Board-Certified General Surgeon Specializing in Bariatric Surgery
Medical Director, Robotic Surgery at AdventHealth Sebring

Michael P. Latzko, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained general surgeon with expertise in weight-loss surgery using minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques. With nearly 10 years of experience, patient-centered care remains his primary focus. Together, Dr. Latzko works with a team of medical specialists to apply a customized approach for improved well-being, emphasizing education, diet, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes. As a thought leader, Dr. Latzko was integral in establishing the Bariatric and Metabolic Program at AdventHealth Sebring in 2020.

A pioneer in laparoscopy since the early 1990s, Dr. Fernandez is an advanced general and bariatric surgeon. Born in Camaguey, Cuba, Dr. Fernandez received his undergraduate degree from the University of Miami, received his medical doctorate degree in the Dominican Republic and did his general surgery specialty at Alton Ochsner Medical Clinic in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery.

Dr. Fernandez has been in private practice for over 32 years serving as medical director for bariatric surgery at 3 Tampa hospitals, and still owns and operates his surgical clinic. He is also a proctor for 2 nationally recognized surgical instrument companies.

Dr. Fernandez has instructed weight-loss surgeons across the country. He has successfully performed over 4,000 laparoscopic weight-loss procedures and is the only bariatric surgeon in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties that has achieved all 6 possible Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence designations on his own volume. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, and a member of Obesity Action Coalition, Florida Society of General Surgeons, American Society of Abdominal Surgery, and Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgery.

His excellent bedside manner and distinguished reputation in the community have made Dr. Fernandez the first choice for bariatric patients. He and his staff are fluent in English and Spanish and participate in most of the insurance networks. Dr. Fernandez performs the following procedures: Band placements and revisions • Hemorrhoidectomies • Laparoscopic colon surgery • Laparoscopic gastric bypasses • Laparoscopic/open hernia repairs • Laparoscopic removal of gallbladder • Sleeve gastrectomies • Spleen removal/liver biopsies • Surgical removal of cysts and masses in multiple areas of the body • Thyroid surgery

Dr. Marco Antonio Rajo is a bariatric and general surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery. He is fluent in Spanish and English and cares for adult patients using surgical and non-surgical treatment options. Dr. Rajo has advanced training in obesity medicine and weight-loss surgery, as well as in complex gastrointestinal and hernia surgery. He specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques, including da Vinci® robot-assisted surgery.

Dr. Rajo was drawn to bariatric surgery because of the unique, lifelong patient-doctor relationship this specialty allows him to build. He emphasizes education, nutrition and exercise to move his patients toward their goals. He holds firm that surgery should not be considered an easy way out, but rather a tool that empowers patients to become the healthiest versions of themselves.

Dr. Rajo earned his medical degree at Tulane University School of Medicine. He completed an internship in General Surgery at the University of Washington, a residency in General Surgery at the LSU Health Sciences Center, and a fellowship in Bariatric, Minimally Invasive & Advanced GI Surgery at AdventHealth Tampa.

Dr. Thatimatla, known as Dr. Thati by his patients, is certified by the American Board of Surgery with an expertise in Bariatric Surgery. As the Medical Director for the AdventHealth Dade City Bariatric Program, he partners with hospital leadership to ensure the highest quality standards for every patient in his care. Under his direction, the Bariatric Program at AdventHealth Dade City, has achieved national accreditation by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP).

Dr. Thati leads a patient-centered program focused on holistic options to care, while engaging his patients and their family members in health care decisions. This team approach helps his patients gain more control over their lives, resulting in healthier choices that impact their weight loss success. As a laparoscopic and robotic trained surgeon, Dr. Thati provides multiple weight loss options, such as the sleeve gastrectomy, revisional and conversion bariatric surgical procedures.

He completed his surgical residency at St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton, New Jersey and St. Louis University Hospital in Missouri followed by fellowship training in advanced laparo-endoscopy and bariatric surgery at St. John’s Hospital in Detroit. He serves as Chief of Surgery at AdventHealth Dade City and is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

In his spare time, he enjoys travel, music, movies and watching Cricket.

Dr. Salvador Ramos is a fellowship-trained surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive approaches to both bariatric and general surgical procedures. He uses daVinci® robotic techniques when possible and has performed more than 1500 bariatric surgeries, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding, duodenal switch, revisional and conversion bariatric surgeries.

Dr. Ramos enjoys seeing patients regain their quality of life, control medical difficulties and live a healthier lifestyle through significant weight loss. He takes pride in being meticulous both in patient consultations and in the operating room, and his patients say that his thorough explanation and sense of humor puts them at ease about their life-changing journey. In addition to bariatric surgery, Dr. Ramos also performs other laparoscopic and open general surgeries. He is fluent in Tagalog and two other Philippine dialects.

Dr. Juan C. Gutierrez is board-certified in general surgery and specializes in minimally invasive approaches to both bariatric and general surgery procedures. He is a certified robotic surgeon and performs sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch procedures using laparoscopic or robotic techniques when possible for weight reduction. He also offers the intragastric balloon as a temporary, non-permanent weight-loss option.

Throughout his career, Dr. Gutierrez has dedicated time to clinical research and investigational efforts. He has published works in multiple journals including Cancer, Annals of Surgery, Journal of the American College of Surgeons, Annals of Surgical Oncology, Journal of Surgical Research, Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, and Obesity Surgery. He is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Dr. Dietrick is certified by the American Board of Surgery and specializes in bariatric (weight loss) surgery. As Medical Director of the AdventHealth Tampa Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, he is responsible for maintaining the highest standard of care for each patient who passes through the Institute. He has an interest and expertise in minimally invasive and laparoscopic techniques and teaches robotic skills to surgeons learning this approach. With nearly 30 years of experience, patient-centered care remains his primary focus. He endorses a holistic approach to care and engages each patient in their decisions about health and lifestyle.

As a thought leader, Dr. Dietrick was integral in establishing the Surgical Weight Loss Institute at Florida Hospital Tampa in 2005, now the AdventHealth Tampa Bariatric & Metabolic Institute. Serving as medical director of the program, the hospital obtained national Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) accreditation through the American College of Surgeons (ASC) and the American Society for Metabolic Surgeons (ASMBS).

Dr. Gonzalvo is certified by the American Board of Surgery and specializes in adult and adolescent bariatric surgery. A native of Tampa, Dr. Gonzalvo is dedicated to improving the overall health and well-being of the Tampa Bay community. Together, with a team of providers, he provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program and applies a customized approach for improved well-being to every patient.

As a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Dr. Gonzalvo is passionate about improving the health of those experiencing weight management difficulties, especially in the adolescent population. He is a highly experience surgeon, specializing in complex laparoscopic technique, which results in less scarring and blood loss, faster healing, and less pain for his patients.

Dr. Murr is certified by the American Board of Surgery and specializes in bariatric surgery. For over 30 years, he has been dedicated to helping individuals regain their health by providing a healthy, nurturing environment. Through a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach, Dr. Murr and his team of providers focus on the whole health of each person and apply a customized approach for improved well-being.

Founder of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Florida State Chapter, Dr. Murr has been influential in the medical community. An advocate for bariatric medicine, Dr. Murr has been instrumental in working with Florida Legislature, encouraging insurance companies and employers to support comprehensive obesity management. He also has a deep interest in advances for bariatric and metabolic medicine, which is evident in his extensive research and participation in clinical studies in addition to leading a renowned Fellowship program.