Surgeon Medical Director Unity Hospital Bariatric Center
On January 1, 2002, Frederick (Rick) Johnson, MD, joined Daniel R. Baker, MD, in the practice of general and bariatric surgery. Dr. Johnson has been a general surgeon at Unity Hospital since August 1978, with special interest in areas of intestinal, breast, hernia, thyroid, and laparoscopic surgery. Over this period of time, as a colleague and friend of Dr. Baker, Dr. Johnson has become increasingly interested in the problem of genetic obesity, the impact on the patient’s health and mobility, and the futility of medical management. Dr. Johnson has made a commitment to apply his clinical expertise and surgical skills towards improving the health, lifestyle, and longevity of the morbidly obese patient population.
Dr. Johnson's credentials and memberships include:
Medical Director, Unity Hospital Bariatric and Weight Loss Center
Centers of Excellence, Surgeon – American Society of Bariatric Surgery, Surgical Review Corporation
Fellow, American College of Surgeons, 1981
Diplomat, American Board of Surgery, 1978
Minnesota State Medical Society
Hennepin County Medical Society
American Society of Bariatric Surgery
Dr. Johnson’s upbringing, education, and professional career have always been
centered in Minnesota. He grew up in Cloquet, MN, and received his undergraduate,
MD degree and surgical training at the University of Minnesota. Between 1976 and
1978, Dr. Johnson preformed surgery as a Major in the United States Air Force
Medical Corps, at Scott AFB, Illinois. Dr. Johnson was with Columbia Park Medical
Group from 1978 to 2001.
Jeffrey Baker, MD, has been performing bariatric procedures since 1996. On March 1, 2003, he joined Daniel R. Baker, MD, in the practice of general and bariatric surgery. Dr. Jeff Baker performs openRoux-en Y, laparoscopicRoux-en Y, and lap-band surgery for his patients.
A graduate of the University of Minnesota Medical School, he received his residency training in general surgery and trauma surgery at Hennepin County Medical Center – Level 1 Trauma Center. Additionally, Dr. Jeff Baker is nationally published both in general surgery and laparoscopic surgery, being credited, along with Dr. Michael West, with figuring out the scientific basis of why patients might have less pain following laparoscopic operations.
His awards include:
Centers of Excellence, Surgeon – American Society of Bariatric Surgery, Surgical Review Corporation
Melvin P. Bubrick, MD, Surgical Resident Teaching Award
Outstanding Contributions to Medical Student Education Award – Rural Physician Associate Program.
His credentials include:
Diplomat, American College of Surgeons
Member, American Society for Bariatric Surgery
Member, Society of Laparoscopic Surgeons
Member, American Medical Association
Member, Minnesota Medical Association
Member, Hitchcock Surgical Society, Hennepin County Medical Center
Born in 1958, Dr. Jeff Baker grew up in the Twin Cities' northern suburbs. Jeff has four children ages 19, 12, 10 and 8. His interests include his family, competitive downhill skiing and competitive road cycling.
Janet Rudlong has been a Registered Nurse since 1972. She began her nursing career
at Gillette Children's Hospital in St. Paul, MN where she worked with handicapped
children. After she moved to Andover, MN she started working at Mercy Hospital
in Pediatrics and Adolescents in 1974. In 1996, Janet, along with Dr. Daniel Baker, created and designed the Unity Hospital Bariatric Center.
Her accomplishments include:
Head Nurse, Pediatrics & Adolescents, Mercy Hospital, 1981
Opening the Ambulatory Care Unit, Mercy Hospital, 1992
Nurse Manager, Ambulatory Care and Emergency Department, Mercy Hospital,
1993
Assisted in the design of theUnity Hospital Bariatric Center, 1996
Bariatric Program Manager, Unity Hospital, 1996
Memberships include:
Associate Member, American Society for Bariatric Surgery
Janet has worked extensively with gastric bypass patients since 1996. She teaches
the free introductory classes on gastric bypass surgery. She also does one-to-one
pre-surgery teaching, education and long-term patient follow up.
Janet has a daughter, two stepchildren and two grandchildren. In her spare time, she quilts,
gardens and travels.
Outstanding Nurse of the Year, recognizing her compassion and dedication
in patient care, 1987.
Memberships include:
Associate Member, American Society for Bariatric Surgery
Diane has worked as a Registered Nurse at Unity Hospital since 1976, providing
nursing care for patients on the post-surgical unit. Throughout the past 27 years,
she has been an active member of her nursing unit, participating on several committees
to ensure quality care delivery to all patients. She has shared her knowledge,
experience and passion for nursing by serving as the educator for the medical-surgical
nursing staff at Unity Hospital. Diane has been a clinical nursing instructor
for area colleges.
Diane began working as a Nurse Clinician with the Unity Hospital Bariatric Center in 1999, following three years as a member of the team of
nurses at Unity who specialize in the post-operative care of gastric bypass
patients. She meets with prospective patients, gathers information, evaluates
educational and psychological needs, and provides individualized education.
She sees patients prior to and after surgery and in long-term follow up.
Diane has lived in the north metro area all of her life. She is married and
has three adult children and three grandchildren. In her spare time she enjoys
painting, sewing, camping and spending time with family and friends.
Associate Member, American Society for Bariatric Surgery
Lynn Shriver has worked as a Bariatric Nurse Clinician since May 2003.
She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Nursing.
She has worked in critical care nursing and as a liver transplant coordinator.
She meets with prospective patients, gathers information, evaluates
educational and psychological needs, and provides individualized education.
She sees patients prior to and after surgery and in long-term follow up.
Her interests include family activities, the outdoors (especially water sports)
and spirituality.
Associate Member, American Society for Bariatric Surgery
Brenda has worked at Unity Hospital since 1997, on 1 West, in the operating room and with the Bariatric Center since June 2003. She enjoys working
with patients in overcoming obesity.
She received her RN degree in 1999 from Anoka Ramsey Community College. She
completed her BSN degree in 2004 from Bethel College.
Brenda created, started and facilitates a new support group called Find Your Weigh. She meets with prospective patients, gathers information, evaluates
educational and psychological needs, and provides individualized education.
She sees patients prior to and after surgery and in long-term follow up.
She enjoys spending time with her family, quilting and volunteering at her church.
Sandy has worked at Unity Hospital for 25 years. During this time, she has served in various roles, including staff nurse, nursing supervisor, clinical development coordinator and nurse manager on the Ortho-Surgical Unit, 3 West and now the Bariatric Center.
She has always been involved in improving patient care and conditions throughout the hospital. Sandy is committed to, and practices holistic care. She is an active member of the Mercy & Unity Healing Environments Committee and Complementary/Alternative Therapies group. She is a member of the Minnesota Holistic Nurses Association. She meets with prospective patients, gathers information, evaluates educational and psychological needs, and provides individualized education. She sees patients prior to and after surgery and in long-term follow up.
Sandy is married and has two grown sons and two granddaughters. In her leisure time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. She enjoys outdoor and sporting activities such as golfing, hiking, skiing and traveling.
Darla began working at Unity Hospital in 2002 as a registered nurse on 3 West, the ortho-surgical unit. She continues to provide care for patients following surgery and is an active member of the team of caregivers who specialize in post-operative care of gastric bypass patients.
Darla joined Unity Hospital's Bariatric Center in 2004. She meets with prospective patients, gathers information, evaluates educational and psychological needs and provides individualized education. She sees patients prior to and after surgery and during long-term follow up.
In addition, she has been instrumental in creating and implementing continuing education for bariatric and Unity 3 West staff, insuring continuity of care through all phases of patient progression.
In her free time, Darla enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, quilting and sewing.