Weight Loss Specialists
Dr. David A. Croland
Dr. David Croland leads the team of weight loss specialists at Learn2Lose. As an Osteopathic Physician who has practiced medicine in the Carolinas since 1992, Dr. Croland earned his medical degree at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency training at the E.W. Sparrow Hospital Michigan State University Family Medicine Residency Program. He achieved board certification in Family Medicine through the American Board of Family Medicine in 1992 and is currently board certified by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Croland also achieved board certification through the American Board of Obesity Medicine.
Victoria Kepley, MSN, APRN, AGNP-C
Victoria received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2010 at the University of Alabama. After 5 years as an ICU nurse, she completed her Masters of Science in Nursing at Maryville University and became certified as an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). After seeing the effects of chronic disease on patients in the ICU setting, she wanted to provide outpatient care to be more proactive and worked in Internal Medicine. She went on to pursue a health coaching certification and also became a Certified Functional Medicine Provider (CFMP) to help further her knowledge of lifestyle and nutrition interventions on improving health. She was excited to join the Learn2Lose family in 2022 to use her knowledge and skills to help patients reach their individual goals and improve their overall health. She has three young children and two dogs and they love spending time camping, fishing, hiking, boating or doing anything outdoors.
Dianna Fafinski
Dianna is the office manager for the Matthews location and has been with Learn2Lose since 2015. She is a certified phlebotomist and has over a decade of experience in customer service. Dianna loves working with people and animals! She has also worked as a veterinary technician for over 10 years. Dianna graduated at David W. Butler High school in 2004. She is also a graduate of the Empire Beauty school and got her cosmetology license in 2007. She then did a veterinary technician program through Penn Foster. Dianna’s hobbies include hanging out with her German Shepherds, GeorGina & Gianna. She also owns her own pet sitting business and focuses on building her clientele. She loves anything outdoors from hiking to working out.
Nikol Timmons, PA-C
Nikol Timmons completed her Physician Assistant degree at Alderson Broaddus University in Philippi, WV. She graduated in 1991 with BS degree in medical science with a minor in Psychology. Nikol has been a practicing as a PA in Charlotte since 1993. She is licensed in North Carolina and is board certified through the NCCPA. She joined our team of weight loss specialists in December 2018.
What is a Bariatrician?
A bariatrician is a licensed physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of overweight, obesity and other weight-related conditions. Dr. Croland leads our team of weight loss specialists, physician assistants and nurse practitioners, at our Matthews and Charlotte locations.
What Makes a Bariatrician Different from other Physicians?
Any physician can diagnose obesity and prescribe a basic weight loss plan, but a bariatrician has studied the diagnosis and treatment of overweight and obesity extensively. A bariatrician has the skills, techniques and knowledge necessary to tailor a weight management program to the needs of each individual patient. This means that, when working with a bariatrician, patients have an increased chance of success with their programs.
To receive certification as a bariatrician, a physician must be a member of the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) and have received special training in the medical treatment of overweight, obesity and related conditions.
Bariatricians help their patients lose weight and keep it off with a comprehensive program of diet and nutrition, exercise, lifestyle changes and, when appropriate, weight loss medications.