Cedars-Sinai Blog
Faces of Cedars-Sinai: Dr. Jeremy Korman
Meet Dr. Jeremy Korman, a bariatric surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital!
Dr. Korman began practicing bariatrics back in 2002, and it was then that he established the precursor for the program he currently runs at the Cedars-Sinai Marina Weight Loss Center.
We spoke with him about his experience working in such a personal field of medicine, how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the clinic's workflow and what he's looking forward to most.
What would you say is the mission of the Cedars-Sinai Marina Weight Loss Center?
Dr. Jeremy Korman: We aim to provide patients with the tools to overcome a challenge that, for many, has been lifelong. This challenge of obesity has typically impacted their health, emotional wellbeing and physical vibrancy. Because losing weight is so challenging physiologically, it takes a team effort to support a patient's journey.
We cannot rely on surgery alone. Weight loss provides an effective and durable tool to make substantial weight loss a reality.
Still, it is critical to address nutritional, emotional and physical issues that could hamper the potential outcomes. This is what we mean when we say it is our mission to provide multidisciplinary and compassionate support.
What inspires you the most about your role as a bariatric surgeon?
JK: One of the more common expressions of gratitude that I hear is, "You've given me my life back." Although I hear that frequently, I do not take it for granted.
I understand how a patient's battle with obesity has negatively impacted them in numerous ways. I take great joy in having such a positive impact on people's lives. They reduce their medications and become more active while also living fuller and healthier lives. They are living more and doing more!
How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the work you do at the Cedars-Sinai Marina Weight Loss Center, and what has your staff done to ensure that your patients still receive the care they need?
JK: We were fortunate enough to continue with new patient consultations and following up with already established patients, mostly by video visit, which has been a tremendous development for us and healthcare in general.
It has been disappointing to delay surgical care for many patients, some for months due to elective surgeries' previous postponement. Most patients must complete numerous requirements before having surgery. Due to the pandemic, they needed to wait an additional two to three months after already putting in the work.
"Because losing weight is so challenging physiologically, it takes a team effort to support a patient's journey. We cannot rely on surgery alone."
What do you like to do outside of the office?
JK: I do my best to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. My favorite activities are skiing and surfing, but there are many others. The connection that I make between these hobbies and my work with patients is that I try to instill in them, by personal example, the joys of living a more active lifestyle.
We are a couple months into 2021, but what are you looking forward to most this year?
JK: I am looking forward to a healthy return to things we may have taken for granted in the past. Although I have been fortunate to stay healthy and have enjoyed more time with my family, 2020 took a tremendous toll on society.
On a more personal note, I empathize deeply with the local businesses and restaurants that make Los Angeles such a vibrant city. We have developed connections with many, and I cannot imagine the stress they have been experiencing.
Of course, I look forward to traveling again and seeing my friends and family in other parts of the country and the world. I want to resume exploring different cultures, which enriches my life.
