University of California, San Diego Medical Center – Center for the Treatment of Obesity

About Our Bariatrics Team

Meet the UCSD Bariatric Surgery Team

UCSD Medical Center is an established bariatric center specializing in gastric banding, including Lap-Band and the new Realize band, as well as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric banding. The training, expertise and compassion of our bariatric surgeons, nurses, nutritionists and psychologists ensures you will have the highest quality of care and support.

Santiago Horgan, M.D. - Director
Dr. Santiago Horgan is a leading bariatric surgeon in the field of minimally invasive surgery and was among the first surgeons to be trained in the use of the LAP BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding System.

Garth Jacobsen, M.D. - Surgeon
Dr. Garth Jacobsen, Dr. Horgan's partner in the Center for Treatment of Obesity, attended medical school at the University of Washington and received his surgical training at the University of Illinois, Chicago. He then completed a minimally invasive and bariatric surgery fellowship at UCSD. A specialist in gastric banding, Dr. Jacobsen has trained with Dr. Horgan for the past 12 years and was closely involved with the FDA trials for approval of the LAP BAND System.

Mary Kirk, C.N.P. - Administrative Nurse Manager
Mary Kirk is a Certified Nurse Practitioner who received her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati. Her responsibilities at the Center for Treatment of Obesity include program planning, development and quality assurance; patient evaluations and follow-up, including diabetes management and medication adjustment; surgery-related presentations for physicians, staff and patients; and assisting with general surgery.

Christina Chickering - Program Administrator

Jill Jarrett, MS, RD – Registered Dietitian

Eduardo Grunvald, M.D. - Internist
Dr. Eduardo Grunvald completed his internship in internal medicine at UC San Diego. As the team's internist, he is responsible for assessing bariatric surgery patients before surgery and evaluating co-morbidities that may exist. Dr. Grunvald also coordinates care with primary care providers and assists patients with post-operative medication adjustments and medical follow-up.

Dr. William Perry and Dr. Delia Silva - Psychologists
We understand that the journey to overcome obesity is an emotional as well as a physical one.  That’s why we have licensed psychologists on staff to meet with you and discuss the process before and after your bariatric surgery.  Learn more.

Natalie Cook, Patient Advocate
Natalie Cook received the LAP BAND System in 2003 and lost 100 pounds. As the Patient Advocate for UCSD's LAP BAND Program for Obesity, Natalie helps educate patients about the entire LAP BAND Surgery process. She is passionate about helping patients understand every step as they embark on this life-changing experience.

Catherine Dooley - Administrative Assistant
Catherine is the "voice" of the Center for the Treatment of Obesity -- the first person people talk to when they call. In addition to scheduling consultations and appointments, Catherine is always happy to answer questions and obtain additional information for callers. Before joining our bariatric surgery center, she worked for several years in a health and wellness center, where she developed an interest in working with obese clients and making a difference in people’s lives.