Charles J. Parker

Dr. Eric Volckmann is the Director of the University of Utah Health Care Bariatric Surgery Program at the University Hospital in Salt Lake City. Dr. Volckmann specializes in minimally invasive upper gastrointestinal procedures and bariatric (weight loss) surgery. Dr. Volckmann received his medical degree from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He then continued on to his residency in Chicago at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. While at Northwestern, Dr. Volckmann also completed a two-year research fellowship focusing on the development of new minimally invasive surgical techniques. After finishing his surgical residency, Dr. Volckmann then completed a Clinical Assistant Professorship at The Ohio State University Medical Center (one of the oldest training programs in the country focused on minimally invasive surgery) where he gained extensive training in minimally invasive gastrointestinal and bariatric procedures such as laparoscopic gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding. Dr. Volckmann's other areas of clinical expertise include: diagnostic and interventional flexible upper endoscopy, laparoscopic surgery for complicated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal hernias, achalasia, and abdominal wall hernias. Dr. Volckmann's research interests include surgical outcomes and quality, and studying the effects of bariatric surgery on inflammation, nutrition, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

As a radiologist, I’m like a detective with X-ray vision—I use imaging technology to look for clues inside the body to figure out why someone is not feeling well. The clues I find help solve the mystery of illness and play an important part in guiding treatment. I specialize in breast imaging and use different types of exams such as mammograms, ultrasounds, MRI, and PET/CT scans to detect disease. My patients include women having an annual screening mammogram and those who are in various stages of care for breast cancer. I see women who have a family history of breast cancer and are at higher risk, those who already have breast cancer to prepare for or monitor treatment, and those who have benign breast conditions. Very often, I may be the first breast cancer specialist a person meets. As part of the breast care team, I educate and guide my patients through imaging options based on their personal and family medical history. I also refer them to genetic counselors and oncologists, so they can learn more about their risk factors and treatment options. To help reduce anxiety, I take the time to explain the imaging findings and possible next steps. If I see something suspicious or unusual on an exam, I perform a biopsy. I also specialize in procedures localizations to mark the location of a breast tumor or abnormal tissue, which helps surgeons to tailor their surgical approach. At the University of Utah/Huntsman Cancer Hospital, we offer the latest technologies to all our patients. This includes digital breast tomosynthesis, an advanced three-dimensional technology that helps improve our ability to detect breast cancer. We also use breast MRI to screen high-risk women and to evaluate how much disease is present in patients with cancer. I am currently involved in researching how artificial intelligence can be used as a support tool to improve breast cancer detection. I serve as the Medical Director of Breast Imaging IT and Innovation and as the Fellowship Director of Breast Imaging training. I am a member of the Radiological Society of North America and serve as a member of the Informatics Committee, which helps to create methods and tools for radiologists to do their work more efficiently and effectively.

Dr. Pippitt is a family medicine physician practicing at Sugar House Health Center. Dr. Pippitt enjoys seeing patients of all age ranges and has an interest in pediatrics, women's health, headaches and contraception.