Dismiss Modal

253697 Image

Dr. Patel

Samir Patel, M.D., FACS, FASMBS, DABS-FPMBS the Bariatric program medical director of the AtlantiCare Center for Weight Loss. He is a member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the Society of the American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) with extensive experience in performing bariatric surgery. Presently working towards developing the first comprehensive robotic bariatric surgery center in South Jersey.


253698 Image

Dr. Galvez

Alvaro Galvez, M.D., FASMBS, is a fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon; well-versed in the latest endoscopic, laparoscopic and robotic techniques for the surgical management of obesity. He is a member, well-published author and presenter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the Society of the American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES). He has recently joined AtlantiCare's Weight Loss Center which uses the latest techniques and technologies available for the treatment and continuing care of our bariatric patients.


256432 Image

Mariah Sykes

Mariah Sykes is a Physician Assistant for AtlantiCare Physician Group Surgical Services, specializing in general and bariatric surgery with over 10 years experience. In addition to assisting the operating room, she provides counseling for medical management of weight loss. Mariah attended Boston College and earned her Bachelors in Biology in 2008. She then received a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2011 before beginning her career at AtlantiCare.

Her goal is to ensure that every patient receives individualized attention. She enjoys working with bariatric patients, because “these individuals become AtlantiCare patients for life and it’s very rewarding to see firsthand how their lives change for the better.


253699 Image

Dr. Tabone

Marcel Tabone, Psy.D., LCSW, LMFT earned his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Immaculata University, his Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers University, and Marital, Family and Sex Therapy at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the American Psychological Association, the National Association of Social Workers, the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

Dr. Tabone has been providing pre-surgical evaluations for bariatric surgery at AtlantiCare's Weight Loss Center since 2006. Dr. Tabone sees himself as part of a team providing pre- and post-surgical support, helping patients achieve their goals of caring for themselves and leading healthier and meaningful lives. 


253702 Image

Kierra Brown

Kierra Brown RD,  earned her Master’s of Science degree in Food and Nutrition from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Bachelor’s of Science from Rutgers University, and a Certificate in Pediatric and Adult Weight Management. Kierra provides pre- and post-operative nutrition counseling to promote and sustain weight loss. Experienced in counseling and educating patients across the lifespan with varying conditions and health goals, Kierra is passionate about improving health and wellbeing.


253703 Image

Bariatric Coordinator
Debbie Gullo, MSN, RN, CBN

Debbie Gullo MSN, RN, CBN has earned her Master’s degree in Nursing at Stockton University and is a Certified Bariatric Nurse. As the Bariatric Coordinator, Debbie helps facilitate patients through their journey to a healthier life. Debbie leads the Bariatric Support Groups, Bariatric Boot Camp, and provides support with post-surgical needs.


260087 Image

Mikaela Crowley, MS, PA-C

Mikaela Crowley, MS, PA-C, is a physician assistant with the Bariatric Surgery team specializing in medical management of weight loss. Mikaela received her Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from Stockton University in 2018 and then went on to complete her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Thomas Jefferson University in 2020. Mikaela is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and the New Jersey State Society of Physician Assistants (NJSSPA)