Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center Launches Metabolic & Weight Management Service, Hosts Community Seminar
3/11/2026
POPLAR BLUFF, MO – Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center (PBRMC) has launched a new Metabolic & Weight Management service designed to help patients achieve sustainable weight loss while addressing the underlying health conditions often associated with obesity.
The physician-led program takes a long-term, disease-focused approach to weight management, prioritizing patient safety and coordinated care across multiple specialties. The service is co-directed by gastroenterologist Victor Lawrinenko, M.D.; and clinical pharmacy services director Dodson Cravens, Pharm.D.
As a medically managed weight loss program, services include a comprehensive medical evaluation and a personalized treatment plan, and may include the use of GLP-1 medications, if appropriate, with ongoing follow-up to monitor progress and manage side effects.
“Obesity is a complex medical condition that often affects many areas of a person’s health,” Lawrinenko says. “Our goal is to provide patients with a structured, physician-guided program that not only helps them lose weight but also addresses related conditions such as fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, cardiovascular risk and joint problems.”
Unlike online or medication-only weight loss services, PBRMC’s Metabolic & Weight Management program emphasizes multidisciplinary care collaboration involving gastroenterology, diabetes management, sleep medicine, cardiology, orthopedics and bariatric surgery.
As part of the launch and in recognition of Colon Cancer Awareness Month, PBRMC will host a free community seminar on March 27 titled “Healthy Weight. Healthy Colon. Healthy Life.”
The seminar, held at Poplar Bluff’s Holiday Inn at noon, will introduce the new Metabolic & Weight Management services while also highlighting the importance of prevention and early detection of colon cancer. Attendees will hear from medical experts about risk factors, screening recommendations and how maintaining a healthy weight can positively affect digestive health
and overall wellness.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn practical health information and meet members of the hospital’s care team.
To learn more about the Metabolic & Weight Management services or to schedule an evaluation, patients can contact Regional Physician Services directly at (573) 778-2600 or request an appointment online at https://www.regionalphysicianservices.com/gastro.
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