Meet Your Methodist Weight Loss & Surgery Team
Dr. Jay Salimath, D.O., B.S.N.
Bariatric Medical Director
(309) 671-7764
"The first thing patients tell me after losing weight is, 'Doc, I can sleep now,' and this means increased energy to do the things they couldn't do before."
Dr. Salimath specializes in minimally invasive surgery and bariatrics, which studies the causes, treatment, and prevention of obesity. In addition to skills as a physician and surgeon, he also offers his experience as a registered nurse.
Dr. Salimath offers the latest bariatric treatments, including gastric bypass, lap band surgery, and sleeve gastrectomy. He custom-designs a weight loss plan to fit the needs of each patient.
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine - Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lansing, Michigan
- Fellowship in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery - Cleveland Clinic, Weston, Florida
- Board Certified by the American Board of Osteopathic Surgery
Monica Scheuer, R.N.
Bariatric Program Coordinator
(309) 671-7764
"Staying healthy has been a lifelong goal... I love to sew, cook, bake, be involved with my church, and be active."
Monica has worked in healthcare for over 15 years, including over six years in private practice helping people with wellness and weight loss issues. She has made numerous local television news appearances educating the public on health and wellness topics. Monica has also written for Healthy Cells and Peoria Woman magazines, as well as the Peoria Medical Society Journal .
Monica enjoys spending her free time with her husband, son, three daughters, and three dogs.
- Bachelor and Master of Science in Nutrition - Eastern Illinois University
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Methodist College of Nursing
Susan Ott, R.N.
Bariatric Nurse
(309) 671-7764
"I find great pleasure in helping others. I am currently pursuing Bariatric Nurse Certification because caring for patients who have struggled with obesity is where my heart is."
Susan has been a registered nurse at Methodist for 23 years. She has worked in Women's Health, Rehabilitation, and Cardiac Services. The majority of her service has been in the Medical/Surgical setting, where she continues to care for patients before and after bariatric (weight-loss) surgery.
Susan enjoys running, gardening, sporting events, and spending time with her husband and two children.
- Registered Nurse - Methodist School of Nursing (1984 Graduate)
- Medical/Surgical Nurse Specialty Certification (2003)
- ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) Certified
Julie Fehrenbacher, R.D.
Bariatric Dietician
(309) 672-4954
"I truly enjoy working with people to individualize a nutrition plan to help them improve their health and wellness."
Julie, a registered dietician, works on Methodist's Woman/Children's hospital unit and the outpatient nutrition clinic. She also shares her expertise on "Team Up for Health" and other community projects.
She has worked at the University of Illinois Extension Office, presenting nutrition education programs in McLean County. Julie will also be an instructor at Heartland Community College in the Spring of 2008 teaching basic nutrition courses.
- Bachelor of Science in Biology/ Minor in Chemistry - Illinois State University
- Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences - Illinois State University
- Dietetic Internship - VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA
Kendra Taylor
Bariatric Exercise Specialist
(309) 672-5904
"It is a great joy to teach people not only how to move their bodies, but the importance of maintaining a well-balanced lifestyle... mentally, emotionally, physically, and even spiritually. The key to any successful exercise program is you've got to move to improve and never give up!"
Kendra says her passion for the field of health and fitness began at age 18. She worked for three years in cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation at Kewanee Hospital, and has been a fitness instructor and personal trainer at the YMCA of Kewanee since 1992. For over seven years she has worked at the Methodist Wellness Center as a personal trainer, fitness instructor, and community health educator.
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science/ Minor in Athletic Training - Illinois State University