About Dr. Alan Craig Wittgrove, MD

Pioneering bariatric surgeon Dr. Alan C. Wittgrove, MD, FACS, is widely regarded to have revolutionized the field of weight-loss surgery with his contributions to the advancement of laparoscopic technique. Originally from Missouri, he began his medical career after completing a degree from the St. Louis College of Pharmacy in 1972 and obtained his medical degree through the University of Missouri School of Medicine. The first laparoscopic gastric bypass procedure took place under Dr. Wittgrove’s direction in 1993, making him the first surgeon in the world to do so. Since then, Dr. Wittgrove and his team have performed over 5,000 laparoscopic procedures.

Dr. Wittgrove’s military and academic background provided him with many of the skills necessary for leadership roles in surgery. His training comprised internships at UCLA and surgical residency programs at the San Diego Naval Hospital and his duty as a staff surgeon at various naval medical facilities, including hospitals in the Philippines and Bremerton, Washington.

In addition to being board-certified in surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, he also served in professional leadership positions, including as president of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS).

Education

Medical School
– University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine (1976)

Internship
– Naval Medical Center San Diego, Medicine (1976-1977)

Residency
– Naval Medical Center San Diego, General Surgery (1977-1981)

Certifications

– American Board of Surgery, Surgery
– American Board of Obesity Medicine, Obesity Medicine
– CA State Medical License (1981-2027)
– WA State Medical License (1983-2003)
– NV State Medical License (1994-2011)

Memberships

– American College of Surgeons
– American Society for Bariatric Surgery
– San Diego Society of General Surgeons
– San Diego County Medical Society
– California Medical Association

Practice Locations

12800 Pointe Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA