Education & Training, Research, Advocacy & Policy
CMCOEM, A PIONEER OF BARIATRIC SURGERY IN LATIN AMERICA
Rafael Álvarez Cordero, Founder and Honorary President of CMCOEM.
The history of our Association is a history of effort and success. In the 1980s some colleagues became interested in obesity surgery, which was then still regarded as "unscientific". Favorable results led to meetings, courses, and workshops in various Mexican cities. The Mexican Obesity Surgery Association AC was formally founded in the city of Acapulco, Guerrero in 1992.
Our organization has grown thanks to the enthusiasm of the members of its Board and the growing number of surgeons who dedicate their professional activity to performing bariatric surgery of the highest quality. In 2010, the name of the Association was changed to the Mexican College of Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Diseases A.C.(CMCOEM).
CMCOEM is 29 years old now, and has had its share of achievements: since 1993, it has participated in the drafting of the various Mexican Ministry of Health’s Official Standards on Obesity. Through the creation of the Specialty in Bariatric Surgery, the College now certifies new bariatric surgeons. In 2016, bariatric surgery was officially recognized as an elective treatment for severe obesity. Furthermore, its members’ scientific publications in national and foreign journals are increasingly recognized.
At the international level, in 1995, our association, together with societies from four other countries, founded the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Associated Disorders, IFSO, and organized and held the IFSO World Congress in 1997, as well as the IFSO Latin American Congress in 2007. Year after year, Mexican surgeons have taken part in IFSO/LAC, in sister National Associations in Latin America, and in various international forums with remarkable contributions.
During this pandemic, CMCOEM has remained active, holding sessions, forums, and its annual congress, physically and/or virtually, both locally and internationally. All this confirms that Mexican bariatric surgery, thanks to its leaders and active members, is now at its best.
Dr. José G. Rodríguez Villarreal President Dr. José Sergio Verboonen Sotelo 1st Vice President Dr. Carlos Zerrweck López 2nd Vice President Dr. Gustavo Ernesto Theurel Vincent Treasurer Dr. Luis Cristóbal Zurita Macias Valadez Sub Treasurer Dr. Martín Edgardo Rojano Rodríguez 1st Secretary Dr. Armando Pereyra Talamantes 2nd Secretary
Dr. Rodrigo Prieto is a renowned bariatric surgeon with over 15 years of experience, specializing in minimally invasive bariatric procedures. Throughout his career, he has performed over 3,500 surgeries, helping thousands of patients improve their health and quality of life through procedures such as gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and mini-gastric bypass. Dr. Prieto graduated from the University of Guadalajara as a Medical Doctor and completed his General Surgery specialty at the prestigious Hospital Civil de Guadalajara – Fray Antonio Alcalde. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Medical Sciences. His dedication to continuous improvement is reflected in the more than 50 advanced courses he has completed in the field of surgery. As a leader in implementing the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol, Dr. Prieto has successfully treated over 800 cases using this approach, which significantly reduces recovery times and improves post-operative outcomes in bariatric patients. His expertise in ERAS has positioned him as a key figure in promoting rapid and safe patient recovery. Dr. Prieto is the Coordinator of the Continuing Medical Education Committee of the Mexican College of Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Diseases (CMCOEM). He also serves as a professor at the Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud at the University of Guadalajara. In addition to his academic roles, Dr. Prieto is an active bariatric and gastrointestinal surgeon at Jardines Hospital Alta Especialidad Médica. He is a member of both the Mexican College of Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Diseases (CMCOEM) and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity (IFSO). Dr. Prieto is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences, sharing his extensive experience in bariatric surgery and the benefits of the ERAS protocol. His patient-centered approach ensures that each surgery is personalized to meet the unique needs of the individual, offering comprehensive care and long-lasting results. Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Prieto is committed to educating both colleagues and patients, developing educational content and guides to improve post-operative success and patient understanding in bariatric surgery.
Published
Feb 2025
Dr. Rodrigo Prieto is a renowned bariatric surgeon with over 15 years of experience, specializing in minimally invasive bariatric procedures. Throughout his career, he has performed over 3,500 surgeries, helping thousands of patients improve their health and quality of life through procedures such as gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and mini-gastric bypass. Dr. Prieto graduated from the University of Guadalajara as a Medical Doctor and completed his General Surgery specialty at the prestigious Hospital Civil de Guadalajara – Fray Antonio Alcalde. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Medical Sciences. His dedication to continuous improvement is reflected in the more than 50 advanced courses he has completed in the field of surgery. As a leader in implementing the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol, Dr. Prieto has successfully treated over 800 cases using this approach, which significantly reduces recovery times and improves post-operative outcomes in bariatric patients. His expertise in ERAS has positioned him as a key figure in promoting rapid and safe patient recovery. Dr. Prieto is the Coordinator of the Continuing Medical Education Committee of the Mexican College of Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Diseases (CMCOEM). He also serves as a professor at the Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud at the University of Guadalajara. In addition to his academic roles, Dr. Prieto is an active bariatric and gastrointestinal surgeon at Jardines Hospital Alta Especialidad Médica. He is a member of both the Mexican College of Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Diseases (CMCOEM) and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity (IFSO). Dr. Prieto is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences, sharing his extensive experience in bariatric surgery and the benefits of the ERAS protocol. His patient-centered approach ensures that each surgery is personalized to meet the unique needs of the individual, offering comprehensive care and long-lasting results. Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Prieto is committed to educating both colleagues and patients, developing educational content and guides to improve post-operative success and patient understanding in bariatric surgery.
Published
Oct 2024
Published
Mar 2024
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