Skip to content

Our team

Meet the people behind your care.

Clinical experience, nutrition guidance and thoughtful coordination, with time for your questions.

Aliu O. Sanni, MD, FACS

Bariatric & General Surgeon

Aliu O. Sanni, MD, FACS

Board-certified general surgeon bringing medical weight management, bariatric care and general surgery together for Metro Atlanta patients.

Full bio & credentialsClose full bio

Credentials & professional background

  • MD; board-certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery
  • Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
  • Fellow of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
  • Medical education began in Newcastle upon Tyne, England
  • Residency — SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, New York
  • Minimally invasive surgery fellowship — Emory University, 2014
  • Medical Director, comprehensive weight-loss surgery program — Piedmont Eastside Medical Center
  • Clinical Professor of Surgery — Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Georgia Campus
  • Associate Professor of Surgery — Medical College of Georgia/Augusta University

Full biography

Dr. Aliu O. Sanni provides medical weight-management, bariatric and general surgical care for patients in Snellville and across Metro Atlanta. His approach brings a patient’s concerns, health history and personal goals into the conversation about treatment options, preparation and follow-up.

He began his medical education in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, before completing his residency at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University in New York. He completed a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery at Emory University in 2014.

Alongside his clinical work, Dr. Sanni directs the comprehensive weight-loss surgery program at Piedmont Eastside Medical Center and holds academic appointments at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Georgia Campus and Medical College of Georgia/Augusta University. His professional fellowships include the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

Dr. Dhalia, DBA

President & Director of Operations

Dr. Dhalia, DBA

Doctor of Business Administration with more than two decades of experience in accounting, finance, leadership and practice operations.

Full bio & credentialsClose full bio

Credentials & professional background

  • Doctorate in Business Administration — Georgia State University
  • Master’s degree in Accounting — Wagner College, New York

Full biography

Dr. Dhalia serves as the President and Director of Operations at EBGS, bringing more than two decades of distinguished experience in accounting, finance, organizational leadership, and business operations. She holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from Georgia State University and a Master’s degree in Accounting from Wagner College in New York. Her extensive academic background, combined with her professional expertise, provides a strong foundation for strategic leadership, operational excellence, and sustainable organizational growth.

As a forward-thinking executive, Dr. Dhalia combines financial acumen with strategic vision to strengthen organizational performance, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance. Her leadership encompasses financial oversight, strategic planning, process improvement, organizational development, and cross-functional collaboration. She is passionate about translating organizational goals into actionable strategies that drive measurable results while supporting EBGS's mission of delivering exceptional care and services to the communities it serves.

Recognized for her collaborative leadership style, sound judgment, and exceptional interpersonal skills, Dr. Dhalia is committed to cultivating a workplace culture rooted in accountability, integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement. She believes that empowering individuals, investing in professional development, and fostering meaningful teamwork are essential to building high-performing organizations.

In her role, Dr. Dhalia provides strategic direction and operational oversight across multiple departments, ensuring that teams have the resources, guidance, and support needed to excel. Her commitment to organizational excellence extends beyond operational success to creating an environment where employees feel valued, clients receive exceptional service, and the organization continues to evolve in response to the needs of the community.

Driven by a passion for purposeful leadership, Dr. Dhalia remains dedicated to advancing EBGS's mission, strengthening its organizational foundation, and making a meaningful, lasting impact on the lives of those it serves.

In Dr. Dhalia’s words

What’s Your Favorite Thing About Working at the practice?

What I value most about working at EBGS is being part of a compassionate, mission-driven team that is genuinely committed to improving lives and strengthening the communities we serve. It is incredibly rewarding to work alongside professionals who share a passion for delivering quality care, promoting dignity, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

As a leader, I find great fulfillment in supporting our team members, fostering a culture of collaboration, and helping create an environment where both our employees and the individuals we serve can thrive.

What Would You Like to Share About Your Personal History?

As the firstborn in my family, I developed a strong sense of responsibility, leadership, and perseverance early in life. My multicultural heritage and connections to multiple nationalities have shaped my worldview, giving me a deep appreciation for diversity, inclusion, and the richness of different cultures and perspectives.

These experiences have profoundly influenced both my personal values and professional leadership philosophy. They have taught me the importance of adaptability, empathy, resilience, and building meaningful connections with people from all walks of life.

I take pride in embracing my diverse background and drawing on those experiences to lead with authenticity, compassion, and purpose.

Darlene

Board-Certified Physician Assistant

Darlene

Supports medical weight management, consultations and care before and after surgery, with clear communication in English and Spanish.

