go to Allina Hospitals & Clinics home Careers | Contact Us | En Español | Employee Sign-in

Advanced Search


Back to Services & Programs
Back to Unity Hospital

Meet the staff


Daniel Baker, MD

Daniel Baker, MD, FACS
Surgeon
Unity Hospital Bariatric Center

Dr. Baker became interested in Gastric Restrictive Surgery in 1979 after observing superior outcomes with stomach stapling in contrast to the older intestinal bypass surgery. As a result, Dr. Baker has focused on gastric operations for obesity control for the past 25 years.

Since 1985, the majority of his 1,600+ procedures have been the Roux-en Y gastric bypass. The procedure's excellent results go hand-in-hand with Dr. Baker's ongoing study and innovations in operation safety, patient preparation and screening, long-term follow up, pain reduction, and cost savings. He now heads an integrated program designed to further enhance all of these efforts and to maximize patient satisfaction and success.

Dr. Baker is an alumnus of Hamline University and graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 1962. After he completed his internship at Minneapolis General Hospital and residency in general surgery at Hennepin County General Hospital (1963-1968) he entered private practice.

His credentials include:

  • Centers of Excellence, Surgeon – American Society of Bariatric Surgery, Surgical Review Corporation
  • Medical Director, Unity Hospital Bariatric Center
  • Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery, U of M Medical School, 1980 - present
  • Fellow, American College of Surgeons, 1982
  • Diplomat, American Board of Surgery, 1972.

Memberships include:

  • American Society for Bariatric Surgery
  • International Bariatric Surgery Registry

In addition to Dr. Baker's bariatric surgery practice, he has an enduring interest in a broad spectrum of general surgical disciplines including surgery of the thyroid, breast, and hernia problems.

Outside of his busy practice, Dr. Baker enjoys activities centered around his children and grandchildren. In the winter his family skis and snowshoes while summer holidays are spent bicycling, hiking, or working in the "Baker Apple Orchard" in Wisconsin.

Return to top.

Frederick (Rick) Johnson, MD, RN

Frederick (Rick) Johnson, MD, FACS
Surgeon
Medical Director
Unity Hospital Bariatric Center

On January 1, 2002, Frederick (Rick) Johnson, MD, joined Daniel R. Baker, MD, in the practice of general and bariatric surgery. Dr. Johnson has been a general surgeon at Unity Hospital since August 1978, with special interest in areas of intestinal, breast, hernia, thyroid, and laparoscopic surgery. Over this period of time, as a colleague and friend of Dr. Baker, Dr. Johnson has become increasingly interested in the problem of genetic obesity, the impact on the patient’s health and mobility, and the futility of medical management. Dr. Johnson has made a commitment to apply his clinical expertise and surgical skills towards improving the health, lifestyle, and longevity of the morbidly obese patient population.

He has done more than 1100 open Roux-en Y gastric bypass surgeries. In addition to the open gastric bypass he also performs the laparoscopic Roux-en Y gastric bypass and lap-band surgery for his patients.


Dr. Johnson's credentials and memberships include:

  • Medical Director, Unity Hospital Bariatric and Weight Loss Center
  • Centers of Excellence, Surgeon – American Society of Bariatric Surgery, Surgical Review Corporation
  • Fellow, American College of Surgeons, 1981
  • Diplomat, American Board of Surgery, 1978
  • Minnesota State Medical Society
  • Hennepin County Medical Society
  • American Society of Bariatric Surgery

Dr. Johnson’s upbringing, education, and professional career have always been centered in Minnesota. He grew up in Cloquet, MN, and received his undergraduate, MD degree and surgical training at the University of Minnesota. Between 1976 and 1978, Dr. Johnson preformed surgery as a Major in the United States Air Force Medical Corps, at Scott AFB, Illinois. Dr. Johnson was with Columbia Park Medical Group from 1978 to 2001.

Return to top.

photo of Dr. Jeffrey Baker

Jeffrey Baker, MD, FACS
Surgeon
Unity Hospital Bariatric Center

Jeffrey Baker, MD, has been performing bariatric procedures since 1996. On March 1, 2003, he joined Daniel R. Baker, MD, in the practice of general and bariatric surgery. Dr. Jeff Baker performs open Roux-en Y, laparoscopic Roux-en Y, and lap-band surgery for his patients. A graduate of the University of Minnesota Medical School, he received his residency training in general surgery and trauma surgery at Hennepin County Medical Center – Level 1 Trauma Center. Additionally, Dr. Jeff Baker is nationally published both in general surgery and laparoscopic surgery, being credited, along with Dr. Michael West, with figuring out the scientific basis of why patients might have less pain following laparoscopic operations.

His awards include:

  • Centers of Excellence, Surgeon – American Society of Bariatric Surgery, Surgical Review Corporation
  • Melvin P. Bubrick, MD, Surgical Resident Teaching Award
  • Outstanding Contributions to Medical Student Education Award – Rural Physician Associate Program.

His credentials include:

  • Diplomat, American College of Surgeons
  • Member, American Society for Bariatric Surgery
  • Member, Society of Laparoscopic Surgeons
  • Member, American Medical Association
  • Member, Minnesota Medical Association
  • Member, Hitchcock Surgical Society, Hennepin County Medical Center

Born in 1958, Dr. Jeff Baker grew up in the Twin Cities' northern suburbs. Jeff has four children ages 19, 12, 10 and 8. His interests include his family, competitive downhill skiing and competitive road cycling.

Return to top.

Janet Rudlong, RN

Janet Rudlong, RN, BA
Bariatric Center Manager

Janet Rudlong has been a Registered Nurse since 1972. She began her nursing career at Gillette Children's Hospital in St. Paul, MN where she worked with handicapped children. After she moved to Andover, MN she started working at Mercy Hospital in Pediatrics and Adolescents in 1974.  In 1996, Janet, along with Dr. Daniel Baker, created and designed the Unity Hospital Bariatric Center.

