Bariatric Surgeon Florida: Meet Dr. Baptista

Dr. Baptista received his medical degree in Brazil and completed general surgery training and a fellowship in Thoracic Surgery. He subsequently received the Most Distinguished Fellow Award. Dr. Baptista then moved to the United States, where he became a surgical research fellow at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. He then trained at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Rush University in Chicago, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. He earned a commendation for outstanding teaching of surgical students at Rush-Presbyterian-St.Luke's Medical Center.

Post residency, Dr. Baptista completed a BARIATRIC, LAPAROSCOPIC, and ROBOTIC surgical fellowship at the University of Illinois at Chicago. During this time, he developed a keen interest in the management of obesity and has since dedicated his life to treating obesity. Dr. Baptista now leads his Jacksonville-based private practice, specializing in bariatric surgery with a strong focus on personalized after-care for safe and effective weight loss.

Dr. Baptista is an industry leading gastric band faculty member and speaks in bariatric surgery forums around the world. Every month, he trains surgeons from around the United States on the safe and efficacious placement of the gastric band, and on his unique method of post-op management, as well. Dr. Baptista is a published author with many laparoscopic gastric banding articles.

Our Bariatric Staff:

Raquel Miranda : Bariatric Coordinator
As a coordinator, Raquel educates patients on the requirements for bariatric surgery. She works to determine if patients have insurance coverage and qualify for the procedure. She also facilitates office consultation in place of seminars. In May of 2008, Raquel underwent gastric banding surgery and currently maintains 100 lbs of weight loss. Raquel enjoys playing an intricate role in helping patients realize their dreams.




Rosy Turner : Certified Medical Assistant
Rosy has worked in the medical field for over 15 years. She helps with the pre and post operative care of patients and is always available for answering questions and concerns. Rosy generally has her hands in all areas of patient care and is actively involved in guiding them through their weight loss journey.





Mihaela A. Bote : Nutrition Coordinator
Mihaela A. Bote is a Registered Dietitian (RD) and Florida State Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (LDN), specialized in weight management and medical nutrition therapy for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome. She joined the Florida Surgical Physician team in November of 2010.

Mihaela completed a Master of Science (MS) in Dietetics and Nutrition at Florida International University in 2006, in Miami, where she then worked as an Outpatient Clinical Dietician for Jackson Memorial Hospital. She is a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) with certification in Adult Weight Management by the American Dietetic Association. Mihaela graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), in 1996, at the Universitatea de Stiinte Agricole, in Cluj-Napoca, Romania where she worked as a Veterinary Doctor for several years prior to moving to the Unites States.

Mihaela is active in nutrition, health and fitness. She has worked as a personal trainer and spinning instructors at various fitness centers, including Gold’s Gym and Ladies of America in South Florida. She is certified in group fitness and personal training by the International Fitness Association (IFA) and in spinning by Mad Dog Athletics. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association (ADA), Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine Dietetic Practice Group (DIFM), America Diabetes Association (ADA), and Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM).




Kristen Van Riper : Front Office Coordinator
As front office coordinator, Kristen is the first point of contact when patients call or visit Florida Surgical Physicians. She assists in the scheduling patient appointments as well as answering their questions or concerns. Kristen ensures that every patient is provided with excellent customer service and a sense of ease throughout their weight-loss journey. Her passion and dedication makes the patient experienece that much better.

Hospital Affiliation:

Dr. Baptista is affiliated with the Bariatric Center of Excellence Memorial Hospital Jacksonville, one of the leading bariatric surgery facilities in the United States. Memorial Hospital is also the only hospital in Northeast Florida to receive the prestigious Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric surgery by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida. Memorial recognizes the needs of patients and surgeons alike and Dr. Baptista is proud to call Memorial a partner in his practice.

To learn more about our surgical program, please sign up for a free seminar or use our contact form – we will be in touch as soon as possible.