Meet Sandi Snider: Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Clinical Reviewer

The Valley Health Metabolic and Bariatric Program has a multidisciplinary team of health professionals helping patients lose weight and live healthier lifestyles. Each member of the staff plays a vital role in getting patients the care they need. 

Learn more about Sandi Snider and her role in the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program. 

Tell us about your role: 

I am an MBSCR (Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Clinical Reviewer). What that means is that I review all the bariatric cases performed at Winchester Medical Center. Our patients' surgical outcomes are reviewed for infections, readmissions, reoperations, and many other data points. All that information goes into the MBSQIP bariatric database, which is maintained by the American College of Surgeons. Our data is compared to that of other bariatric programs across the country. This gives us a good picture of how our program is performing for our patients. Our patients are followed up postoperatively every year, allowing us to continue watching their journeys throughout their lives. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in bariatrics? 

I have been in the medical field since 1982, beginning as a CST (Certified Surgical Technologist). I worked with surgeons during surgery, which gives me a unique perspective on the patient’s OR visit. I understand “surgeon speak” pretty well. 

What I do is extremely close to my heart. Before my father passed, he had a long hospital stay. There were things I noticed with his care that really drove home how important it is to review patients’ experiences during their hospital stays. 

What is your favorite part about your role? 

I have attended several bariatric meetings with the surgeons, and I have found that all over the country, bariatric surgeons are among the nicest and most caring physicians you can find. They are genuinely concerned about their patients’ welfare. I take great pride in our program here. Everyone is wonderful to work with. 

What is something interesting about you that people may not know? 

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my very patient husband, our adult son, and our two crazy dogs. We love board games. Most of my spare time is spent working with our church on various community projects and kids' ministries. It is a privilege to work for our patients, and I hope to continue in this role for another five years (with retirement to follow!). 

To learn more about the Valley Health Metabolic & Bariatric Program, visit valleyhealthlink.com/WeightLoss.