Bariatric Surgery, Obesity Medicine, and Weight Management

Number of positions: 1 to 2 practicum student(s)
Average time commitment (16-20 hrs/week): 2 full days (typically 8am-4pm). Telemedicine with remote supervision by licensed psychologist is likely. Travel to Henry Ford Health hospital sites may be necessary (e.g., HF Main Hospital). This is a 1-year placement.
Primary Supervisor: Aaron Hamann, PsyD, Maunda Snodgrass, PsyD and Carly Brescacin, PsyD

The Bariatric Surgery Program is a part of Henry Ford Health’s comprehensive obesity treatment program across five hospital sites. On this service, the practicum student will serve as member of a multidisciplinary treatment team for bariatric surgery and obesity medicine. Primary responsibilities include conducting presurgical evaluations to assess suitability for patients pursuing bariatric surgery, cofacilitating both presurgical groups and support groups, and participating in multidisciplinary rounds. The practicum student in this specialty will gain knowledge in obesity medicine, weight management, eating pathology, and bariatric surgery. Our assessment serves as an opportunity to build rapport, enhance motivation, and optimize patient care. There are also opportunities for the student to provide brief treatment to preoperative patients focused on improving psychological symptoms and problematic eating behaviors. Practicum students receive direct supervision during each patient interaction in addition to one hour of scheduled weekly individual supervision. Additionally, if interested, the practicum student may have the opportunity to participate in peer supervision with a doctoral intern, research, and program development.

Additional opportunities include cofacilitating groups, peer supervision, and research opportunities.