Meet Our Team
The Weight Loss Center at UK St. Claire is led by an amazing group of healthcare professionals who are passionate about helping you live a happier, healthier life by reaching your weight loss goals.
James E. Lynch, MD
General Surgeon and Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Director
Dr. Lynch will be your biggest supporter throughout your weight loss journey.
He has a true passion for helping his patients live a healthier life and
does that by providing the tools they need to achieve sustained weight
loss, whether that’s through medically-supervised or surgical weight
loss options.
Dr. Lynch joined the UK St. Claire medical staff as a general surgeon in 2015 and developed SCH's bariatric surgery program in 2017, performing more than 500 gastric sleeves to date. He completed his medical degree at the Galveston School of Allied Health Sciences at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, and completed his general surgery residency at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.
Megan Burke, APRN
Megan will be your go-to for nonsurgical weight loss programs and you will find that her enthusiastic support will help you stay on track with your weight loss goals. She will help find the right treatment options for your lifestyle and will assist with referrals to dietitians, counselors, and other resources that may benefit you.
Megan began her healthcare career at the age of 18 as a part-time CNA at a nursing home while she attended nursing school. She joined the SCH family in 2014 and continued her education, earning her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Morehead State University in 2019 as a member of the program’s first graduating class.
Jessica Copher, BSN, RN
Metabolic & Bariatric Services Coordinator
Jessica, who will be your primary point of contact, has been described as the 'heartbeat' of SCH's Weight Loss Center. She's supportive, knowledgeable, and tries to always be available for her patients. For patients exploring surgical weight loss, you will meet Jessica during your first visit, and she will be by your side throughout your journey ... she'll even be in the operating room with you.
Jessica earned her nursing degree from Morehead State University in 2008 and her BSN in 2018. Before joining SCH's weight loss team in 2016, she and worked in intensive care and the operating room.
Lisa Deeley, RDN, LD
Manager, Clinical Nutrition Services
Lisa is an amazing resource when it comes to proper nutrition and planning
a healthy diet. She and her team of registered dieticians will meet with
you throughout your weight loss journey to provide personalized counseling
to be sure you're meeting your unique nutritional goals.
Lisa earned her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from the University of Kentucky and completed her dietetic internship at SCH. At the conclusion of her internship, she was offered a position as a Clinical Dietitian and has been with SCH’s Clinical Nutrition department ever since.