Full bio & credentialsClose full bio

Credentials & professional background

  • Board-certified Physician Assistant
  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology — Georgia Gwinnett College
  • Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies — Touro University, New York

Full biography

Darlene is a board-certified Physician Assistant dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized, and evidence-based patient care at EBGS. She plays an integral role in the organization's medical weight management programs, conducting comprehensive patient consultations, developing individualized care plans, and providing pre-operative and post-operative evaluations and ongoing support.

Darlene earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Georgia Gwinnett College and her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Touro University in New York. Her educational background provides a strong foundation for understanding both the physical and behavioral aspects of patient health, allowing her to approach care with empathy, clinical insight, and a focus on each individual's needs.

With a commitment to patient education, preventive care, and long-term wellness, Darlene strives to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health. She recognizes that each patient's healthcare journey is unique and emphasizes clear communication, trust, and collaborative decision-making throughout the treatment process.

As a valued member of EBGS’s clinical team, Darlene works closely with patients and fellow healthcare professionals to promote positive health outcomes and ensure continuity of care. Her dedication to professional growth, teamwork, and clinical excellence reflects EBGS’s mission of delivering high-quality, patient-centered services to the communities it serves.

In Darlene’s words

What’s Your Favorite Thing About Working at the practice?

What I enjoy most about working at EBGS is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives while collaborating with a dedicated and supportive team. It is especially rewarding to build relationships with patients, guide them through their healthcare journeys, and celebrate their progress toward improved health and well-being.

I also appreciate EBGS’s collaborative environment, where teamwork, shared knowledge, and continuous learning help us deliver the best possible care.

What Would You Like to Share About Your Personal History?

My family is originally from El Salvador, a beautiful country in Central America with a rich cultural heritage. I am proud of my Salvadoran roots and enjoy embracing the traditions and values that have shaped who I am.

Being bilingual and fluent in both English and Spanish allows me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and communicate with patients in the language they feel most comfortable speaking.

Outside of my professional life, I cherish spending quality time with my family, exploring new places, and expressing my creativity through cooking. These experiences help me maintain a balanced lifestyle and bring a fresh, positive perspective to my work.

Tracy

Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist

Tracy

Provides individualized nutrition counseling, preparation and ongoing support for medical weight-loss and bariatric surgery patients.

Full bio & credentialsClose full bio

Credentials & professional background

  • Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist
  • Undergraduate degree — University of Georgia
  • Dietetic internship with a bariatric surgery emphasis — Southern Regional Medical Center
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Administration
  • Certificate in Pediatric and Adolescent Weight Management

Full biography

Tracy is a dedicated Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist at EBGS, specializing in nutritional care and education for patients undergoing bariatric surgery and participating in medical weight management programs. She provides individualized nutritional counseling, pre-operative preparation, post-operative support, and practical strategies for long-term health and wellness.

Tracy earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and subsequently completed a specialized dietetic internship at Southern Regional Medical Center, with an emphasis on bariatric surgery. She further expanded her expertise by earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Administration and holds a certificate in Pediatric and Adolescent Weight Management.

Tracy believes successful weight management extends beyond medical procedures and treatments. She emphasizes nutrition education, sustainable lifestyle changes, and ongoing support, empowering patients to make informed dietary choices, develop healthier habits, and maintain long-term results.

As part of EBGS’s multidisciplinary care team, Tracy collaborates with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated, comprehensive care. Her compassionate approach and expertise in bariatric nutrition support patients at every stage of their health and wellness journey.

In Tracy’s words

What’s Your Favorite Thing About Working at the practice?

What I appreciate most about working at EBGS is the genuine emphasis placed on nutrition as a fundamental component of successful weight management and bariatric care. Dr. Sanni recognizes that surgical procedures and medical weight loss treatments are only part of the journey, and that lasting success requires education, individualized guidance, and ongoing nutritional support.

I especially value his commitment to making nutrition services an integral part of patient care by providing access to an in-house Registered Dietitian and encouraging patients to actively engage in nutritional counseling.

It is rewarding to be part of a team that understands the importance of a comprehensive, patient-centered approach and is committed to equipping individuals with the tools and support necessary to achieve sustainable, long-term health improvements.

What Would You Like to Share About Your Personal History?

My passion for bariatric nutrition and weight management is deeply personal. Eight members of my family have undergone weight loss surgery, giving me a unique perspective on the physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes that accompany this journey.

Witnessing the experiences of my loved ones has strengthened my understanding of the importance of compassionate care, practical nutrition education, and continued encouragement throughout the weight loss process.

These personal connections inspire me to approach every patient with empathy, understanding, and a genuine commitment to helping them achieve their health goals and enjoy a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Have a question for our team?

Connect with our team →