Dr. Timothy Pitchford has quietly been doing
his job as a Marshfield Clinic general surgeon
in the Chippewa Valley since 2000. Highly
regarded by his patients and colleagues,
now others are recognizing what we have
known for years. A national organization
called the Surgical Review Corporation
in 2013 bestowed upon Dr. Pitchford an
honor no other general surgeon can boast
of in the upper Midwest: a “Surgeon of
Excellence” designation in metabolic and
bariatric weight reduction surgery.
“It’s a reflection of the care and the
product we provide patients who need this
kind of surgery,” says Dr. Pitchford. “A lot of
work goes into receiving this certification, such as demonstrating a record of superior safety and excellent outcomes.”
Dr. Pitchford, who earned his medical degree from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, is quick to credit his Marshfield Clinic colleagues for helping him garner this prestigious honor. Achieving it required years of work history that measured patient volumes and quality of outcomes. Working collaboratively with Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, Dr. Pitchford met requirements related to patient education, standardized pre and post-surgical procedures, and effective support systems.
“This is definitely a surgery that requires a team effort,” Dr. Pitchford says. “It’s a great honor to receive this designation.”