Washington County, IL, native Erica (Barkau) Ibendahl, MD, is part of the medical team of SSM Health Weight Management Services in Southern Illinois and focuses primarily on performing bariatric surgery to help weight-loss patients live healthier, longer lives.

Originally from Okawville, IL, Dr. Erica (Barkau) Ibendahl completed a one-year bariatric surgery fellowship program at Menora Medical Center in Overland Park, KS.

Dr. Ibendahl's academic career began at the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign) where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Integrative Biology. She then attended Southern Illinois University (Carbondale) completing graduate studies work and the MEDPREP Post-Baccalaureate Program in the SIU School of Medicine.

Dr. Ibendahl received her medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine (Rockford, IL). During her time in medical school, Dr. Ibendahl achieved multiple "Outstanding" designations for her work in Surgery Clerkship and in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, histology, embryology, and genetics.

Dr. Ibendahl then completed her general surgery residency training through the University of Missouri, Hospitals and Clinics.

As part of SSM Health Weight Management Services she focuses primarily on performing bariatric surgery to help weight-loss patients live healthier, longer lives.