Her accomplishments include:

  • Head Nurse, Pediatrics & Adolescents, Mercy Hospital, 1981
  • Opening the Ambulatory Care Unit, Mercy Hospital, 1992
  • Nurse Manager, Ambulatory Care and Emergency Department, Mercy Hospital, 1993
  • Assisted in the design of theUnity Hospital Bariatric Center, 1996
  • Bariatric Program Manager, Unity Hospital, 1996

Memberships include:

  • Associate Member, American Society for Bariatric Surgery

Janet has worked extensively with gastric bypass patients since 1996. She teaches the free introductory classes on gastric bypass surgery. She also does one-to-one pre-surgery teaching, education and long-term patient follow up.

Janet has a daughter, two stepchildren and two grandchildren. In her spare time, she quilts, gardens and travels.

Return to top.

Diane Gladhill

Diane Gladhill, RN
Bariatric Nurse Clinician

Awards include:

  • Outstanding Nurse of the Year, recognizing her compassion and dedication in patient care, 1987.

Memberships include:

  • Associate Member, American Society for Bariatric Surgery

Diane has worked as a Registered Nurse at Unity Hospital since 1976, providing nursing care for patients on the post-surgical unit. Throughout the past 27 years, she has been an active member of her nursing unit, participating on several committees to ensure quality care delivery to all patients. She has shared her knowledge, experience and passion for nursing by serving as the educator for the medical-surgical nursing staff at Unity Hospital. Diane has been a clinical nursing instructor for area colleges.

Diane began working as a Nurse Clinician with the Unity Hospital Bariatric Center in 1999, following three years as a member of the team of nurses at Unity who specialize in the post-operative care of gastric bypass patients. She meets with prospective patients, gathers information, evaluates educational and psychological needs, and provides individualized education. She sees patients prior to and after surgery and in long-term follow up.

Diane has lived in the north metro area all of her life. She is married and has three adult children and three grandchildren. In her spare time she enjoys painting, sewing, camping and spending time with family and friends.

Return to top.

photo of Lynn Shriver, RN

Lynn Shriver, RN
Bariatric Nurse Clinician

Memberships include:

  • Associate Member, American Society for Bariatric Surgery

Lynn Shriver has worked as a Bariatric Nurse Clinician since May 2003. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Nursing. She has worked in critical care nursing and as a liver transplant coordinator. She meets with prospective patients, gathers information, evaluates educational and psychological needs, and provides individualized education. She sees patients prior to and after surgery and in long-term follow up.

Her interests include family activities, the outdoors (especially water sports) and spirituality.

Return to top.

photo of Brenda Montei, RN

Brenda Montei, RN, BSN
Bariatric Nurse Clinician

Memberships include:

  • Associate Member, American Society for Bariatric Surgery

Brenda has worked at Unity Hospital since 1997, on 1 West, in the operating room and with the Bariatric Center since June 2003. She enjoys working with patients in overcoming obesity.

She received her RN degree in 1999 from Anoka Ramsey Community College. She completed her BSN degree in 2004 from Bethel College.

Brenda created, started and facilitates a new support group called Find Your Weigh. She meets with prospective patients, gathers information, evaluates educational and psychological needs, and provides individualized education. She sees patients prior to and after surgery and in long-term follow up.

She enjoys spending time with her family, quilting and volunteering at her church.

Return to top.

photo of Sandra Gryniewski, RN, BSN

Sandra Gryniewski, RN, BSN
Bariatric Nurse Clinician

Memberships include:

  • Minnesota Holistic Nurses Association

Sandy has worked at Unity Hospital for 25 years. During this time, she has served in various roles, including staff nurse, nursing supervisor, clinical development coordinator and nurse manager on the Ortho-Surgical Unit, 3 West and now the Bariatric Center.

She has always been involved in improving patient care and conditions throughout the hospital. Sandy is committed to, and practices holistic care. She is an active member of the Mercy & Unity Healing Environments Committee and Complementary/Alternative Therapies group. She is a member of the Minnesota Holistic Nurses Association. She meets with prospective patients, gathers information, evaluates educational and psychological needs, and provides individualized education. She sees patients prior to and after surgery and in long-term follow up.

Sandy is married and has two grown sons and two granddaughters. In her leisure time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. She enjoys outdoor and sporting activities such as golfing, hiking, skiing and traveling.

Return to top.

photo of Darla Schmitz, RN, BSN

Darla Schmitz, RN, BSN
Bariatric Nurse Clinician


Darla began working at Unity Hospital in 2002 as a registered nurse on 3 West, the ortho-surgical unit. She continues to provide care for patients following surgery and is an active member of the team of caregivers who specialize in post-operative care of gastric bypass patients.

Darla joined Unity Hospital's Bariatric Center in 2004. She meets with prospective patients, gathers information, evaluates educational and psychological needs and provides individualized education. She sees patients prior to and after surgery and during long-term follow up.

In addition, she has been instrumental in creating and implementing continuing education for bariatric and Unity 3 West staff, insuring continuity of care through all phases of patient progression.

In her free time, Darla enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, quilting and sewing.

Return to top.


 

 

Unity Hospital Bariatric and Weight Loss Center
Unity Professional Building, Suite 200
500 Osborne Road NE
Fridley, MN 55432
763-236-2045



 

back to top Back to Top

This site is presented for information only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice.
Allina®, the Allina logo, and Medformation® are registered trademarks of Allina Health System.
Presentation and Design ©2008 Allina Health System. All Rights Reserved.