Andrew Orlander is one of the original founders of The Center for Medical Weight Loss, the largest network of bariatric (weight loss) physicians in the US. In 2006, he started with an idea that obesity was a more serious problem than could be handled by commercial weight loss centers. Andrew conceived that physicians were much more qualified to assist patients with weight loss, and with advanced training and technology, could do a much more effective job of reducing the serious health problems associated with obesity. After founding the company on ‘an idea’ in 2006, within 3 years CMWL was the largest network of weight loss physicians in the US, with over 350 centers in 43 states.
In the process of building the company, Andrew recognized the importance of an interactive, digital approach to marketing. In 2010, Andrew began consulting for corporations interested in expanding their online presence, seeking top placement with search engines.
Work Experience
Andrew Orlander began his career as a chiropractor in 1983. Within 4 years he built four high-volume practices which included 10 full-time chiropractors, serving more than 1,000 patients a week. In 1990 Andrew founded Success Systems Management, which provided practice management seminars and business consulting for over 350 chiropractic practices in the Northeast. Four years later, Success Systems Management was acquired by Markson Management Services, its major competitor. Andrew became president of the SSM division of Markson Management, giving lectures on practice building and practice management to over 1,000 chiropractors nationwide.
First to Bring MD’s and DC’s Together
Andrew was a pioneer in bringing medical doctors, chiropractors and physical therapists together to provide more comprehensive care for patients. In 1994 it was not ‘mainstream’ for medical doctors to work hand-in-hand with chiropractors; however, it was so beneficial for patients that Andrew’s practices thrived. Within a few years, Andrew built 15 multi-specialty practices with 330 people on staff, including 12 full-time physicians, 35 physical therapists and 30 chiropractors and a full time medical director. In 2001, the chain was one of the largest MD-DC-PT practices in the country, serving over 5,000 patients a week. Andrew sold his interest in the facilities to his partners, who operate them presently.
Although the chain ultimately ran into a dispute with insurers, it paved the way for physicians, chiropractors and physical therapists who recognized the value of working together for the benefit of the patient.
The Center for Medical Weight Loss
Andrew firmly believed that in light of the nation’s obesity epidemic, physicians could provide significantly more effective treatment for overweight and obese patients than commercial programs. Andrew recruited a team of talented and dedicated individuals, and organized and initiated the business development plan with only one employee; the first centers were opened in 2006 and the concept gathered momentum. Within 3 years, The Center for Medical Weight Loss grew to over 350 centers in 43 states, and became the largest network of bariatric physicians in the United States. In 2010 the company hired a professional management team to further develop its national expansion, and continues to provide help and assistance to many thousands of patients nationwide.
In 2010 Andrew began consulting for CEO’s and corporations wishing to grow their businesses by expanding their online presence through interactive marketing and search engine optimization.