Our Team

 Our Board Certified Surgeons are consistantly rated as “Top Doctors” in the New Jersey/New York Metropolitan area.

HANS J. SCHMIDT, M.D., FACS

Graduate of Pennsylvania State University, and UMDNJ - New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ. He completed his surgical residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in Newark, NJ.

Present Positions

Attending Surgeon, Department of Surgery, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ.

Clinical Instructor of Surgery, UMDNJ - New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ.

Director, Bariatric Surgery Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ

Member: Laparoscopic Section, Department of Surgery, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ

Director of Surgical Clinics, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ

Board Certified, American Board of Surgery

Fellow, American College of Surgeons

AMIT TRIVEDI, MD.

Dr. Trivedi graduated from Stony Brook Medical School after completing an accelerated medical program. He completed his Surgical Residency at University of Medicine and Dentistry in Newark, NJ. He then went on to complete a fellowship in advanced laparoscopic surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center.

Present Positions

Attending Surgeon, Department of Surgery, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ.

Clinical Assistant, UMDNJ - New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ

Member: Laparoscopic Section, Department of Surgery, Hackensack University Medical Center.

Board Certified, American Board of Surgery

DOUGLAS R. EWING, M.D., FACS

Graduate of Harvard University, and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He completed his surgical residency at St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital in New York. He then went on to complete a fellowship in advanced laparoscopic surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center.

Present Positions

Attending Surgeon, Department of Surgery, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ

Clinical Assistant, UMDNJ - New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ

Assistant Director, Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ

Board Certified, American Board of Surgery

Kathleen Connor RN,BSN

Part of our multidisciplinary support team specializing in surgical post-operative care, clinical support, aftercare education, and co-sponsoring support group meetings. Joined the team at Advanced Laparoscopic Associates in March, 2004, as Director of the Aftercare Program. Clinical backround consists of Surgical Critical Care and Trauma.  Kathleen also serves as the Practice Administrator.

 Nadia M. Setzer, MSN, RN, APN-C

Is a recent addition to our team.  Graduated from Felician College, NJ with a Bachelors Degree as a Registered Professional Nurse, and received her Adult Nurse Practitioner’s Licensure through the Masters Degree Program at the University of Dentistry and Medicine of New Jersey. Her responsibilities consist of patient examinations, pre and postoperative care, gastric band adjustments, patient education, and organizing and executing trials for the purpose of medical advancement and innovations. Nadia endeavors to help our patients with their specific needs, such as weight loss goals, thier day to day struggles, and overall well-being.

 Stacey

Benson Philip, RPA-C

 Ben is one of our licensed and a certified Physician Assistants and graduate of Touro College in Bayshore, NY. He has also completed a post-graduate surgical residency for Physician Assistants at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY, allowing him to specialize in general surgery. Ben joined the group in 2008 and has since been seeing our patients pre and postoperatively as well as performing the majority of the Lap Band adjustments at the office. His desire is to help our patients achieve their weight loss goal while maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a positive attitude.

Wendy Bennett

 Background primarily in clinical nutrition currently specializing in critical care. Additional time spent in private practice and consulting. Five years of experience working with the weight loss surgery population. Services include both pre and post operative support to promote healthy eating and behavior modification with the ultimate goal of optimizing weight loss along with the ability to maintain changes as a permanent lifestyle.

Marti Austin RD, CDN


Currently involved in corporate wellness programs and clinical trials, with emphasis on nutrition for disease prevention and well-being. Also provides personal nutrition counseling and is obtaining a masters degree in nutrition education. Has been involved in post operative bariatric surgery counseling for over a year and is committed to educating the gastric surgery patient in healthy foods and behavior changes to promote well-being and positive lifestyle changes to maximize the quality and enjoyment of life.

Office Staff

Kathleen Connor - Practice Manager

Hazel - Billing Manager

Michele - Pre-Surgical Supervisor

Nadira - Front End Supervisor/Medical Billing

Dian - Medical Receptionist

Iris - Benefit Coordinator/Scheduler

Louisa - Insurance Specialist/ Pre-Admission Testing Coordinator

Karol - Insurance Specialist/Pre-Admission Testing Coordinator

Richie - Seminar Coordinator

Caterina - Medical Assistant

Donna - Medical Transciptionist