Melisa P Celaya

Interests

Research

Clinical Epidemiology of Obesity and Comorbid Chronic DiseasesClinical Trial Design and Operational Management Implementation Science in Public Health

Teaching

UME, GME, Research Education

Courses

Scholarly Contributions

Journals/Publications

• Nguyen, J., Celaya, M., Holland, D., O'Malley, C., Mallin, E., Chilukuri, P. K., Bergin, C. R., Celaya, M. P., Johnson, K. A., CW, O., Mashaqi, S., Lee-Iannotti, J., Rangan, P., Celaya, M. P., Gozal, D., Quan, S. F., Parthasarathy, S., Samaddar, K. K., Samaddar, R. K., , Heller, P. A., et al. (2026). Navigating patient bias and mistreatment: a cross-sectional study of a workshop and coaching series for internal medicine residents..
• Nguyen, J., Celaya, M., Holland, D., O’Malley, C., & Mallin, E. (2025). Navigating patient bias and mistreatment: a cross-sectional study of a workshop and coaching series for internal medicine residents. BMC Medical Education, 25(Issue 1). doi:10.1186/s12909-025-08047-0
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  Background: Physicians are often challenged with navigating patient bias and mistreatment, contributing to burnout and decreasing psychological safety and trust. We sought to determine the effectiveness of a resident workshop series supported by faculty coaches on the ability to navigate mistreatment by patients. Methods: We implemented an educational program and coaching series in our internal medicine (IM) residency program at an academic teaching hospital. The participants included 48 PGY2 and PGY3 IM residents and 10 faculty coaches. We created a large-group four-part workshop series for residents over a 10-month period, a small-group faculty coaching skills development series, and small-group resident coaching sessions by faculty. Residents were surveyed before and after the intervention evaluating instances of and response to mistreatment from patients. Results: Forty-eight PGY2 and PGY3 IM residents (100% of each class) completed the curriculum, 42 (87.5%) of whom completed the presurvey and 33 (68.8%) of whom completed the postsurvey. At baseline, 34/42 residents (81.0%) reported experiencing and 39/42 (92.9%) witnessed some form of verbal mistreatment. The postsurvey results demonstrated increased confidence in responding to mistreatment, with a response of “Often” for direct verbal comments increasing from 14.7% preworkshop to 30.0% postworkshop (p < 0.0001 for trend). They also reported an increase in the willingness of upstanders engaging against mistreatment when witnessed, with the “Maybe” category changing from 28.2% to 11.8% and the “Always” category changing from 23.1% to 41.2% (p = 0.0023 for trend). Conclusions: Our intervention increased confidence in responding to mistreatment experienced by residents. The program, incorporating skill-building along with coaching, is a novel approach to empowering both residents and faculty to address various forms of patient mistreatment. The ability to effectively navigate mistreatment may positively impact psychological safety and build trust.
• Omalley, C. W., Bergin, C., Shinar, B., Celaya, M. P., & Mallin, E. (2020). SPLIT Residency Recruitment: Uncoupling interviews and the visit utilizing web-based video interviews in an Internal Medicine Residency. Journal of Graduate Medical Education.
• Chilukuri, P., Bergin, C., Celaya, M., Johnson, K., & O’Malley, C. (2024). Internal Medicine Residency Program Applicant Perceptions of the SPLIT Recruitment Model Before and After Universal Virtual Interviews. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 40(Issue 1). doi:10.1007/s11606-024-09051-8
