As we conclude the summer season, our Integrated Health committees are continuing their work to advance the practice of the bariatric surgery Integrated Health members.  As your new IH President, I have created the CARE plan for our section to help us stay focused on forward progress.  CARE is the simple word I chose to describe my goals as we move from 2012-2015.  These items are based on the Integrated Health Strategic Plan.

C – Connect and Collaborate.  Increasing collaboration between the Integrated Health membership will be key for continued integrated health strength. I will rely on the leadership of Nate Sann and the new IH Communications Committee to connect our members more effectively and build a strong online Integrated Health community that will be searchable by specialty.

A – Add value to membership.   Continued work within the committees will focus on building resources for Integrated Health professionals that are only available to members of the society.

R – Recognition and Research. Focuses on the importance of the role of Integrated Health professional in the field of bariatric surgery.  Several projects are underway to create awareness for the role of Integrated Health.  These projects include a white paper by the IH Multidisciplinary Committee and plans for data collection in the new bariatric database.

E – Educate. Improve quality of our educational offerings for bariatric society members and the public.  This includes live events, web-based programs, professional certification opportunities, and patient educational resources.

While I expect our group will accomplish even more than what is stated above, I suspect much of our work will fit into the above four categories.  As you look through the CARE plan, please feel free to give me your thoughts and ideas.  I look forward to getting to know more of you in the next two years as we work toward our goals.

Karen Schulz
ASMBS Integrated Health President