W. Scott Butsch, MD, MSc
Specialty in Diseases & Conditions
- Metabolic Complications of Obesity
- Metabolic Syndrome
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View All PlansAbout W. Scott Butsch, MD, MSc
Dr. Butsch is the Director of Obesity Medicine in the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at the Cleveland Clinic. He is a former Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School (HMS) and worked at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Weight Center from 2007-2017. He completed a clinical nutrition fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and was the first physician in the U.S. to complete subspecialty fellowship in obesity medicine, first established at the HMS/MGH in 2007. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and a Fellow of The Obesity Society.
Dr. Butsch‘s clinical interests focus in the pharmacological management of obesity and the use of combination pharmacological therapies in bariatric surgical patients and special populations with severe obesity. He is an author of numerous chapters and manuscripts and lectures nationally and internationally on many topics in obesity and clinical nutrition.
His academic interests primarily focus on obesity education. He was selected to be the Curtis Prout Fellow in Medical Education at HMS in 2010 and was the Director of Education in the division of Nutrition at HMS from 2014-2018. Dr. Butsch is a national leader in both obesity and nutrition education and his passion for teaching can be seen in the numerous educational programs he has created, the several professional committees on which he serves and chairs, and the Harvard CME Blackburn course in obesity medicine and the Cleveland Clinic’s Obesity Summit which he co-directs.
In line with his passion for the education and treatment of obesity, Dr. Butsch is a strong advocate for his patients. As the Chair of the Committee on Nutrition and Physical Activity in the Massachusetts Medical Society and the Chair of the Advocacy Committee in The Obesity Society, Dr. Butsch actively participates at both the state and federal levels to reduce weight stigma and discrimination and improve coverage and reimbursement for the treatment of obesity. He hopes to be engaged in a similar fashion in the State of Ohio.
Education & Professional Highlights
Appointed
2018
Education & Fellowships
Fellowship - Massachusetts General Hospital
Obesity Medicine & Nutrition
Boston,
MA
2008
Fellowship - University of Alabama
Clinical Nutrition
Birmingham,
AL
2007
Residency - State University of New York
Chief Resident
Buffalo,
NY
2005
Residency - State University of New York
Medicine
Buffalo,
NY
2004
Medical Education - University of Buffalo
Buffalo,
NY
2001
Graduate School - State University of New York
Natural Science - Interdisciplinary
Buffalo,
NY
1996
Research & Publications
See publications for W. Scott Butsch, MD, MSc.
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Industry Relationships
Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists may collaborate with the pharmaceutical or medical device industries to help develop medical breakthroughs or provide medical expertise or education. Cleveland Clinic strives to make scientific advances that will benefit patient care and support outside relationships that promise public benefit. In order for the discoveries of Cleveland Clinic physicians' and scientists' laboratories and investigations to benefit the public, these discoveries must be commercialized in partnership with industry. As experts in their fields, Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists are often sought after by industry to consult, provide expertise and education.
To assure professional and commercial integrity in such matters, Cleveland Clinic maintains a program that reviews these collaborations and, when appropriate, puts measures in place to minimize bias that may result from ties to industry. Cleveland Clinic publicly discloses the names of companies when (i) its physicians/scientists receive $5,000 or more per year (or, in rare cases, equity or stock options) for speaking and consulting, (ii) its physicians/scientists serve as a fiduciary, (iii) its physicians/scientists receive or have the right to receive royalties or (iv) its physicians/ scientists hold any equity interest for the physician's/scientist's role as inventor, discoverer, developer, founder or consultant.* In publicly disclosing this information, Cleveland Clinic tries to provide information as accurately as possible about its physicians' and scientists' connections with industry.
As of 3/26/2024, Dr. Butsch has reported the financial relationships with the companies listed below. In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.
Consulting and/or Speaking. Dr. Butsch receives fees of $5,000 or more per year (or, in rare cases, equity or stock options) as a paid consultant, speaker or as a member of an advisory committee for the following companies:
- Clinical Education Alliance, LLC
- Encore Medical Education
Public Health Service-Reportable Financial Conflicts of Interest. Cleveland Clinic scientists and physicians engage in basic, translational and clinical research activities, working to solve health problems, enhance patient care and improve quality of life for patients. Interactions with industry are essential to bringing the researchers' discoveries to the public, but can present the potential for conflicts of interest related to their research activities. Click here to view a listing of instances where Cleveland Clinic has identified a Public Health Service (PHS)-Reportable Financial Conflict of Interest and has put measures in place to ensure that, to the extent possible, the design, conduct and reporting of the research is free from bias.
* Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists subscribe to the guidance presented in the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals. As such, gifts of substantial value are generally prohibited.
