Meet the Staff
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS), “each year 300,000 adults in the U.S. will die from obesity related causes and as of 2004; the proportion of obese adults reached a staggering 32% of total population”.
Chuck Shaffer, M.D.
Dr. Shaffer has been in the medical field for over 30 years and 20 of those have been spent dedicated to emergency care. Although over the past decade he has become more and more interested in issues surrounding adult and childhood obesity. Dr. Shaffer’s understanding of this problem inspired him to develop a program for helping individuals overcome their eating disorders through education and counseling. He believes through discipline and dedication all patients can enjoy the fruits of their labor. Dr. Shaffer understands what it takes to become successful for each specific individual by providing a quality service in a comfortable environment.
Robert M. Dums, M.D.
Dr. Dums graduated from UNC–Chapel Hill in 1996 specializing in Family Medicine. After graduation he moved to Roanoke, VA where he completed his residency at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Dr. Dums adds a unique bonus to the patients at The Weigh Station due to his own Type 1 diabetes. Dr. Dums understands how important weight loss and sugar control are in a healthy living. He is a member of the (ADA) American Diabetes Association along with (AADP) American Academy of Family Practice.
Tricia Foley, MS, R.D.
Tricia Foley received her Bachelor degree in Nutrition and Exercise Science from Western Carolina University in 2004 while also competing in their track and field team. After graduating, Tricia completed a 900 hour supervised internship and became a Registered Dietitian in 2005. She then moved to Christiansburg, VA where she received her Master’s degree from Virginia Tech in 2007 while working in the VT Athletic Department as an Assistant Sports Dietitian. Tricia has a background in Clinical and Renal nutrition that provides education and counseling for weight loss/management for all ages.
Adrian Aron, ABD, PhD
In 2005, he earned a Masters degree from Bloomsburg University and is now currently an Exercise, Sport and Education Professor at neighboring Radford University. He is a certified Exercise Specialist by the American College of Sport Medicine but over the past 4 years he has written numerous articles concerning obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular consequences and the accessibility/efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation programs. Some of his articles can be found in the Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention, Med Sci Sports and Exercise and International Journal of Cardiology.
Susan Bricken
After a career in counseling and social services, Susan started in the fitness industry in 1998. In the beginning she was certified as a personal trainer by the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Soon thereafter, Bricken gained certifications in (ACE) through Lifestyle, Weight Management and by the National Strength Professionals Association (NSPA). Susan has taken numerous courses and workshops within the health and fitness profession emphasizing in weight management, physical rehabilitation and other programs designed for elders. Bricken also is certified by the American Academy of Health, Fitness and Rehabilitation Professionals, National Academy of Sports Medicine and Madd Dogg Athletics as a spinning instructor. Before moving to Christiansburg in 2005, she opened and managed health clubs for a national chain and assisted in the program designed to teach fitness trainers how to design and implement exercise programs. Currently, she provides patients with exercise regimens, weight maintenance workshops and facilitates children’s programs.
At The Weigh Station, our physicians are dedicated to helping America fight against obesity. Both Dr. Shaffer and Dums are certified members of the (ASBP) American Society of Bariatric Physicians. The American Society of Bariatric Physicians is a leading national professional organization providing physicians and other health professionals with education in the medical management of weight loss and related medical conditions.
Fletcher, A., Menifield E. C. (2008). Obesity in America. The ABNF Journal. 19, 3, 83-88.