Metamor Institute: Tackling a National Epidemic from Louisiana

Metamor Director Dr. Philip Schauer's storied career in treating obesity and metabolic disease has included more than 350 scientific papers, 60 textbook chapters, three full textbooks, and over 8,000 surgeries. Most recently, he served as Professor of Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and Director of the Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute (BMI). Even while working at one of the most prestigious medical centers in the world, Dr. Schauer could not deny the exceptional nature of what was being created in Louisiana, prompting him to relocate and take the lead of this one-of-a-kind institute.

The uniqueness of Metamor lies in numbers – the number of scientists and healthcare providers focused solely on obesity and metabolic diseases, as well as the number of treatment approaches being utilized. Whereas most facilities focus on a single aspect of weight loss, such as bariatric surgery, Metamor's treatment options include lifestyle interventions, drug and combination therapies, and surgical procedures, all within a single practice. As a result, it has not only become a life-altering treatment facility for citizens of Louisiana, but also a medical destination for others across the country and around the globe.

Metamor’s impact goes beyond saving lives, to having a substantial impact on Louisiana’s economy. Their work reduces the burden of long-term health costs, increases the productivity of individuals who undergo treatment, attracts patients from out-of-state, and provides a compelling research partner for economic development opportunities in pharmaceuticals and medical device manufacturing.