140 Patient Satisfaction Reviews
The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cleveland Clinic.
| Overall | Star Ratings | |
|---|---|---|
| Explains | 4.9 | |
| Courtesy, Respect & Concern | 4.9 | |
| Patient Rating of Doctor | 4.9 |
26 Patient Comments
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Reviewed on Nov 11, 2024
Dr. Butsch has been very sensitive to my issues and concerns, far more than I expected.
Reviewed on Oct 11, 2024
Dr. Butsch was excellent. He listened to my concerns and involved me in the decision-making process. He is very knowledgeable and kind, has an excellent bedside manner. He truly cared about what is going on with my health and asked a lot of questions. He was thorough and read through my chart.
Reviewed on Oct 11, 2024
Everyone in the department was very nice. I look forward to how Dr. Butsch will be helping me on my health journey.
Reviewed on Sep 20, 2024
Dr.& Assistant were top notch. Came out of my appointment very hopeful to treat my problems. He wanted several tests done and give me reasons why he wanted them done.
Reviewed on Aug 28, 2024
Dr. Butsch very courteous, friendly and knowledgeable of my needs
Reviewed on Aug 12, 2024
Dr. B is always booked because he's a great doctor.
Reviewed on Jun 28, 2024
Had to wait five months to see the doctor but worth the wait!
Reviewed on May 21, 2024
Dr. Butsch has excellent bedside manner. I never felt rushed and he spent a lot more time with me than most other doctors. He also called me by my name which I very much appreciated.
Reviewed on May 7, 2024
Dr. Butsch is one of the most kind, caring, compassionate, competent doctor's I've ever seen. I'd recommend him to anyone in his line of business.
Reviewed on May 1, 2024
Excellent experience. Dr. Butsch took time to teach, listen and thoroughly explore options for my care. He is an incredible physician
Reviewed on Apr 26, 2024
Great doctor Great team They need more help
Reviewed on Apr 19, 2024
One of the kindness hospitals I ever been to ,am very grateful, my Doctor is one of the best.
Reviewed on Apr 12, 2024
Dr. B is wonderful! He listens and has been an advocate for me for the past two years. His care and treatment has been appreciated.
Reviewed on Apr 5, 2024
Dr Butsch is an asset to the Cleveland Clinic. It is refreshing to have a provider that actually listens, cares and advocates for the patient. He is an amazing person, and his true concern and willingness to help is so very much appreciated.
Reviewed on Mar 20, 2024
Dr. Butsch is an renowned expert in his field - yet he remains very down-to-earth and takes time to talk with patients about their lives and health concerns. He advocates for CCF EHP to cover more new medications for weight management and his efforts are very much appreciated by those of us who need to access them! Hands down, Dr. Butsch is one of my favorite physicians at the Clinic.
Reviewed on Mar 13, 2024
Dr. Butsch is by far the best, most caring, warm and informative doctor I have ever had the opportunity to work with.
Reviewed on Feb 23, 2024
I appreciated Dr Butch asking me questions and realizing an answer I gave was not the real answer so he asked me in such a way that I felt comfortable enough to share. I needed that. I appreciate that in a care provider. He has a kind and understanding way about him. I am so grateful to have Dr Butch.
Reviewed on Feb 13, 2024
The Doctor and his assistant were very nice and friendly and easy to understand
Reviewed on Feb 6, 2024
Provider took his time and was very thorough with assessment and explaining my plan of care
Reviewed on Jan 31, 2024
Only negative is the waiting time for appointment. Dr. Busch was highly recommended to me and I see why. I have recommended Dr. Busch to other friends and family. I understand why it takes so long to obtain an appointment
Reviewed on Jan 31, 2024
There arent words to express how very grateful Dr.Busch is my doctor. He is compassionate and nonjudmental .He is extremely knowledgeable and informative. I will never see another provider as long as he is still practicing.
Reviewed on Jan 30, 2024
Dr. Butsch is thoughtful, listens well, and cares. Honestly he puts the "care" back in to "Healthcare"
Reviewed on Jan 29, 2024
Dr B and his staff are THE BEST
Reviewed on Dec 15, 2023
It took eight days to get a prescription. Unacceptable. They tell me go to the portal. Send a note to the physician it's still took me eight days plus phone calls. Unacceptable.
Reviewed on Dec 5, 2023
I am beyond frustrated and extremely disappointed with the lack of service and support I have received. While Dr Butsch is a wonderful Provider, it means nothing when you are unable to get refills on assigned prescriptions or answers to concerns.I have been out of a medication for almost a week because no one will respond. This is the second time this has happened and I don't know how to proceed.
Reviewed on Dec 5, 2023
Great doctor- no response from nursing staff or office when refills are needed or concerns