Our Team’s Expertise

“Mather Hospital has helped more than 10,000 patients suffering from obesity vastly improve their health and quality of life. Our results are unrivaled anywhere in the United States.”

Arif Ahmad, MD, FRCS, FACS, is Director of the Bariatric Center of Excellence.

He is a board-certified surgeon with fellowship training in advanced laparoscopic surgery, including bariatric surgery. He specializes in all areas of bariatric surgery — including laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass, Gastric Banding, Revisional Bariatric Surgery and others. He is an expert in minimally invasive surgery, using small incisions that result in minimal pain, less scarring and shorter recovery.

Dr. Ahmad has completed fellowships in the U.S. and the United Kingdom, including the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS), an advanced training fellowship at Harvard Medical School, a five-year residency at the University of Connecticut and an advanced laparoscopic surgery fellowship at the University of Virginia. He has taught other doctors how to perform bariatric surgery at Stony Brook University.

“I take great pride ensuring that our patients receive the best quality of care within our family.”

Lucia Bush, MBA, is the Director of the Center of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery™ and oversees the Bariatric team. She joined the team in 2013.

In addition to speaking five languages, Lucia brings with her more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, of which she has held a managerial position for over 15 years.

Lucia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Languages and has earned her Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration.

She has successfully initiated the startup of several healthcare facilities and private practices.

Nicole Drepaniotis is the Manager, Operations for the Center of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery TM (COEMBS) and has been a member of the COEMBS team since 2010. She serves an integral part in helping people change their eating behaviors and learn about food and nutrition. She has practiced in the healthcare field as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for more than 20 years, specializing in surgical and medical weight loss.

Nicole received a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Master’s Degrees in Science and in Business Administration. She is a Board Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management, as well as a Certified Health Coach through the American College of Exercise (ACE), and a Behavior Change Specialist.

Janet is the Clinical Care Program Specliast for the Bariatric Center of Excellence.  She has been a Registered Nurse since 2005. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Stony Brook University and has completed courses in Holistic nursing. She joined the Bariatric team at Mather Hospital Northwell Health in 2014 and is currently pursuing her certification in Bariatric nursing.