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Provider Profile: Andrew Lederman, MD, FACS, FASMBS, BMC Bariatric Surgeon

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With the New Year comes resolutions for many, and some involve improving your health through weight loss. But for many facing obesity and the chronic conditions that can accompany it, such as Diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis or joint problems, among others, dieting may not be enough. Dr. Andrew Lederman is the Medical Director of the Berkshire Center for Weight Loss Surgery at BMC, and a highly skilled and experienced bariatric surgeon.
 
"I think our bariatric program is fairly unique and has proven to be successful for the more than 1,000 patients we've served throughout the Berkshires and Southern Vermont," said Dr. Lederman. "Our team focuses on success, and we concentrate on the spectrum of care that can help to ensure that the patient is ready for this dramatic change in their lives, emotionally and physically."
 
The BMC program begins with an online seminar for people interested in surgery, where Dr. Lederman discusses the options for bariatric surgery, including Gastric Bypass or Sleeve Gastrectomy, and the commitment required to not only lose the weight, but to maintain their new healthy regimen. When patients go forward with their decision to have surgery, there is a tremendous focus on teaching patients the skills necessary to be a success. "We think of weight loss surgery as a tool, and like any tool, it needs to be used the right way. So, unlike other operations, we have an entire program designed to teach you how to use that tool correctly" said Dr. Lederman.
 
"When a patient loses about half their excess weight, that's when we see many of their medical problems get better," he said. "Patients have been able to come off insulin and medications, their sleep apnea improves, blood pressure comes down and joints have less pressure, all of those problems that can be part of being obese."
 
A Boston native, Dr. Lederman came to the Berkshires in 2004 after serving with the Division of General and Gastrointestinal Surgery at Emory University in Atlanta. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery and the National Board of Medical Examiners. He serves as a site inspector for the American College of Surgeons, helping to certify other bariatric surgery centers at major hospitals around the country.
 
Dr. Lederman received his Medical Degree from the University of Virginia and completed his residency training at the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York. He is fellowship trained in minimally invasive surgery from Emory University in Atlanta. Dr. Lederman also specializes in minimally invasive general, gastrointestinal and endoscopic surgery.
 
The online seminar for Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery at BMC is held the first Tuesday of each month in the evening, and registration can be made by calling 413-395-7510.




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Pittsfield Police Chief Retiring in January

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police Chief Thomas Dawley will retire next month after 24 years with the Pittsfield Police Department, and the mayor will appoint his successor. 

Dawley's last day will be on Jan. 9, and he told iBerkshires that it was "just time." He began his law enforcement career in 1995 at the Berkshire County House of Corrections and was appointed police chief in June 2024

"Reasons for leaving are cumulative. I have been in law enforcement for almost 30 years. There is no particular reason for my retirement, I just feel that it is time," he wrote in an email. 

"I love the profession and love this department. The duties, responsibilities and obligations as a Chief are very demanding. It is a lifestyle, not a job. It is a 24/7–365 days a year responsibility." 

According to The Berkshire Eagle, Dawley told Mayor Peter Marchetti of his intention to retire back in April but had kept the decision quiet. Marchetti is expected to choose his successor in the next couple of weeks. 

Dawley, 52, was "honored and humbled" when he was chosen two years ago to succeed Michael Wynn, he said, and he misses being an officer out in the community, as the role of chief is more administrative by nature. He described the officers and civilian staff at the department as "the best of the best" and is proud of the "second to none" dedication, professionalism, and commitment they bring to work every day. 

"Policing is different than it was 10-20 years ago and the profession is being tested daily," he noted. 

"I want a new challenge and preferably something that does not involve law enforcement, but I am definitely not ruling it out!" 

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