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  Background: Enhancing residency recruitment with modifications to interviews has been an area of national interest, further catalyzed by the transition to universal virtual interviewing (UVI). In 2018, our internal medicine residency program redesigned the recruitment process using virtual interviews. Objective: Evaluating this recruitment model allows programs to identify applicant perceptions of each component as they consider enhancements. Design: The new model, termed “SPLIT,” included separating optional applicant visit days (AVD) from interviews (S), a pre-interview supplemental form (P), learning program information from a dedicated website (L), virtual interviews (I), and flexible timing (remote interview day and site visit) (T). Participants: Applicants for the 2019 to 2023 Match who interviewed at one university-based internal medicine residency program. Main Measures: After rank list certification and before the annual Match, interviewed applicants were surveyed regarding their perceptions of the SPLIT process. Responses before (2019–2020 Matches) and after (2021–2023 Matches) UVIs were compared. Key Results: A total of 386 (75%) of 515 respondents favored video interviews. This preference was stronger in the post-UVI group (92%) than in the pre-UVI group (57%) (p < 0.001). In total, 76% of respondents attended an AVD (virtual or in-person). Applicants in the post-UVI group also favored having interviews separated from the AVD (p = 0.006) and optional AVDs (p < 0.001), more than those in the pre-UVI group. In the pre-UVI cohort, those who attended an in-person AVD tended to report a higher program understanding (OR 7.8), satisfaction with SPLIT (OR 2.1), and a better recruitment experience (OR 2.0). Conclusions: Virtual interviews were highly rated with increased preference following universal adoption. Optional AVDs separated from virtual interviews enhance applicant understanding of the program and were more effective when offered in-person before the pandemic-related restrictions. As programs begin to reintroduce in-person elements, the SPLIT recruitment model offers an innovative approach that addresses applicant and program needs.
• Still, C., Wood, G., Benotti, P., Petrick, A., Gabrielsen, J., Strodel, W., Ibele, A., Seiler, J., Irving, B., Celaya, M., Blackstone, R., Gerhard, G., & Argyropoulos, G. (2024). Preoperative prediction of type 2 diabetes remission after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: a retrospective cohort study..
• Blackstone, R. P., & Cortés, M. C. (2022). Metabolic acuity score: effect on major complications after bariatric surgery. Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, 6(3), 267-73.
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  Co-morbid conditions in obese patients contribute to the incidence and severity of major complications after bariatric surgery and significantly increase the cost of the procedure. Previous publications have validated the patient factors that increase the risk of mortality; however, it is currently a rare event. The development of a metabolic acuity score (MAS) to augment the body mass index might allow for accurate preoperative assessment and optimal treatment of patients. The present study has proposed a MAS for decreasing major complications.
• Blackstone, R. P., Cortes, M. C., Messer, L. B., & Engstrom, D. (2022). Psychological classification as a communication and management tool in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, 6(3), 274-81.
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  Psychological evaluations are used to ascertain patient suitability for bariatric surgery and to challenge their ability to comply with therapy. The modern paradigm of obesity includes a neurobiologic component working in parallel with the limbic system of appetite and reward. To achieve the goals of surgery, an evaluation of the psychological fitness of the patient is often included in the clinical pathway. We present a psychological classification system with the goal of integrating the psychological factors into patient treatment.
• Blackstone, R., Bunt, J. C., Cortés, M. C., & Sugerman, H. J. (2022). Type 2 diabetes after gastric bypass: remission in five models using HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, and medication status. Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, 8(5), 548-55.
  More info

