Meet Our Staff

At Suffolk Surgical Group P.C. we are proud to feature a staff of individuals noted for superior performance in their fields. From our expert surgeons to our caring and highly trained nurses, dietician, and psychiatric nurse practitioner, our medical staff is known throughout New York and the United States for the surpassingly high quality of care we provide. Learn more about the stellar team at Suffolk Surgical Group P.C.

Joanne Raffel CBN, CRNFA

Ms. Raffel is the bariatric nursing coordinator for Suffolk Surgical Group/Peconic Bay Medical Center Bariatric Surgery Program. She has over 25 years of operating room experience and continued her education to become a certified registered nurse first assistant (CRNFA). She is also a certified bariatric nurse, a designation given by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Known for her steadfast dedication to the comfort and well-being of her patients, Joanne says, “I am proud to be part of such a great team with the ultimate goal of helping our patients obtain and maintain a healthier lifestyle.”

Deborah L. Sforza, RD, CDN

Deborah L. Sforza, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian currently working on the Bariatric program for Suffolk Surgical Group, P.C. She has been a dietitian for over nine years and is a graduate of the City University of New York at Queens College. She has clinical experience in oncology, Obstetrics, Geriatrics, and Diabetes Management. She has also received certification from the American Dietetic Association in child and adolescent weight management. At the current time she is completing her Masters Degree in Nutrition and will receive her certification in Adult Weight Management. Ms. Sforza is a member of the American Dietetic Association and is pending membership in The American Society For Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

Rose Ann Orlando, RN, ANP

Ms. Orlando is a psychiatric nurse practitioner who specializes in eating disorders, and has been an esteemed member of the Suffolk Surgical Group P.C. team for ten years. Routine pre-operative psychological evaluations and ongoing post-operative therapy are essential to the successful lifestyle transformations our patients seek. Ms. Orlando guides our patients through their dramatic changes with a steady, yet empathetic approach intended to assuage their doubts and inspire self-assurance.

Laurie Wunsch

Ms. Wunsch, our medical assistant, is always helpful and ready with a smile and a kind word. Navigating the maze of appointments and insurance approvals is part of her expertise, and her cheerful demeanor ensures that our patients feel comfortable and confident in our care.