Dr. Wade Naziri
Dr. Naziri received his Bachelor of Science degree from the Catholic University of America and his Medical degree from the University of Virginia. After completing his General Surgery residency at Tulane University School of Medicine, he went to The University of Dundee School of Medicine in Scotland where he received Fellowship training in Laparoscopic Surgery under one of the foremost leaders in the field, Professor Alfred Cushieri. He also spent three years as the Price Fellow in General Surgical Research with Dr. Hiram C. Polk, Jr. at the University of Louisville. His areas of expertise and interest include Laparoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery including Bariatric surgery (Gastric Bypass and Gastric Banding), gallbladder surgery, anti-reflux surgery, hernia repair, and colon surgery. He has been successful in helping establish Southern Surgical Associates as one of the Centers of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery as designated by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina and the Surgical Review Corporation.
Dr. Chris Mann
Dr. Mann, a native of Germany, graduated from the University of Heidelberg Medical School. He completed his final year of medical school at the Duke University Medical Center through a scholarship exchange program. After obtaining his medical license in Germany he completed a residency in General Surgery at East Carolina University under Dr. Walter Pories and Dr. Randolph Chitwood. Following his residency training, he completed additional fellowship training in Laparoscopic Surgery with Dr. Felicien Steichen in White Plains, New York. Dr. Mann’s area of expertise is Bariatric Surgery (Gastric Bypass and Gastric Banding) with an emphasis on Laparoscopic and Minimally Invasive procedures including hernia repair, anti-reflux surgery, gallbladder and biliary surgery and colon surgery. Dr. Mann is also part of our “Center of Excellence” in weight loss surgery and performs both open and laparoscopic weight loss procedures.
Julie Johannes, PA-C, MSS, Bariatric Coordinator
Southern Surgical would like to announce Julie Johannes, PA-C as the Bariatric Coordinator for their surgical weight loss program. Julie is a wonderful addition to our program and we are very excited to have her as part of our team. After graduating from Wingate University in 1989, Julie received her Master’s Degree in Sports Science from the United States Sports Academy. She then served as Assistant Athletic Trainer for Davidson College for two years prior to becoming the Head Athletic Trainer and a faculty member at the University of Virginia-Wise. Five years later, she went to work for a physical therapy clinic where she was Coordinator of Sports Medicine for Gaston County, NC Schools. In 1998, she graduated from the Trevecca Nazarene University Physician Assistant Program in Nashville, TN. She has worked in Internal Medicine for one year after PA school and in Orthopedics for the next 11 years. Since April 2010, she has been specializing in Bariatrics. As a Physician Assistant, Bariatric Coordinator, and a Bariatric patient we feel she can provide a unique point of view and expertise to the field of Bariatric surgery. Julie is available for individual supervised diet and exercise weight loss (3-6 month pre-op) programs, which may be required by your insurance, leads our clinical team and holds gastric band adjustment clinics for the convenience of our patients.
Administrator
Carla Jennette
Carla Jennette joined Southern Surgical as the administrator in November of 2008. She has been in the medical field for 16 years with an extensive background in insurance, billing, and coding. Carla enjoys cooking, spending time with family, and traveling. Carla is originally from Washington, NC and oversees the Support Group in that area. As a Bariatric patient Carla understands first hand the needs and the process of Southern Surgical’s programs. She is available for any questions, concerns or suggestions.
Bariatric Team
Julie Johannes, PA-C, MSS, Bariatric Coordinator
Laura B. Smith, Bariatric Customer Care, 252-295-9898
Debra Taylor, Bariatric Assistant
Mindy Eastwood, Bariatric Assistant
Clinical Staff
Brittany Grimmer, CMA
Coding
Robin Centner
Front Desk
Amanda Williams
Katrina Tyson, NA
Insurance/Billing
Janice Coward
Tonya Witherington
Rhonda Forrest
Medical Records
Amber Mills
Surgery Scheduler
Elizabeth Ward
Surgical Techs
Wendy Smith
Krystal Jones