Episode 4: Dr. Maria Iliakova's Journey to Bariatric Surgery

Core Bariatrics

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Have you ever found yourself at a career crossroads, where your heart leads you down a path you never anticipated? That's the story Dr. Maria Iliakova tells us as she takes us through her extraordinary journey from an aspiring lawyer to a compassionate and skilled bariatric surgeon. Her candid revelations about personal trials, an eating disorder, and the allure of the operating room not only shed light on the intricate world of bariatric surgery but also on the resilience of the human spirit.
Dr. Iliakova doesn't hold back as she peels back the curtain on the intense, emotional landscape of patient care in the field of surgery. From the highs of a successful transplant to the lows of patient loss, her narrative highlights the emotional investment surgeons make in their patients' lives. Listen to how a pivot into bariatric and minimally invasive surgery wasn't just a career move—it was a leap towards maintaining those vital patient connections that make medicine such a rewarding profession.
This episode isn't just about the technical prowess of a surgeon; it's a profound look into the battles of weight management and the stigma surrounding it. Dr. Iliakova takes us through her personal and professional growth during her fellowship in the midst of a global pandemic, emphasizing the need for empathy, listening, and a shift in how society discusses weight and health. Her unique perspective as both a physician and a patient advocates for a more informed and compassionate healthcare conversation on obesity and health. Join us for a heart-to-heart on the transformative power of a surgeon's touch and the deep human connections at its core.

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Chapters

1. Exploring Bariatric Surgery and Community Support (00:00:00)

2. Becoming a Bariatric Surgeon Unconventionally (00:05:24)

3. Transitioning to Minimally Invasive Surgery (00:15:16)

4. Bariatric Surgery and Weight Management Importance (00:20:40)