Dr. Laura July - MD, FRCSC, FASMBS
Bariatric Surgeon
Dr. July decided to dedicate her career to bariatric surgery during her final year of general surgery residency training. While initially moving toward surgical oncology she was fortunate to spend an elective rotation with bariatric surgeon Dr. Emma Patterson in Portland, OR. When she saw the positive impact on patients, happy clinics, career satisfaction, technically challenging cases and overall fun practice she changed paths to a fellowship in bariatric surgery and never looked back. She understands and empathizes with what patients go through and it is a privilege to help them improve or resolve multiple medical conditions (reversing diabetes overnight never gets old!), get more active with family and friends and to frequently have a renaissance in life. The highlight of Dr. July’s career has been the patient interactions which she cherishes greatly. She enjoys working closely with an exceptional multidisciplinary team to deliver comprehensive, compassionate care.
Dr. July received her bachelor’s degree in anatomy from the University of Saskatchewan, where she also graduated from medical school (both with honors) in 1995. She completed a general surgery residency at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, in 2004. She then went on to complete a fellowship in advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery at Legacy Health System in Portland, OR under the direction of national leader in the field Dr. Emma Patterson. Dr. July has been in bariatric surgical practice for 17 years completing over 3500 bariatric cases in Wisconsin, Kentucky, Minnesota and Nevada prior to joining Oregon Weight Loss Surgery. She is excited to bring her expertise back “home” to Portland to serve Oregon Weight Loss Surgery patients again!
Oregon Weight Loss Surgery is a patient-centered practice that has the ability to tailor a program to meet individual patient’s needs. It is important to understand each patient’s unique situation to help lead them to the most successful outcomes possible. Among the rewards of Dr. July’s work is seeing postoperative patients literally transform before her eyes! This change often goes beyond losing weight and improving a number of medical conditions to experiencing a personal transformation. When Dr. July considers her greatest success as a bariatric surgeon it’s difficult to choose only one thing. She considers seeing her patients succeed her success also. Patients regaining their health and leading active fulfilling lives is really what bariatric surgery is all about. This is what attracted Dr. July to the field and what continues to motivate her today.