  The remission rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) vary according to the glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FG), and medication status. Our objectives were to describe remission using the American Diabetes Association standards for defining normoglycemia and to identify the factors related to the preoperative severity of T2DM that predict remission to normoglycemia, independent of weight loss, after RYGB. The setting was an urban not-for-profit community hospital.
• Celaya, M. P., Lee-Iannotti, J., Mashaqi, S., Rangan, P., Gozal, D., Quan, S. F., & Parthasarathy, S. (2021). Obstructive sleep apnea and COVID-19 clinical outcomes during hospitalization: a cohort study. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 17(11), 2197-2204. doi:10.5664/jcsm.9424
• Mashaqi, S., Lee-Iannotti, J., Rangan, P., Celaya, M. P., Gozal, D., Quan, S. F., & Parthasarathy, S. (2021). Obstructive sleep apnea and COVID-19 clinical outcomes during hospitalization: a cohort study. Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 17(11), 2197-2204.
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  Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an extremely common sleep disorder. A potential association between OSA and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity has been proposed on the basis of similar comorbid medical conditions associated with both OSA and COVID-19.
• Celaya, M. P. (2018). Emergency department volunteers: Defining the position and its effect on the patient experience. American Journal of Emergency Medicine.
• Samaddar, K. K., Samaddar, R. K., Heller, P. A., & Celaya, M. (2018). Emergency department volunteers: Defining the position and its effect on the patient experience. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE, 36(8), 1513-1513.
• Samaddar, K. K., Samaddar, R. K., Heller, P. A., & Celaya, M. (2018). Emergency department volunteers: Defining the position and its effect on the patient experience. American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 36(Issue 8). doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2018.01.015
• Samaddar, K. K., Samaddar, R. K., Heller, P. A., & Celaya, M. (2018). Emergency department volunteers: Defining the position and its effect on the patient experience. The American journal of emergency medicine, 36(8), 1513.
• Celaya, M. P. (2014). Feasibility of implementing a meditative movement intervention with bariatric patients. Applied Nursing Research.
• Celaya, M. P. (2014). Preoperative prediction of type 2 diabetes remission after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: A retrospective cohort study. The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology.
• Smith, L. L., Larkey, L., Celaya, M. C., & Blackstone, R. P. (2014). Feasibility of implementing a meditative movement intervention with bariatric patients. Applied Nursing Research, 27(Issue 4). doi:10.1016/j.apnr.2014.02.009
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  Successful interventions are needed to help improve obesity rates in the United States. Roughly two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight, and almost one-third are obese. In 1991, the National Institutes of Health released a consensus statement endorsing bariatric surgery as the only means for sustainable weight loss for severely obese patients. However, approximately one-third of bariatric patients will experience significant post surgical weight gain. Purpose of study: This study is designed to determine if meditative movement (MM) would be a feasible physical activity (PA) modality to initiate weight loss in bariatric surgery patients who have re-gained weight. Methods used: A feasibility study was recently completed in 39 bariatric patients at Scottsdale Bariatric Center (SBC) during regularly scheduled bariatric support groups at SBC. A short demonstration of MM was presented after which a short focus group was conducted to gauge interest level, acceptability and the potential demand for MM programs in this population. Attitudes and intentions surrounding MM were also collected. Findings: Approximately 75% of participants indicated they would consider practicing MM as part of their post surgical PA routine. Conclusions: MM may be a feasible PA modality in bariatric patients to improve bariatric surgery weight outcomes.
• Smith, L. L., Larkey, L., Celaya, M. C., & Blackstone, R. P. (2014). Feasibility of implementing a meditative movement intervention with bariatric patients. Applied nursing research : ANR, 27(4), 231-6.
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  Successful interventions are needed to help improve obesity rates in the United States. Roughly two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight, and almost one-third are obese. In 1991, the National Institutes of Health released a consensus statement endorsing bariatric surgery as the only means for sustainable weight loss for severely obese patients. However, approximately one-third of bariatric patients will experience significant post surgical weight gain.
• Still, C. D., Wood, G. C., Benotti, P., Petrick, A. T., Gabrielsen, J., Strodel, W. E., Ibele, A., Seiler, J., Irving, B. A., Celaya, M. P., Blackstone, R., Gerhard, G. S., & Argyropoulos, G. (2014). Preoperative prediction of type 2 diabetes remission after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: A retrospective cohort study. The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, 2(Issue 1). doi:10.1016/s2213-8587(13)70070-6
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  Background: About 60% of patients with type 2 diabetes achieve remission after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. No accurate method is available to preoperatively predict the probability of remission. Our goal was to develop a way to predict probability of diabetes remission after RYGB surgery on the basis of preoperative clinical criteria. Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, we identified individuals with type 2 diabetes for whom electronic medical records were available from a primary cohort of 2300 patients who underwent RYGB surgery at the Geisinger Health System (Danville, PA, USA) between Jan 1, 2004, and Feb 15, 2011. Partial and complete remission were defined according to the American Diabetes Association criteria. We examined 259 clinical variables for our algorithm and used multiple logistic regression models to identify independent predictors of early remission (beginning within first 2 months after surgery and lasting at least 12 months) or late remission (beginning more than 2 months after surgery and lasting at least 12 months). We assessed a final Cox regression model with a consistent subset of variables that predicted remission, and used the resulting hazard ratios (HRs) to guide creation of a weighting system to produce a score (DiaRem) to predict probability of diabetes remission within 5 years. We assessed the validity of the DiaRem score with data from two additional cohorts. Findings: Electronic medical records were available for 690 patients in the primary cohort, of whom 463 (63%) had achieved partial or complete remission. Four preoperative clinical variables were included in the final Cox regression model: insulin use, age, HbA1c concentration, and type of antidiabetic drugs. We developed a DiaRem score that ranges from 0 to 22, with the greatest weight given to insulin use before surgery (adding ten to the score; HR 5·90, 95% CI 4·41-7·90; p
• Still, C. D., Wood, G. C., Benotti, P., Petrick, A. T., Gabrielsen, J., Strodel, W. E., Ibele, A., Seiler, J., Irving, B. A., Celaya, M. P., Blackstone, R., Gerhard, G. S., & Argyropoulos, G. (2014). Preoperative prediction of type 2 diabetes remission after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: a retrospective cohort study. The lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology, 2(1), 38-45.
  More info

  About 60% of patients with type 2 diabetes achieve remission after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. No accurate method is available to preoperatively predict the probability of remission. Our goal was to develop a way to predict probability of diabetes remission after RYGB surgery on the basis of preoperative clinical criteria.
• Blackstone, R., Bunt, J. C., Cortés, M. C., & Sugerman, H. J. (2012). Type 2 diabetes after gastric bypass: Remission in five models using HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, and medication status. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, 8(Issue 5). doi:10.1016/j.soard.2012.05.005
  More info

  Background: The remission rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) vary according to the glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FG), and medication status. Our objectives were to describe remission using the American Diabetes Association standards for defining normoglycemia and to identify the factors related to the preoperative severity of T2DM that predict remission to normoglycemia, independent of weight loss, after RYGB. The setting was an urban not-for-profit community hospital. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from a cohort of 2275 patients who qualified for bariatric surgery (2001-2008). Five different models for defining remission (no diabetes medication and a FG
• Celaya, M. P. (2012). Type 2 diabetes after gastric bypass: remission in five models using HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, and medication status.. Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery.
  More info

  BACKGROUND: The remission rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) vary according to the glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FG), and medication status. Our objectives were to describe remission using the American Diabetes Association standards for defining normoglycemia and to identify the factors related to the preoperative severity of T2DM that predict remission to normoglycemia, independent of weight loss, after RYGB. The setting was an urban not-for-profit community hospital. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from a cohort of 2275 patients who qualified for bariatric surgery (2001-2008). Five different models for defining remission (no diabetes medication and a FG
• Blackstone, R. P., & Corts, M. C. (2010). Metabolic acuity score: Effect on major complications after bariatric surgery. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, 6(Issue 3). doi:10.1016/j.soard.2009.09.010
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  Background: Co-morbid conditions in obese patients contribute to the incidence and severity of major complications after bariatric surgery and significantly increase the cost of the procedure. Previous publications have validated the patient factors that increase the risk of mortality; however, it is currently a rare event. The development of a metabolic acuity score (MAS) to augment the body mass index might allow for accurate preoperative assessment and optimal treatment of patients. The present study has proposed a MAS for decreasing major complications. Methods: Prospectively collected outcomes of 2416 patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n = 1821) or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (n = 595) in a community hospital were evaluated for the incidence of major complications, readmissions, and reoperations. Beginning in August of 2006, 1072 patients were divided into MAS groups of 14 according to age, body mass index, weight, history of deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, sleep apnea, diabetes, hypertension, immobility, heart disease, and psychological classification. The acuity groups were compared with each other and with 1344 patients who underwent treatment before the MAS was implemented. Results: A significant decrease occurred in the readmission rates within 30 days after the MAS was put into practice (8.5% before MAS versus 1.7% after MAS, P
• Blackstone, R. P., Cortes, M. C., Messer, L. B., & Engstrom, D. (2010). Psychological classification as a communication and management tool in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, 6(Issue 3). doi:10.1016/j.soard.2010.02.034
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  Background: Psychological evaluations are used to ascertain patient suitability for bariatric surgery and to challenge their ability to comply with therapy. The modern paradigm of obesity includes a neurobiologic component working in parallel with the limbic system of appetite and reward. To achieve the goals of surgery, an evaluation of the psychological fitness of the patient is often included in the clinical pathway. We present a psychological classification system with the goal of integrating the psychological factors into patient treatment. Methods: All patients (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, n = 1814; laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, n = 589) were evaluated using psychological testing/interview and assigned to groups 14 before surgery. The group 1 patients (n = 788; 32.8%) did not necessitate intervention, group 2 (n = 1110; 46.2%) were requested to attend the support group, groups 3A (n = 394; 16.4%) and 3B (n = 111; 4.6%) required intervention to continue to surgery, and group 4 patients were not recommended for surgery. The main outcome measures, including complication, readmission, and reoperation rates, were analyzed for differences among the psychological groups. Results: After comparing the outcome measures between each classification, no significant differences were found in the major complication rates, readmissions, reoperations, or length of stay among the groups. Groups 3A and 3B were able to achieve similar rates of success, despite their psychosocial impairment at the initial evaluation. Conclusion: The assignment of a psychological classification can facilitate bariatric team recognition of the unique psychological factors that affect the success of surgery. Assessing the patient's psychological composition and addressing potential psychosocial barriers before surgery can increase the positive long-term outcomes and reduce the incidence of complications after bariatric surgery. © 2010 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. All rights reserved.
• Celaya, M. P. (2010). Psychological classification as a communication and management tool in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery.. Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery.
  More info

