Expert Team

The N.E.W. Program utilizes a multidisciplinary team that includes experts in bariatric medicine, nutrition, exercise, clinical psychology, and laparoscopic surgery, and as a result, our center offers one of the most extensive aftercare programs in America.  Patient education seminars, informal peer support groups and one-to-one counseling are available for all patients. Other specialized services include a dedicated Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Program. Our emphasis is not only on performing the safest, minimally invasive surgery, but also on helping our patients to live a healthier lifestyle. All of our patients receive the best care available, the complete confidentiality of an exclusive and private setting, and the understanding that every patient's success is a matter of teamwork on the part of the patient and our program staff.  Patients typically remain in the hospital only one day and often are able to return to work after one week.

Brian B. Quebbemann, MD, FACS is one of America’s top experts in minimally invasive bariatric surgery and performs nearly every weight loss surgery using minimally invasive, laparoscopic, techniques.  He has practiced surgery in Newport Beach, California since 1997 and is Surgical Director of The N.E.W. Program.  Dr. Quebbemann’s training includes Medical School at the University of Minnesota and Residency Training in general surgery, bariatric surgery and laparoscopy at the University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine.

Dr. Quebbemann's focus on expertly performed surgery combined with an integrated patient support program led to the development of The N.E.W. Program, the first truly integrated bariatric surgery program in Southern California. Since opening the laparoscopic bariatric program in 2000, he has completed well over 1500 minimally invasive bariatric procedures and an amazing track record of excellent excellent weight loss and minimal complications.

Dr. Quebbemann was among the first surgeons in America to perform the LAP-BAND® Procedure and was the first surgeon to perform the laparoscopic gastric bypass in Orange County. Dr. Quebbemann received national media attention after operating on Ann Wilson, the lead singer of the rock-group Heart. Dr. Quebbemann is frequently asked to lecture surgeons on various topics regarding weight loss surgery and has been on several news programs and documentaries including 48 hours, Discovery Health, OCN the LA Times, USA Today and the Early Show.

Dr. Quebbemann is a long-standing member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, he is a diplomat of the American Board of Surgery, a member of the North American Society for the Study of Obesity (NAASO) and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Justin Braverman, MD completed his surgical training at Mt. Sinai Hospital Medical Center in Chicago, where he served at Chief Resident in Surgery. In addition to his surgery training, he was a member of the Organ Transplant Team at Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s organ transplant program where he was a post doctorate research fellow in organ transplantation.  Dr. Braverman is skilled in complex laparoscopic surgical techniques and minimally invasive bariatric surgery.  He works closely with Dr. Brian Quebbemann in all phases of the weight loss clinic.

A member of the American Medical Association and the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Braverman earned both his master’s degree in science and his medical degree from Finch University of Health Sciences at The Chicago Medical School.

Karen Garner, MD has been a specialist in Bariatric Medicine at The N.E.W. Program since June 2004. Dr Garner is a graduate of both Stanford University and the University of Southern California School of Medicine, where she achieved top honors. She then completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center as well as the post-graduate Kennamer Fellowship in the management of high-risk surgical patients at UCLA. Her fellowship experience gives Dr. Garner specialized knowledge in the pre-operative management of bariatric surgery patients.

Tracy A. Siegfried, MDis the Medical Director ofThe N.E.W. Program. Dr. Siegfried attended the University of Minnesota and the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine where she completed her medical degree as well as her residency training in Internal Medicine. She became interested in Bariatric Medicine while at the University of Chicago and later developed a comprehensive non-surgical weight control program in Orange County. Her interest in developing more effective weight control strategies led to her involvement in the initial design of The N.E.W. Program. She is closely involved in the medical management of bariatric surgery patients with a specific interest in nutrition requirements after surgery.

Richard Lee, MD Dr. Lee graduated from The University of California at Berkeley with honors and pursued his medical education at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine where he graduated in the top of his class.  He then completed training in general surgery and plastic surgery at the Johns Hopkins Hospital.  Upon finishing his training in plastic surgery, Dr. Lee established his practice in Newport Beach.  He is a highly respected specialist with extensive experience in body contouring surgery, facial rejuvenation, and breast surgery.  Dr. Lee has further specialized his plastic surgery practice to focus on post-bariatric surgery aesthetics and has been working with The N.E.W. Program since June 2003.

For more information on Dr. Lee visit www.newportcosmeticsurgery.com

John Jolliffe, MFT is the Clinical Director of Lifestyle Management at The N.E.W. Program. He is a Diplomat of the American Psychotherapy Association, a Clinical Member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, and a sought after Marriage and Family Therapist with an international consulting practice. Mr. Jolliffe holds a graduate degree in psychology and theology.  He is closely involved with pre-operative patient assessment as well as the aftercare and LifeStyle Management Program.

Dominic J. Bronell, PhD Dr. Bronell holds two graduate degrees in psychology including a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego. Dr. Bronell has post-doctorate training in addictionology from the Addiction Institute, and is a Diplomat of the American Psychological Association, California Psychological Association, American Association of Mariage and Family Therapy and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.

He Has been in private practice in the Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, and Pomona, California areas since 1976. He specializes in the treatment of addictive and eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and marital/family problems, and has been on the clinical staff of the Eating Disorders program at the Capistrano By The Sea Hospital in Dana Point, California. He is involved with pre-operative assessment, aftercare and Lifestyle Management Program.

Dr. Mowlavi is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, American Society for Microsurgical Reconstruction, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and the American Medical Association.

For more information on Dr. Mowlavi visit www.cosmeticsurgeryclinics.com