Meet Our Team
K. Bruce Jones, MD
Dr. Jones has performed bariatric surgery since 1989. A graduate of Vanderbilt Medical School, Dr. Jones is certified in Surgery by the American Board of Surgery, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a fellow of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons and a participant in the ASMBS bariatric database. Dr. Jones has a Focus Practice Designation in Metabolic Bariatric Surgery through the American Board of Surgery. a He specializes in general, minimally invasive, bariatric, surgery, and therapeutic endoscopy. Dr. Jones is an advocate for excellent health care in our community. He serves on many leadership boards and committees to ensure patients are getting the best care available. In addition, Dr. Jones currently serves as a governor in the American College of Surgeons and has served as president of the Arkansas chapter of the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Magdy F. Giurgius
Dr. Giurgius specializes in general, minimally invasive & bariatric surgery diagnostic, and therapeutic endoscopy. A graduate of University of Kentucky General Surgery Residency and University of Missouri Fellowship in Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Giurgius is certified in surgery by the American Board of Surgery and certified in Obesity Medicine by the American Board of Obesity Medicine. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a participant in the ASMBS bariatric database. Dr. Giurgius is committed to being an active contributor and advocate for patients in his communities by serving on leadership boards and committees. He is a member of the Obesity Action Coalition, member of IFSO (International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic disorders), also served as an Elected board member of the American Cancer society (January 2019-22) for the state of Missouri, Southwest Missouri (SWMO) and Regional Leadership Board. He is also a current Member of the SAGES “Continuing Education” and “Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery” committees. Dr. Giurgius served as an active member of the Executive Council of the Missouri chapter of American College of Surgeons and rural surgery chairman from 2020-22, as well as, an active member of both ASMBS “access to care committee”, ASMBS “Rural Committee”, and past President of Missouri chapter of the ASMBS 2021-2023.
Gayla Smith, RN, ACM, CBN / Bariatric Coordinator
Gayla is the Bariatric Coordinator for the NEA Baptist Bariatric Surgery program. She is a Registered Nurse with national certifications in case management and bariatric nursing. Gayla works closely with our surgeons to provide our patients excellent care. Her goal is to ensure that bariatric surgery patients are supported, educated, and prepared for their weight loss surgery journey. She also facilitates our monthly Bariatric Support Group and Nutrition Class.
Elyssa Hall, Bariatric Financial Counselor
Elyssa serves as the liaison between patients and their insurance companies. She verifies insurance benefits, assists patients in collecting necessary documentation to obtain authorization for surgery, answers all questions regarding insurance approval criteria, and provides patients with estimates for surgery.