assists patients through the insurance process, billing, scheduling and treatment planning. She helps patients navigate through their journeys with ease, understanding and care.
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Maryjo Spence, CST/SA
Maryjo began working with Jeff Baker, MD, in 2001 and has assisted in over 3,000 cases as Dr. Baker’s surgical assistant. Maryjo generously donates her surgical skills and expertise by participating in several mission trips to provide surgical care to medically underserved populations around the world.
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