Obesity is an epidemic. In Missouri, 36.4% of adults were classified as obese in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

                  In the past, residents in south-central Missouri had to drive up to 2 hours to access effective treatments for obesity. That’s where the Phelps Health Weight Loss and Bariatric Center in Rolla comes in. Rolla native Donald “Donny” Roshan, DO, is an experienced general and bariatric surgeon, leading the new transformative center.
                  “As a Rolla native and Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) graduate, I'm excited to offer bariatric surgery at Phelps Health,” he said. “I look forward to offering this service to the community that I grew up in and love.”
                  Healthcare providers commonly use the body mass index (BMI) to define obesity in the general population. The BMI measures average body weight against average body height. As a general rule, healthcare providers associate a BMI of 30 or higher with obesity.
                  And unfortunately, diet and exercise aren’t always enough. Although it’s easy to blame obesity on a “lack of willpower,” this is far from the truth. Factors including genetics, environment, medical history, hormones and metabolism all play an important role in the ongoing effort to lose weight.
                  Phelps Health is excited to offer this life-changing specialty to patients in the six-county service area – and beyond.
                  “We’re thrilled to have Dr. Roshan at the helm of our new center, which will greatly improve our patients' quality of life,” said Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer Keri Brookshire-Heavin. “Dr. Roshan is an experienced bariatric surgeon with local roots, who understands the need for individualized care.”
                  Dr. Roshan officially joined Phelps Health as a board-certified general and bariatric surgeon in September 2024. He graduated from A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri, and completed his residency at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona.
                  In addition to general surgery, Dr. Roshan performs bariatric (weight loss) surgery, including gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures. He also consults with patients to medically manage their weight loss journey. In addition, he offers medical and surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
                  “My interest in surgery started at a young age,” Dr. Roshan said. “I have fond memories of a family friend who was a general surgeon. He was kind, welcoming and generous, inspiring me to pursue surgery. All throughout high school, I was interested in science (specifically anatomy), and I loved working with my hands. During my second year of medical school, I shadowed a general surgeon. I was blown away by the complexity of the human body, and I liked the idea of performing head-to-toe operations.”
                  While in residency, Dr. Roshan became intrigued with bariatric surgery. He’d witnessed patients experiencing life-changing results in just a short time. They’d go from having chronic joint pain, diabetes and depression, to becoming active, healthy, joyful people, off of their diabetes medication. Their total lifestyle change inspired the doctor and motivated him to help others pursue a healthy and active life through bariatric surgery.
                  For a weight loss surgery to be successful, teamwork is key, according to Dr. Roshan. The change goes beyond the procedure; patients have to be committed to a lifestyle change. He also understands that not everyone is a good candidate for weight loss surgery.
                  “I aim to offer my patients the best option for their needs,” Dr. Roshan said. “If that doesn't involve me, I'll make a referral to the best person for the job.”
                  The doctor and his family are more than ready to get plugged back in to the community.
                  “My wife and I are excited to be back in Rolla,” he said. “We have two young boys and a chocolate lab, who is our family dog/duck hunting companion. As a personal trainer and nutrition coach, my wife is equally invested in health and wellness.”
                  Outside of work, Roshan enjoys outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, kayaking and hiking. He’s also a big fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs.
                  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Roshan, please call 573-426-2422.
                  Are you a candidate for weight loss surgery? Take our 60-second assessment at PhelpsHealthWeightLoss.org to find out.