Atrium Health Navicent Weight Management
Our Team
Danny Vaughn, MD - Medical DirectorRobert Parel II, MD - Bariatric Surgeon
Michelle Rowell, NP-C - Program Coordinator/Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Danny M. Vaughn MD
"I believe that bariatrics is one of the most rewarding specialties in medicine. I have seen these procedures make an immense difference in people's lives. Many patients have battled with obesity and self-image for years. Bariatric surgery can help patients win this battle. Weight loss is not the only benefit. Diabetes, hypertension, and many other diseases can be significantly improved or cured with surgery. I take great pride in bringing a diverse array of bariatric surgical options to middle Georgia and surrounding areas."
Danny M. Vaughn, MD has dedicated a significant part of his medical education to advanced laparoscopic surgery as well as laparoscopic bariatric surgery. A native of Rhine, GA, Dr. Vaughn completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Georgia and earned his medical degree from Mercer University School of Medicine. Completing his surgical residency training at The Medical Center of Central Georgia (MCCG), his postgraduate training focused on his interest in laparoscopic surgery as well as weight loss surgery. Finishing with a fellowship in Advanced Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at Saint Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, MO, the fellowship provided intensive training in laparoscopic techniques, including gastrointestinal, solid organ, as well as hernia surgery. His additional training included laparoscopic bariatric surgical procedures including Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Gastric Banding. Dr. Vaughn is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery.
Dr. Vaughn serves as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Mercer University School of Medicine and as Medical Director of the bariatric surgery program here at Navicent Health. He also serves as Director of Mercer University's Surgery Clerkship.
Clinical Interests
Bariatric Surgery
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Laparoscopic Anti-reflux Surgery and Hiatal Hernia Repair
Laparoscopic Treatment of Achalasia
Single Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic Colon Resection
Laparoscopic Splenectomy and Adrenalectomy
Laparoscopic Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair
Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair
Appointments
Assistant Professor
Mercer University School of Medicine Department of Surgery at Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center
Medical Director
Atrium Health Navicent Weight Management
Clerkship Director
Mercer University School of Medicine Surgery Clerkship
Education
Fellowship
Advanced Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at Saint Luke's Hospital
Kansas City, MO
Residency
Mercer University School of Medicine at Medical Center of Central Georgia
Macon, GA
Medical School
Mercer University School of Medicine
Macon, GA
Undergraduate
University of Georgia
Athens, GA
Certifications
American Board of Surgery
Professional Society Memberships
American College of Surgeons
Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons
Bibb County Medical Society
Hospital Affiliations
Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center
Atrium Health Navicent Peach
Practice Locations
Atrium Health Navicent Weight Management
840 Pine Street, Suite 750Macon, GA 31201
Surgical Institute
840 Pine Street, Suite 710Macon, GA 31201
Robert J Parel II, MD FACS
Robert J Parel II, MD FACS was raised in Augusta, Ga. He earned a BS in Microbiology from the Honors Program at the University of Georgia in Athens before getting his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1997. He then completed his internship and residency in General surgery at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans, La in 2002 and has been in practice in Macon since 2005 with an emphasis on minimally invasive surgery. His specialty includes Laparoscopic and Robotic surgery and he applies these modalities to all aspects of surgery to include Bariatrics and he has been involved with the Atrium Health Navicent Weight Management since its inception. He is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Mercer University School of Medicine Department of Surgery, is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Appointments
Assistant Professor
Mercer University School of Medicine Department of Surgery at Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center
Education
Residency
Ochsner Clinic and HospitalGeneral Surgery
New Orleans, LA
Internship
Ochsner Clinic and HospitalGeneral Surgery
New Orleans, LA
Medical School
Medical College of GeorgiaAugusta, GA
Undergraduate
University of GeorgiaHonors Program
Athens, GA
Certifications
American Board of Surgery 2003
Recertified 2014
Professional Society Memberships
American College of Surgeons, Fellow
Southeastern Surgical Congress, Fellow
Bibb County Medical Society, Board Member
Hospital Affiliations
Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center
Atrium Health Navicent Peach
Coliseum Medical Centers
Monroe County Hospital In Partnership with Atrium Health Navicent
Practice Locations
Atrium Health Navicent Weight Management
840 Pine Street, Suite 750Macon, GA 31201
Surgical Institute
840 Pine Street, Suite 710Macon, GA 31201
Michelle Rowell, NP-C
Michelle has 7 years experience as a Nurse Practitioner, with prior work experience in Trauma, Gastroenterology and Pain management. She has been a Registered Nurse for 20 years with experience in ER, Trauma, Oncology and Med-Surg. Her professional experience in conjunction with an interest in healthy lifestyle is what has motivated her to work with bariatric patients. For those patients who are on their journey to wellness, it is her desire to be a positive role model and motivator as patients make lifestyle changes to have a healthier and more satisfying life.
Licensure:
Board Certified AANP 2006
Education:
1991 Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) Marketing- Valdosta State
1993 Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)- Macon State College
1994 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)- Georgia Southwestern
2005 Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)- Kennesaw State University
Personal Interests:
Running, CrossFit, Music/Singing