Incorporated May 2012
The Alabama Chapter of ASMBS members include surgeons, obesity medicine physicians and non surgeon physicians and supporting integrated healthcare professionals. This includes, but is not limited to, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dietitians, mental health professionals, psychiatrists, psychologists involved in the care and treatment of patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery.
Mission Statement
To study the chronic medical condition of obesity and advance the art and science of metabolic and bariatric surgery by:
- Making recommendations, providing testimony and engaging in such advocacy activities which affect bariatric surgeons, integrated health providers in the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery and patients undergoing surgery and treatment of obesity
- Encouragement of our members to pursue investigations both in the clinic, hospital and laboratory setting with promotion of outcome studies and QI initiatives
- Encourage the Interchange of ideas, information and experience pertaining to metabolic and bariatric surgery and the treatment of obesity between surgeons and integrated health professionals
- Promotion of the updated 2022 Indications for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery guidelines for patient selection and care
- Promotion of improved pre operative, perioperative and long-term post operative care of patients and the reduction of patient risk
- Fostering of educational programs for bariatric surgeons, physicians, integrated health professionals and the general public
- Monitoring governmental activities, insurance companies and insurance regulations, laws, proposed regulations and proposed legislation, whether national, state or local, which affect metabolic and bariatric surgery and the treatment of obesity
- Making recommendations, providing testimony and engaging in advocacy activities which affect metabolic and bariatric surgery
- Working with other professional organizations and other key stakeholders towards ending bias and stigma surrounding the chronic medical condition of obesity
Executive Officers
President: Forrest Ringold, MD FACS
Past Presidents: Kenneth Todd Foreman, MD FASMBS; Richard Stahl, MD
Vice President: Cameron Askew, MD
Treasurer/Secretary: Parham Mora, MD
Integrated Health Chair: Aimee Rothe BSN, RN, CBN, CEN, TCRN, NHDP-BC CBN
STAR (State Access to Care Representative): Danuel Laan, MD FASMBS
IHS STAR (Integrated Health Section State Access to Care Representative): Aimee Rothe BSN, RN, CBN, CEN, TCRN, NHDP-BC CBN
Contact
asmbsalabama@gmail.com
Mailing Address:
Forrest Ringold, MD, FACS, FASMBS
President, Alabama Chapter of the ASMBS
3 Mobile Infirmary Circle, Suite 212
Mobile, AL 36607
Chapter Meetings and Updates
2022-2023
- Advocacy efforts/correspondence with BCBS Alabama by officers regarding access issues for patients
- State of Alabama has a new Obesity Advocacy Coalition. Board members are reaching out to this coalition to become involved with state efforts.
- Meeting held on February 28, 2022 regarding TROI policy (medicare approval of prescription weight loss drugs)
Support Groups
Local support groups are facilitated per hospital-please contact your hospital bariatric surgery program for more information. Some private practices also host patient support groups and events. Many programs have added virtual post operative support groups.