The staff at the Northwest Center for Medical Weight Loss (established in 1982) is actively involved in ongoing medical research on obesity, for continued improvement of our methods and results. Since our program is intended for the treatment of a serious medical condition, insurance may be available to cover part or all of the program expenses. For information about the endocrinology clinic: Northwest Endocrinology

Robert A. Kanter, M.D. – Director

Dr. Kanter is a board-certified specialist in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology. His special interests include diabetes, obesity and hormonal disorders. He is a graduate of the Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago and received graduate training at the University of Washington as a Research Fellow in Diabetes and Endocrinology. Dr. Kanter is currently a clinical assistant professor at the University of Washington and maintains an active practice of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology.

By establishing the first multidisciplinary treatment program for obesity in the Pacific Northwest, Dr. Kanter is the established leader in this field of medical practice. He is involved in ongoing obesity research and has personally supervised the treatment of over 2000 patients.

Click here to read Dr. Kanter’s article (in pdf form) , “New Help With Weight Loss for Obese Diabetics and Pre-Diabetics”.

Nancy Niles, MD

Dr. Niles earned her medical degree from University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in Rochester, N.Y. and her residency in internal medicine at the University of Washington. She had four years advanced training in internal medicine and endocrinology at both the University of Washington and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Saudi Arabia. She is board certified in internal medicine and endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. She was voted “Top Doc” by her colleagues in 2007. Dr. Niles has been a part of the Northwest Center for Weight Loss since 1987.

Nicole Woodruff, ARNP

Nicole is a graduate of Seattle University, and spent time early in her career working in public health. She gained valuable experience working with an array of patients. She recently attended the Johnson and Johnson Diabetes Institute as she works towards becoming a Certified Diabetes Educator.

Karen Munger, MS, RD, CDE

Karen holds a Master of Science degree in Nutrition Sciences from the University of Washington. She has been a certified dietitian in the state of Washington since 2000 and has held several positions as a member of the Greater Seattle Dietetic Association. She is currently active in the American Association of Diabetes Educators and Endocrine Days. Her experience includes 13 years of adult fitness and 13 years of work in nutrition.

Randy Brandeis, MSW

Randy is a board certified clinical social worker who received his Masters degree in 1976 from the University of Illinois Jane Addams School of Social Work. He has been a consultant with the Northwest  Center for Medical Weight Loss since 1985. Randy has been in private practice since 1987 where his focus has been on the cognitive and behavioral treatment of both obesity and addictive/compulsive behavior patterns. His expertise lies in his ability to guide and mentor his patients through the life style adjustments necessary to effectively deal with such chronic medical conditions as obesity and diabetes.  He has served in a consulting role with Novartis Nutrition and has taken part in both clinical trials and the development of curriculums for the behavioral treatment of obesity.  For the last five years Randy has been a consultant with both Northwest and Overlake Hospitals where he co-facilitates their monthly post bariatric surgery support groups.