Circle of Excellence Award

The true strength of our Society is in the support, dedication, and talent of its membership. The Integrated Health Executive Council (IHEC) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) recognize that members practicing in the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery deserve recognition for the dedication, commitment, care and expertise they provide to patients, families and colleagues every day. The Circle of Excellence (COE) Award is given to a deserving provider who exemplifies compassion and dedication to care of the metabolic and bariatric surgery patient, as well as executes the visions and goals of the integrated health science section.

Purpose: To recognize a healthcare provider specializing in the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery who has made an extraordinary effort to promote and advance the integrated health science section.

See past Circle of Excellence recipients

Nomination Process:

Complete the application here.

Provide any support materials for the candidate (option to upload when completing the online application)

Nomination Deadline:

  • The deadline for submission is April 5, 2024. All forms and support materials must be submitted by this date.  No exceptions are considered.

Award Criteria:

The candidate must be a current ASMBS member in good standing practicing in the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery and must be nominated by another ASMBS member also in good standing and practicing in the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery. Self-nominations are not accepted. Previous recipients of the award are ineligible; the comprehensive list of past recipients can be accessed here: https://asmbs.org/about/awards/#past-recipients

Education Criteria

  • Contributed educational content to Integrated Health Section Meetings, such as ASMBS Weekend and/or The ASMBS Annual Meeting. Content may be in the form of presentations or participation in the planning and development of the education courses.
  • Effectively served and actively participated on an ASMBS Integrated Health Section Committee (specify committee/s) 

Research Criteria

  • Contributed to the Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases (SOARD) the official scientific journal of the ASMBS or an equivalent
  • Presented an abstract at the annual meeting
  • Awarded an ASMBS Integrated Health Research Grant

Patient Criteria

  • Provides excellent care, which significantly impacts the patient

Public Awareness Criteria

  • Contributed significant effort in planning, developing, and/or implementing the following:
  • Development or involvement in public programs (support groups, exercise groups, etc.)
  • Development of patient educational materials
  • Participates in access to care activities (Hill visits, letters to congressman, etc.)
  • Organized a Walk for Obesity Event

Personal Qualifications

  • An ASMBS member in good standing
  • Participates or has participated at a visible level within the ASMBS
  • Dedicated and loyal service to the Integrated Health Sciences Section
  • Respected and Admired

Nominee Review and Selection:

All nominees’ applications will be reviewed by the Integrated Health Executive Council.  The Integrated Health Executive Council will vote anonymously for the nominee who best fulfills the COE award criteria.  The nominee with the highest number of votes will receive the award.

IHEC members who currently serve on the committee are eligible.  However, they must recuse themselves from participating in the selection process.

Award Presentation:

The Circle of Excellence Award will be presented to the recipient annually during the ASMBS Foundation Awards L.E.A.D. Gala at the ASMBS Annual Conference.

ASMBS members, please fill out the form in its entirety and send your nominations to Jennifer Wynn at jennifer@asmbs.org by April 5, 2024. Please include a brief statement describing how your nominee meets the criteria.