Laurie McGinley, MS, CNS, APN, CBN - Nationally Board Certified Medical-Surgical Nurse
Laurie graduated with a Masters of Science from the University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and has been working exclusively with bariatric patients for over five years in both the hospital and outpatient settings. She started with Western Bariatric Institute in 2005 and brought with her a strong background in research and teaching. Laurie enjoys the involvement that she has with both pre and post-operative patients through her teachings during our pre-operative education classes and through seeing patients on a one-on-one basis during her three days of clinic per week.

Curtis Smith, PA-C - Certified Physician Assistant 
Curtis received a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology/Athletic Training from California State University, Long Beach and worked as an Athletic Trainer for eight years.  In 2005, Curtis completed his Physician Assistant training at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle and earned a Bachelor of Clinical Health Sciences Degree.  That same year, he passed the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam.  Curtis worked at the Reno Orthopedic Clinic from 2005 - 2007, providing care for patients with sports injuries, arthritis, and fractures.  In April of 2007, Curtis joined Western Bariatric Institute and provides care for patients in our clinic 1 - 2 days per week, and assists with surgery and hospital care 3 - 4 days per week.  In addition, Curtis will be developing and implementing a pre- and post-operative fitness and exercise program for our patients.   

Ellen Ackerman, PA-C - Certified Physician Assistant 
Ellen graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine with a Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2005. She worked for one year in Hematology/ Oncology and subsequently in Urgent Care until joining WBI in 2010. Ellen will be seeing patients in clinic and assisting with surgery and hospital care.

Jared Robert Brandt, PA-C - Certified Physician Assistant 
Jared was born and raised in Reno and is graduate of Galena High School. He is an undergraduate from the University of Nevada Reno and graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Masters Science Degree and Physician Assistant Studies. He spent 10 years on active duty and is currently a member of the Nevada Air National Guard. Additionally, he spent 5 years working as a PA in emergency medicine. He enjoys running, snowboarding and spending time with his family and his boxer Sophie.