The original concept for Medi-Weightloss Clinics^® was created by Edward Kaloust, Founder and CEO, in 2004 in Tampa, Florida. An inveterate diet and health enthusiast, Mr. Kaloust researched the growing epidemic of obesity and discovered that Americans spend over $59 billion a year on weight loss programs and products and most regain the weight. After retiring from a very successful 40-year career in the financial services industry, Mr. Kaloust decided to dedicate the remainder of his working career to his vision of providing a safe, effective, and complete program for physicians to offer to their patients.

To manage the daily operations and the Medi-Weightloss Clinics^® growth and development, Mr. Kaloust enlisted the support of his long-time friend, James Edlund, who also had a very successful career, having been the President and/or CEO of several nationally known medical and pharmaceutical companies, including as the former CEO of OBGYN.net, the largest OB/GYN practitioner and patient website in the United States. Mr. Edlund's expertise in business development includes operations, budget planning, long-range strategic planning, product development, sales, management, marketing, and finance.

Together, Edward Kaloust and Jim Edlund have created an exciting franchise system that gives the tools and information necessary to provide a turn-key program that enables Franchisees to open a Medi-Weightloss Clinics^® Business within 30 to 90 days.

Whether as an owner of, employed by, or affiliated with a Medi-Weightloss Clinics^® Business, our physicians follow strict standards to treat patients with the proven medical protocol of the proprietary Medi-Weightloss Clinics^® Program.

Professional Affiliation

Edward Zbella, MD, the Medical Director for Bariatric Medical Seminars, LLC, has been retained to provide the medical training aspects of the Medi-Weightloss Clinics^® Program, including consulting with participating physicians, and conducting staff training on medical issues. Dr. Zbella received his medical degree from the University of Illinois and is a board certified OB/GYN with subspecialty certification in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Dr. Zbella oversees the clinical aspects of our program and protocol. He also provides support and training for new physicians and their staff. He has published numerous scientific articles in major medical journals, has contributed to several medical text books, and is a clinical assistant professor at the University of South Florida. His many honors include being listed as one the nation's foremost physicians in America's Best Doctors, Guide to America's Top OB/GYNs, and Consumer's Guide to Top Doctors.

Evelyn Kikta, ARNP is Vice President of Medical Affairs for Medi-Weightloss Clinics^®. Ms. Kikta received her degrees from University of South Florida and Emory University. Along with specializing in gynecology for over 14 years, she has always had a practice focused on Wellness. Ms. Kikta also has experience in the pharmaceutical sales industry, having been a sales and field trainer for four years. She is responsible for our nutraceutical implementation, assists with training of new clinics and staff, and assists individual clinics with patient care issues.

Leslie E. Carter RD, LD/N is the Corporate Dietitian for Medi-Weightloss Clinics^®. Leslie is a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist, and Certified in Adult Weight Management. Leslie has over nine years of experience as a dietitian in the health care field. She has worked as a clinical dietitian, clinical nutrition manager, and a public health nutritionist. As the Corporate Dietitian, she helps to develop menus, program materials and counseling strategies utilized by staff and patients. She provides technical expertise in the creation of activity tools, motivational products, and counsel's clients with special nutritional needs. She is an active member of the American Dietetic Association, Florida Dietetic Association, and the ADA Weight Management Practice Group. Leslie received her Bachelor's of Food and Nutrition from Florida State University.

Macklin E. Guzmán, MPH is the Chief Compliance Officer and Director of Research & Development for Medi-Weightloss Clinics^®. Macklin has over nine years experience in health care, with experience in hospital administration, health services research and home health care. As the Chief Compliance Officer, he oversees the corporate compliance program by monitoring clinic adherence to applicable state and federal rules and regulations in addition to the Medi-Weightloss Clinics^® program protocol. As the Director of Research & Development, Macklin provides leadership and management of company-wide clinical research and supports development of new programs and activities. He has considerable knowledge in the areas of chronic disease epidemiology, biostatistics, health education and behavioral sciences. He is a member of the American Public Health Association and the American College of Healthcare Executives. Macklin holds a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Administration from Yale University and a Bachelor of Arts from Brandeis University.