  BACKGROUND: Psychological evaluations are used to ascertain patient suitability for bariatric surgery and to challenge their ability to comply with therapy. The modern paradigm of obesity includes a neurobiologic component working in parallel with the limbic system of appetite and reward. To achieve the goals of surgery, an evaluation of the psychological fitness of the patient is often included in the clinical pathway. We present a psychological classification system with the goal of integrating the psychological factors into patient treatment. METHODS: All patients (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, n = 1814; laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, n = 589) were evaluated using psychological testing/interview and assigned to groups 1-4 before surgery. The group 1 patients (n = 788; 32.8%) did not necessitate intervention, group 2 (n = 1110; 46.2%) were requested to attend the support group, groups 3A (n = 394; 16.4%) and 3B (n = 111; 4.6%) required intervention to continue to surgery, and group 4 patients were not recommended for surgery. The main outcome measures, including complication, readmission, and reoperation rates, were analyzed for differences among the psychological groups. RESULTS: After comparing the outcome measures between each classification, no significant differences were found in the major complication rates, readmissions, reoperations, or length of stay among the groups. Groups 3A and 3B were able to achieve similar rates of success, despite their psychosocial impairment at the initial evaluation. CONCLUSION: The assignment of a psychological classification can facilitate bariatric team recognition of the unique psychological factors that affect the success of surgery. Assessing the patient's psychological composition and addressing potential psychosocial barriers before surgery can increase the positive long-term outcomes and reduce the incidence of complications after bariatric surgery.
• Celaya, M. P. (2009). Metabolic acuity score: effect on major complications after bariatric surgery.. Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery.
  More info

  BACKGROUND: Co-morbid conditions in obese patients contribute to the incidence and severity of major complications after bariatric surgery and significantly increase the cost of the procedure. Previous publications have validated the patient factors that increase the risk of mortality; however, it is currently a rare event. The development of a metabolic acuity score (MAS) to augment the body mass index might allow for accurate preoperative assessment and optimal treatment of patients. The present study has proposed a MAS for decreasing major complications. METHODS: Prospectively collected outcomes of 2416 patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n = 1821) or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (n = 595) in a community hospital were evaluated for the incidence of major complications, readmissions, and reoperations. Beginning in August of 2006, 1072 patients were divided into MAS groups of 1-4 according to age, body mass index, weight, history of deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, sleep apnea, diabetes, hypertension, immobility, heart disease, and psychological classification. The acuity groups were compared with each other and with 1344 patients who underwent treatment before the MAS was implemented. RESULTS: A significant decrease occurred in the readmission rates within 30 days after the MAS was put into practice (8.5% before MAS versus 1.7% after MAS, P

Proceedings Publications

• Ghai, M. B., Yang, J., Aponte-Pieras, J., Li, J., Bayoumi, M., Celaya, M. P., Zenhausern, F., & Wassef, W. (2023, October 2023).

  S107 A New Approach to Evaluating the Microbiome of the Pancreas

  . In American College of Gastroenterology, 118, S88-S89.
• Chan, S., Rangan, P., Celaya, M. P., Bocelli, L., & Wassef, W. (2021, October).

  S74 Pancreatitis Quality of Life Comparison in Patients With Chronic Pancreatitis

  . In The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 116, s32.

Presentations

• Celaya, M. P. (2023, February). Researcher Identity. Research Office for Medical Education Journal Club. Phoenix: UA College of Medicine - Phoenix.
• Celaya, M. P. (2023, November). Readiness + Mindfulness + Habit Stacking: A Pathway to Wellness for Patients with Obesity. Department of Medicine Grand Rounds. Phoenix: University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix.
• Celaya, M. P. (2023, Spring). Nuts and Bolts of MedEd Research. o Academy of Medical Scholars (AMES). Tucson: UA College of Medicine - Tucson.

Poster Presentations

• Celaya, M. P., Mashaqi, S., Rangan, P., & Lee-Iannotti, J. (2023, October). Baseline Assessment of Behavioral Factors Related to Consciousness in Personal Transformation and Well-Being of Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Obesity. Harvard Consciousness- Science, Spirituality, and Social Impact Conference. Boston: Harvard.
• Chilukuri, P., Bergin, C., Celaya, M. P., & Omalley, C. W. (2023, October). SPLIT: An Innovative Approach to Residency Recruitment. Research Office for Medical Education (ROME) Forum. Phoenix: UA College of Medicine - Phoenix.
• Celaya, M. P., Dennis, L. K., Harris, R. B., Roe, D., & Foote, J. A. (2019, November). Prediction of Attrition From a Medical Weight Loss Intervention With Community Hospital Employees. Obesity Week 2019 - TOS.