Chesapeake, Va. (November 08, 2007) – Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health System announced today Tidewater Surgical Specialists, Hampton Roads’ leaders in minimally invasive surgery and innovators in the development of surgical centers of excellence, is now a Bon Secours surgical practice.  The three surgeons who comprise Tidewater Surgical Specialists are: general and bariatric surgeon, David D. Spencer, DO, FACS; general and bariatric surgeon, Glen D. Moore, MD, FACS; and colon and rectal surgeon, Ray T. Ramirez, MD, FACS.  

Dr. David Spencer, medical director for the Bon Secours Surgical Weight Loss Center, led in the establishment of the program that focuses on providing comprehensive care for individuals struggling with the negative health outcomes associated with morbid obesity.  Along with colleague, Dr. Glen Moore, he led the team to achieving Center of Excellence designation by the American Society For Bariatric Surgery (ASBS).  Together the surgeons have performed more than 1,200 bariatric surgical cases at Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, the majority of the procedures done using minimally invasive, or laparoscopic surgical approaches. 

Dr. Ray T. Ramirez, expert in minimally invasive colorectal surgical techniques, including the innovative HALS (hand assisted laparoscopic surgery) procedure, is the medical director for the Bon Secours Center for Colon and Rectal diseases. The center was established to provide comprehensive care, surgical and non-surgical, for individuals with colon and/or rectal diseases.   

“We are delighted to have Tidewater Surgical Specialists as a part of the Bon Secours team,” said Susan A. MacLeod, executive vice president/administrator of Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center. “These surgeons have been leaders in the development of our surgical centers of excellence and our community has benefited tremendously from their expertise.”

About our surgeons:

David D. Spencer, DO, FACS

As a board certified general surgeon, Dr. Spencer has performed hundreds of laparoscopic gastric bypass surgeries. He served as the director of laparoscopic surgery at Portsmouth Naval Hospital and is currently the medical director of the Bon Secours Surgical Weight Loss Center. Experienced and dedicated to all aspects of general surgery, Dr. Spencer specializes in bariatric and advanced laparoscopic surgery.

Dr. Spencer holds academic appointments with the Uniformed Services University and Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), and has become an active and influential member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgery. He earned his medical degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed a surgical internship at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth and his residency at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego.

Glen D. Moore, MD, FACS

Also a board certified general surgeon, Dr. Moore has performed hundreds of laparoscopic gastric bypass surgeries and is dedicated to the advancement of medical and surgical care of the obese patient. While rapidly becoming known for his advanced laparoscopic skills, Dr. Moore maintains a wealth of experience and interest in all aspects of general surgery. His particular interest in breast disease has added an even broader spectrum to the practice.

Dr. Moore continues his academic interest as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University and EVMS. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and his medical degree from EVMS. He completed his general surgery training at Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth.

Ray T. Ramirez, MD, FACS

As a board certified colon and rectal surgeon, Dr. Ramirez performs screening and therapeutic colonoscopy, advanced laparoscopic colon and rectal surgery, surgery for fecal incontinence, and sphincter preserving surgery (avoidance of colostomy) for the treatment of ulcerative colitis and colon- rectal cancer. He emphasizes non-operative treatment of hemorrhoids and fissures.

Dr. Ramirez earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia, and his medical degree from EVMS. He completed a general surgery residency at EVMS and a colon and rectal surgery fellowship at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans.

For more information about the Bon Secours Surgical Weight Loss Center, and the Bon Secours Center for Colon and Rectal Diseases, log on to: www.bshr.com.