Meet Okeefe Simmons, MD

We had the good fortune of connecting with Okeefe Simmons, MD and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Okeefe, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Miami’s clear need for a doctor who is a clinically trained in weight loss and board certified – this is what ignited my idea to start Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions in Miami. We all know that Miami has a lot of plastics surgeons, and there many bariatric surgeons here as well. There are also a lot of patients in South Florida who want to lose weight but do not want surgery. So what are their options? That is what this office is for – to offer proven, effective alternatives including non-surgical weight loss procedures (such as the gastric balloon, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, and endoscopic revision of prior bariatric surgery), weight loss medications, and health/lifestyle coaching.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Weight loss under the supervision of a clinically trained, board-certified physician specialist is part of what makes Simmons MD unique. With the growing popularity of the injectable weight loss medications, it seems like every day there is a new clinic advertising these medications. Often these are compound medications (with no FDA regulation) used as part of a one size fits all approach where all patients get the same medication and the provider hopes it works. In contrast, at Simmons MD we emphasize a personalized approach and participation in our comprehensive weight loss program.

Taking a step back and reflecting on the process it took to get here – the journey has been very (very) long, and also incredibly rewarding. I am the first triple-fellowship trained physician (bariatric endoscopy, obesity medicine, gastroenterology) in the country and the first fellowship trained bariatric endoscopist in Miami. I completed this training at Cornell Medicine/New York Presbyterian and the University of Southern California, and this was after 4 years of medical school at the University of Miami and 3 years of internal medicine at the University of Texas – Southwestern. For context, after residency most physicians either don’t complete a fellowship (e.g. sub-specialty) or complete 1 fellowship program.

All of the training and great weight loss services do not mean much without the end result – the success of my patients. Ultimately it is helping my patients achieve or surpass their goals, improve weight related medical conditions, and live a healthier life that continues to make the journey worthwhile.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I really enjoy being outside so most of my favorite areas and things about South Florida involve just that – being outside and taking advantage of the great weather we have throughout the year (even the summertime heat). We have beautiful beaches where you can find me running, playing volleyball, or doing absolutely nothing but sitting. There are so many areas to play pick-up sports (soccer and beach volleyball are my favorites). Catching a Dolphins or a big Miami Hurricanes football game at Hard Rock Stadium is a must for sports fans. An added touch to the restaurant scene in Miami is that you can opt for high quality food and a scenic dining experience. And finally I was surprised by how much I (someone who is not particularly artsy) was impressed and entertained by Art Basel and the events surrounding it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are too many people to individually name who helped me get to where I am today. My family has been supportive of my academic and professional endeavors since day one. My closest friends simultaneously encourage my professional pursuits and ensure that I maintain my interests outside of medicine, such as travel and sports. The mentors I had throughout my medical education, clinical training, and career have played pivotal roles in my professional development. I am fortunate that I had the opportunity to train at elite medical institutions across the country with national and international thought leaders who helped to mold me into the physician I am today.

Website: https://simmonsweightloss.com/

Instagram: @doctorweightloss305

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simmons-md-advanced-weight-loss-solutions-925210309/

Facebook: @doctorweightloss305

Other: Tiktok: @doctorweightloss305

Image Credits
Domino Arts Photography