Released: Monday, August 31, 2026 11:39 AM

Buffalo General Medical Center achieves Comprehensive Center with Obesity Medicine Qualifications accreditation

Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute (BGMC/GVI), a Kaleida Health facility, is proud to announce its Comprehensive Center with Obesity Medicine Qualifications accreditation by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), in partnership with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

Being accredited as a Comprehensive Center with Obesity Medicine qualifications means that BGMC/GVI is committed to providing and supporting quality improvement and patient safety efforts for metabolic and bariatric surgery patients - that means multidisciplinary, high-quality care for every patient that walks through its doors.

As part of the accreditation process, BGMC/GVI accepted a site visit from an accreditation reviewer. The reviewer noted numerous areas of excellence within the program:

• Collaborative culture: High-functioning teamwork is evident…multidisciplinary staff (nurse practitioners and dieticians) provide comprehensive, unbiased support across all treatment options, including surgery and medicine.
• Infrastructure and resource optimization: The facility offers an optimal environment for bariatric care, including spacious operating areas, specialized patient furniture (e.g., wheelchair, scales) and organized storage protocols.
• Unified care pathways: The team maintains consistent patient management through cohesive pathways and established, long-term coordination with the Radiology and Emergency Departments. Has a metabolic and bariatric surgery committee that meets four times a year.

"We are proud and honored to receive this accreditation," Karen Blount, MS, RN, NEA-BC, president of BGMC/GVI. "Not only does it highlight the breadth of services and support we offer, but it also highlights the quality, patient-centered care that our physicians, surgeons and staff provide to each patient, every day."

BGMC/GVI is proud to offer a comprehensive, collaborative weight management and obesity care program. The program integrates medical supervision, nutritional guidance, physical activity and behavioral therapy to facilitate sustainable weight management. The program also offers a variety of FDA-approved medications and surgical options. Learn more about obesity care at BGMC/GVI.

Schedule your appointment with Kaleida Health's Weight Management Center: 716-859-1168