J. Ryland Scott, M.D., Bariatric Surgeon

J. Ryland Scott, M.D.,FACS, General and Bariatric Surgeon, joined Harbin Clinic in August 2003. He came to Harbin Clinic from the University of Virginia Healthcare System in Charlottesville, Va., where he served as a Clinical Instructor of Surgery and completed a Fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopy and Bariatric Surgery.  Dr. Scott completed an internship and residency in General Surgery at Emory University Affiliated Hospitals in Atlanta, Ga. after receiving his Medical Doctorate degree from Emory University School of Medicine.  He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Va. Dr. Scott is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is a member of the American Medical Association, American College of Surgeons, Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons, Society of Surgeons of the Alimentary Tract, American Society of Bariatric Surgery and International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity.  Dr. Scott and his wife have 3 children and reside in Rome.

Jason Franklin, PA-C, Physician Assistant

Jason Franklin, PA-C, Physician Assistant, joined Harbin Clinic in 2003. He assists Dr. Scott in bariatric, laparoscopic, and general surgery procedures; provides patient care in the office and hospital; and performs Lap-Band adjustments to facilitate weight loss. He has received a certificate in Lap-Band patient care and adjustment. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Kennesaw State University, and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Physician Assistant from the Medical College of Georgia. He is a Certified Physician Assistant and a Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. He and his wife, Mara, live in Rome.

Ginger Deems, R.N., Bariatric Coordinator

Ginger Deems, R.N., Bariatric Coordinator, joined Harbin Clinic in July 2003. She coordinates all bariatric surgery appointments, the pre and post-operative care for patients, facilitates the insurance approval process, and provides invaluable support.  She has completed the American Society of Bariatric Surgery’s Essentials of Bariatric Surgery Course for allied health professionals.  Her previous work experience includes working as a circulator in the Operating Room at Redmond Regional Medical Center and in Maternal Child Services at Floyd Medical Center. Ms. Deems received her Associate of Nursing degree from Floyd College School of Nursing in Rome, GA. She and her husband, Stephen, have three children and reside in Rome.

Kristin Dickhoner, RD, LD, Dietitian

Kristin Dickhoner, RD, LD, Dietitian, joined Harbin Clinic in January 2008. In addition to serving as the Bariatric Dietitian, she works at the Harbin Clinic Diabetes Management Center providing Medical Nutrition Therapy for patients with Diabetes and other nutrition-related diseases. Prior to joining the staff of Harbin Clinic, she interned as a clinical dietitian at the Ohio State University Center for Wellness and Prevention at the Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus. Ms. Dickhoner received her Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Dietetics from Ohio State University in Columbus. She is a registered dietitian. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association.

Dr. Scott and Bariatric Center staff work closely with other departments in the Harbin Clinic to provide you with quality, comprehensive care. Click on the department below for information on the department and physicians.

Behavioral Sciences
Cardiology
Endocrinology
Family Practice
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Pulmonary
Sleep Disorders Center
Vitality Wellness Center
Weight Loss Center