Kathryn Czaplinski
/ Categories: NEWS, 2024

Capital Bariatrics joins Southwestern Vermont Medical Center’s New York practice

Caption: Surgeons Matthew D. McDonald, DO and Terence Clarke, MD lead the clinical team at Capital Bariatrics.

BENNINGTON, VT—March 11, 2025—Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), a member of Dartmouth Health, is expanding medical weight loss options in the region with Albany-based Capital Bariatrics.

Capital Bariatrics became a practice of SVMC’s Twin Rivers Medical, P.C in February and officially reopened the Albany office at 7 Southwoods Boulevard on March 10. The team is also practicing out of Bennington, Vermont.

“Capital Bariatrics has an established reputation in the region and years of expertise,” said Trey Dobson, MD, chief medical officer and vice president of clinical services at SVMC. “Building upon our existing relationship was a natural progression and one we know will have a positive impact on the communities we serve.”

The clinical team at Capital Bariatrics is led by surgeons Matthew D. McDonald, DO and Terence Clarke, MD. The team provides surgical options, medical weight loss programs, comprehensive support and post-surgery care.

“We’re thrilled to have the additional support and resources that come with being part of an exceptional healthcare system,” said Dr. Clarke. “We closely align in our commitment to providing individualized, safe and compassionate care.”

Dr. McDonald noted that the care team’s expertise and dedication to patients remains the same. 

“Bariatric surgery and medical weight loss is a life-changing journey for patients and we’re grateful to be back, doing what we do best, which is supporting patients on the path to a healthier life,” said Dr. McDonald.

Visit CapitalBariatrics.com or call the office at 518-641-6580 to learn more.

Caption: Surgeons Matthew D. McDonald, DO and Terence Clarke, MD lead the clinical team at Capital Bariatrics.

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About SVMC:

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), a member of Dartmouth Health, is a comprehensive, preeminent, health care system providing exceptional, convenient, and affordable care to the communities of Bennington and Windham Counties of Vermont, eastern Rensselaer and Washington Counties of New York, and northern Berkshire County in Massachusetts. SVMC includes the Dartmouth Cancer Center at SVMC, the SVHC Foundation, as well as 25 primary and specialty care practices. Southwestern Vermont Medical Center is among the most lauded small rural health systems in the nation. It is the recipient of the American Hospital Association’s 2020 Rural Hospital Leadership Award. In addition, SVMC is a five-time recipient of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence. SVMC provides exceptional care without discriminating on the basis of an individual’s age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Language assistance services, free of charge, are available at 1-800-367-9559.

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COVID and Mental Health

We know that COVID-19 has claimed more than 85,000 lives so far. While this is devastating for those individuals and families, national mental health organizations are warning that another crisis could be looming.

Well Being Trust & The Robert Graham Center for Policy Studies in Family Medicine and Primary Care estimate that we could lose 75,000 more people due to "deaths of despair," including increased drug- and alcohol-related events and suicides brought on by stress related to the pandemic.

They based their estimation on previous data combined with the anticipated effects of unemployment and financial instability, social isolation, and uncertainty. All three are among the top causes of drug misuse and suicide.


In my experience, stressful times do put people at greater risk of suicide and drug misuse. While getting financial help, connecting with friends and family regularly, and finding new things to be excited about may help, some people may not be able to see their way to these methods without additional help.

For those who have a history of mental health challenges, it is a good time to reconnect with your therapist remotely via telemedicine. Making this connection is important. Changes in conditions may warrant a change to your medications. Your therapist may also be able to recommend group teletherapy and online support groups that may be suitable for you.

If you have ever considered suicide, it may be useful to work with a friend or family member to make a safety plan. A safety plan is a document written during a time of wellbeing that guides someone when they are experiencing thoughts of suicide. It helps them avoid an intense suicidal crisis.

Safety plans can include warning signs, coping strategies, sources of support, ways to remove suicidal means from the environment, and reasons for living. It can be a comforting and stabilizing force that can help prevent slipping into a crisis. For complete information, visit www.suicideinfo.ca/resource/safety-plans/.

Local help can be found through United Counseling Service (UCS) in Bennington and Manchester. They have a wide array of services for people of all ages. All can be accessed with a single number: 802-442-5491. A Warm Line is available 8-5, Monday through Friday and can connect you with help even if you’re not quite sure exactly what type of help you need. Emergency services are available 24/7.

Those who are experiencing thoughts of suicide should get help right away by National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8355. If in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest Emergency Department.

When we look out for our own mental wellbeing and that of our friends and family, we will find that we truly can make it though this. None of us is alone. Help is just a phone call away.

Doris Russell is the assistant director of Outpatient and Mental Health Services at United Counseling Service.

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