Newsweek names MUSC bariatric team one of America's Best Weight Loss Clinics and Centers

Newsweek has named MUSC Health-University Medical Center's bariatric team one of America's Best Weight Loss Clinics and Centers.

"Every patient who walks through our doors has a unique story," said Rana Pullatt, M.D., director of Bariatric and Robotic Surgery at MUSC Health and recipient of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery’s Clinical Excellence award.

"We don't just see numbers or BMIs – we see people who have often struggled for years, sometimes decades, with their weight."

Pullatt said what sets MUSC Health apart isn't just its willingness to take on complex cases that other centers might turn away. It's a comprehensive approach to patient care, making it the only center in South Carolina to earn a spot on Newsweek's list.

"Many programs have strict BMI cutoffs or shy away from revision surgeries," Pullatt said. "But we believe everyone deserves a chance at a healthier life. When other centers say 'no,' we often say 'let's see how we can help.'"

Newsweek, working with statistics database Statista, conducted a national survey of health care professionals. It examined everything from staffing and equipment to patient safety and specialized accreditations, including the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Quality Improvement program.

But Pullatt said behind the metrics are real stories of transformation – and the entire team deserves credit for that. “There's Dr. Karl Byrne, who founded the program and remains one of South Carolina's most experienced bariatric surgeons; Dr. Mary Kate Bryant, whose surgical expertise has already made a significant impact since joining last year; and Dr. Joshua Neal, who brings specialized knowledge in Obesity Medicine,” Pullatt said.

"We've become something of a lighthouse for complex cases. Patients come to us from Georgia, North Carolina – sometimes after being turned away elsewhere. We take that responsibility to heart."

The program was the first in South Carolina to perform SADI-S and duodenal switch procedures, offering hope to patients with extremely high BMIs who might have run out of options elsewhere. It's also the only program in the Carolinas offering bariatric surgery to adolescents. "The adolescent bariatric surgery at MUSC is spearheaded by pediatric surgeon Dr. Aaron Lesher, and this program does 3% of the national volume of adolescent bariatric surgery," Pullatt said.

He also credited the program's team of dietitians, social workers and support staff with making its success possible. “Together, they create a warm, supportive environment where patients find not just medical care but understanding and encouragement.”

Looking ahead, the medical weight loss industry is projected to grow by more than 4% annually over the next decade. But Pullatt said for his team, it's not about numbers – it's about changing lives.

"This recognition is wonderful, but what really matters is that it helps people find their way to the help they need. We're at the cutting edge of bariatric surgery, yes, but more importantly, we're here to support every patient who trusts us with their care journey."