Provider Profile: Andrew Lederman, MD, FACS, FASMBS, BMC Bariatric Surgeon

08:45AM / Wednesday, January 11, 2023Print Story | Email Story

With the New Year comes resolutions for many, and some involve improving your health through weight loss. But for many facing obesity and the chronic conditions that can accompany it, such as Diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis or joint problems, among others, dieting may not be enough. Dr. Andrew Lederman is the Medical Director of the Berkshire Center for Weight Loss Surgery at BMC, and a highly skilled and experienced bariatric surgeon.

"I think our bariatric program is fairly unique and has proven to be successful for the more than 1,000 patients we've served throughout the Berkshires and Southern Vermont," said Dr. Lederman. "Our team focuses on success, and we concentrate on the spectrum of care that can help to ensure that the patient is ready for this dramatic change in their lives, emotionally and physically."

The BMC program begins with an online seminar for people interested in surgery, where Dr. Lederman discusses the options for bariatric surgery, including Gastric Bypass or Sleeve Gastrectomy, and the commitment required to not only lose the weight, but to maintain their new healthy regimen. When patients go forward with their decision to have surgery, there is a tremendous focus on teaching patients the skills necessary to be a success. "We think of weight loss surgery as a tool, and like any tool, it needs to be used the right way. So, unlike other operations, we have an entire program designed to teach you how to use that tool correctly" said Dr. Lederman.

"When a patient loses about half their excess weight, that's when we see many of their medical problems get better," he said. "Patients have been able to come off insulin and medications, their sleep apnea improves, blood pressure comes down and joints have less pressure, all of those problems that can be part of being obese."

A Boston native, Dr. Lederman came to the Berkshires in 2004 after serving with the Division of General and Gastrointestinal Surgery at Emory University in Atlanta. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery and the National Board of Medical Examiners. He serves as a site inspector for the American College of Surgeons, helping to certify other bariatric surgery centers at major hospitals around the country.

Dr. Lederman received his Medical Degree from the University of Virginia and completed his residency training at the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York. He is fellowship trained in minimally invasive surgery from Emory University in Atlanta. Dr. Lederman also specializes in minimally invasive general, gastrointestinal and endoscopic surgery.

The online seminar for Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery at BMC is held the first Tuesday of each month in the evening, and registration can be made by calling 413-395-7510.

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Pittsfield Extends Interim School Superintendent Contract

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:31AM / Wednesday, December 17, 2025

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Interim Superintendent Latifah Phillips' employment has been extended to 2027.

Last week, the School Committee approved an employment contract that runs through June 30, 2027. Phillips was originally appointed to a one-year position that began on July 1 and runs through the end of the fiscal year in June 2026.

"You didn't ask me simply to endure challenges or struggle to prove myself. Instead, you believe in me, you've given me the space to grow, the encouragement to stretch, and the expectation that I can truly soar," she said earlier in last Wednesday's meeting when addressing outgoing School Committee members.

"You question, you poke, you prod, but not to tear anything down, but to make our work stronger, grounded in honesty, integrity, and hope. You've entrusted me with meaningful responsibility and welcomed me into the heart of this community. Serving you and leading our public schools has been, thus far, a joyful, renewing chapter in my life, and I want to thank you for this opportunity."

Chair William Cameron reported that the extended contract includes a 3 percent cost-of-living increase in the second year and more specific guidelines for dismissal or disciplinary action.

Phillips was selected out of two other applicants for the position in May. Former Superintendent Joseph Curtis retired at the end of the school year after more than 30 years with the district.

The committee also approved an employment contract with Assistant Superintendent for CTE and Student Support Tammy Gage that runs through June 30, 2031. Cameron reported that there is an adjustment to the contract's first-year salary to account for new "substantive" responsibilities, and the last three years of the contract's pay are open to negotiation.

The middle school restructuring, which was given the green light later that night, and the proposal to rebuild and consolidate Crosby Elementary School and Conte Community School on West Street, have been immediate action items in Phillips' tenure.

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