Our Team
Our expert team understands the disease of obesity, incorporating the latest advances to obtain the best possible results. Using personalized treatment plans, we will help you build a foundation for a sustainable lifestyle, long-term weight management and positive health behaviors.
Meet Our Surgeons
Joseph A. Johnson, M.D.
Dr. Johnson, who also serves as Chief of the Bariatric/GI division within the University of Rochester Department of Surgery, is an award winning physician and a former president of the Rochester Surgical Society. He received his medical degree from New York Medical College and did his residency and internships in general surgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Dr. Johnson is known for his expertise in minimally invasive surgery and has been in practice for more than 20 years.
Maria Durdach, M.D.
Dr. Maria Durdach earned her medical degree from the Pennsylvania State College of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Rochester Medical center. She also completed a fellowship in bariatrics and minimally invasive surgery at the Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. She is a strong proponent of developing a team-based and collaborative approach towards patient care while relying on a network of strong relationships and professional trust when implementing a course of treatment.
Dr. Durdach has a special focus on robotic bariatric and metabolic surgery. This is driven by her passion to transform lives and make a profound impact on the health and well-being of individuals battling obesity. The remarkable transformations she has witnessed, both physically and emotionally in not only patients, but also family members, fuel her determination. She strives to advance the field and provide patients with compassionate, personalized care and life-changing results.
Kaci L. Schiavone, M.D.
Dr. Schiavone is a board-certified general surgeon who specializes in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. She obtained her medical degree from the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. She completed her residency training at the University of Rochester followed by a year of additional training in Advanced Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery at the University at Buffalo. She is enthusiastic about the opportunity to expand access to robotic bariatric surgery to Greater Rochester as a local to the area herself.
Dr. Schiavone is passionate about the surgical treatment of obesity because it offers an opportunity to provide preventative care to patients. Not only are patients' current medical conditions associated with obesity treated, but more severe conditions can be prevented from developing in the future.
She strives to create a partnership with each of her patients that focuses on individualized care that propels each person toward a happy and healthy future.
Meet Our Clinical Staff

Julie Anne Leo, PA

Alicia Peters, RN,
BSN, CBN

Piera Carubia, RD,
CDN, IFNCP

Sandy Jolley, RDN,
CDN, CSOWM

Molly Ranney, MS,
RDN, CDN CSOWM