Meet Octavia Pickett-Blakely, MD, MHS

Octavia Pickett-Blakeley, MD, MHS, is assistant professor of medicine and director of nutrition and small bowel disorders in the Division of Gastroenterology at Penn.

Dr. Pickett-Blakeley works closely with the Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program at Penn.

“As a gastroenterologist, I see patients with gastrointestinal disorders like reflux,” says Dr. Pickett-Blakely. “As bariatric surgery permanently alters the gastrointestinal tract, it’s important for us to be involved in the management and care of patients considering and undergoing weight-loss surgery.”

Patients may be referred to Dr. Pickett-Blakely before their weight-loss surgery for evaluation, but can see her after surgery if they are experiencing difficulty in changing bowl habits or reflux.

What do you like best about what you do?

I love to help feel people feel better.

What is your favorite healthy food?

Spinach and hummus are my favorite healthy foods

Favorite tips for weight loss and/or keeping off weight?

Move, move, move! Physical activity is very important for weight loss, but also for your heart.

What do you wish people knew about weight-loss surgery?

It requires a life-long commitment to your health.

Best advice for weight-loss?

Don't give up! It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Set realistic goals, and stay on track to meet them.

More about Dr. Pickett-Blakeley

Favorite movie: The Color Purple
Favorite food: Thai
Favorite place to vacation: The Caribbean
Favorite exercise: The elliptical machine
Favorite type of music to work out with: Anything upbeat
Favorite sports team: Go Redskins!
Favorite TV show: Downton Abbey
Last book you read? Little Bee
Favorite drink: Blood Orange San Pellagrino
Do you play sports? Nope!
Do you play an instrument? No.
When I get down time I like to….Read, listen to music or play with my children.

Let Penn Help You Lose Weight For Good

Penn can help you lose weight.

Learn about medical weight loss in Philadelphia, and the Penn Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Program at a free information session about weight-loss surgery in Philadelphia. There, you will hear about your weight-loss surgery options, and how Penn can help you lose weight and get healthy for good.

Register for a free information session today.