The ASMBS gives members the opportunity to participate in committees that impact research, education, patient access, technological innovation, communication, and public service.
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MD Committees
Access to Care Committee
Chair: L. Renee Hilton-Rowe, MD FACS DABS-FPMBS
Co-Chairs: Philip Gachassin, MD MHCM FACS FASMBS, Tanyaradzwa Kajese, MD FACS FASMBS and Darren Tishler, MD FACS
BOD Liaison: Joe Northup, MD FACS FASMBS DABS-FPMBS
Staff Liaison: Leslie Vinson
In alignment with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) mission to elevate global health and quality of life by significantly reducing the impact of obesity and its related illnesses, the Access to Care Committee is charged with advancing legislative and policy efforts to ensure equitable access to high-quality treatment options for individuals with obesity. This encompasses continuously evaluating, advocating for, and influencing policies and legislation that remove barriers to obesity treatment, ensuring that effective treatments are universally accessible through equitable policy frameworks. Learn More
Bariatric Surgery Training Committee
Chair: Shaina Eckhouse, MD FACS DABOM DABS-FPMBS
Co-Chairs: S. Julie-Ann Lloyd, MD PhD FACS DABOM & Scott Schimpke, MD FACS
BOD Liaison: Colleen Kennedy, MD MBA FACS FASMBS DABS-FPMBS
Staff Liaison: Morgan Matlock
the Bariatric Surgery Training Committee is tasked with elevating the standards of education, certification, and professional development in the field. This committee supports the ASMBS vision to elevate global health and quality of life by reducing the impact of obesity and its associated illnesses worldwide. Learn More
Board Certification Committee
Chair: Jaime Ponce, MD FACS FIFSO DABS-FPMBS DABOM FASMBS
Co-Chair: Matt Hutter, MD MBA MPH
BOD Liaison: Ann Rogers, MD FACS DABS-FPMBS FASMBS
Staff Liaison: Cindy Chambers
The Board Certification Committee is charged with establishing and maintaining the highest standards of recognition for professionals in the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery in collaboration with the American Board of Surgery. The committee will ensure that the recognition process reflects the latest advancements in surgical techniques, patient care, and medical interventions, thereby enhancing the quality of care for individuals affected by obesity and its associated illnesses. Learn More
Clinical Issues Committee
Chair: Wesley Vosburg, MD FACS DABOM FASMBS
Co-Chair: Pavlos Papasavas, MD FASMBS
BOD Liaison: Joe Northup, MD FACS FASMBS DABS-FPMBS
Staff Liaison: Leslie Vinson
In alignment with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) mission to elevate global health and quality of life by significantly reducing the impact of obesity and its related illnesses, the Clinical Issues Committee is tasked with the creation of evidence-based guidelines, systematic reviews, and position statements aimed at improving the quality of care for patients with obesity and obesity-related diseases. The committee is entrusted as the foremost authority on metabolic and bariatric surgery and serves as the primary publication engine of the society. Learn More
Communications Committee
Chair: Christine Lovato, MD FACS
Co-Chair: Abdelrahman Nimeri, MD FACS
BOD Liaison: Monique Hassan, MD MBA FACS FASMBS DABOM DABS-FPMBS
Staff Liaison: Anne Polo
The aim of the Communications Committee is to facilitate communication between the ASMBS and its members, potential members and the public. This includes making recommendations on new opportunities and technologies to enhance communications; working with the ASMBS staff to develop methods for timely identification of pertinent journal articles, special reports, media events, and Society activities appropriate for promotion; and maintaining active communication channels with the ASMBS President and the Executive Council. Learn More
Community/Independent Practice Committee
Chair: Carl Pesta, DO FASMBS
Co-Chair: Blake Movitz, MD
BOD Liaison: Colleen Kennedy, MD MBA FACS FASMBS DABS-FPMBS
Staff Liaison: Leslie Vinson
In alignment with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) mission to elevate global health and quality of life by significantly reducing the impact of obesity and its related illnesses, the Community Independent Practice Committee is entrusted with representing the interests of independent practitioners within the field. Their mandate includes identifying unique challenges faced by independent practitioners and providing practice-based solutions, addressing best practice guidelines within diverse practice models, monitoring trends in bariatric surgery and endoscopy, and offering educational courses to maximize practices’ success. Learn More
Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Chair: Michael Edwards, MD FACS
Co-Chairs: Crystal Johnson-Mann, MD MPH FACS FASMBS & Charles Thompson, MD FACS FASMBS
BOD Liaison: Benjamin Clapp, MD FACS FASMBS DABS-FPMBS
Staff Liaison: Jennifer Wynn
In alignment with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery’s (ASMBS) mission to elevate global health and quality of life by significantly reducing the impact of obesity and its related illnesses, the Diversity & Inclusion Committee is charged with continuously evaluating and refining the ASMBS’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, ensuring they are effective, and data-informed. This commitment supports the committee’s broader goal of enhancing well-being through medical interventions for obesity, in alignment with the ASMBS vision of elevating global health and quality of life by significantly reducing the impact of obesity and its related illnesses worldwide. Learn More
Emerging Technology and Procedures Committee
Chair: Jamie Loggins, MD FACS
Co-Chairs: Mohamed Ali, MD FACS & Megan Jenkins, MD
BOD Liaison: John Scott, MD FACS DABOM FASMBS
Staff Liaison: Morgan Matlock
the Emerging Technology and Procedures Committee is tasked with advising the Executive Council, other committees, and the general membership on new technologies and procedures in the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery. This includes evaluating the impact of emerging technologies and procedures on patient care and educating members on their incorporation into practice. Learn More
Ethical Advisory Committee
Chair: John Baker, MD
Staff Liaison: Jennifer Wynn
The Ethical Advisory Committee acts as an advisory board for the Executive Council and the ASMBS President.
Flexible Endoscopy Committee
Chair: Leena Khaitan, MD MPH FACS
Co-Chair: Salvatore Docimo, DO MS
BOD Liaison: Mona Misra, MD FACS FRCSC FASMBS DABS-FPMBS
Staff Liaison: Morgan Matlock
The Flexible Endoscopy Committee of ASMBS is charged with examining methods of training, clinical applications, and research for existing and evolving endoscopic therapies in the treatment of patients with obesity. The committee aims to promote responsible and safe use of endoluminal therapies, ensure member education, and provide leadership in the field of bariatric endoscopy. Learn More
General and Foregut Surgery Committee
Chair: Sergio Bardaro, MD FACS DABS-FPMBS FASMBS
Co-Chairs: Karen Gibbs, MD FACS Diplo ABOM FASMBS and Federico Serrot, MD FACS FASMBS
BOD Liaison: Helmuth Billy, MD
Staff Liaison: Leslie Vinson
In alignment with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) mission to elevate global health and quality of life by significantly reducing the impact of obesity and its related illnesses, the General and Foregut Surgery Committee is charged with developing evidence-based guidelines and identifying unique diagnostic and treatment strategies required for the management of general surgical and foregut disease in patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgical procedures. Learn More
Insurance Committee
Chair: Michael Cook, MD FACS FASMBS
Co-Chairs: Maria Iliakova, MD and Don Selzer, MD
BOD Liaison: Helmuth Billy, MD
Staff Liaison: Leslie Vinson
In alignment with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) mission to elevate global health and quality of life by significantly reducing the impact of obesity and its related illnesses, the Insurance Committee is tasked with bridging the gap between the details of insurance coverage and coding and the practicing surgeons and integrated health ASMBS members. The committee focuses on educating ASMBS members in insurance coverage, coding, and access, and serves as a liaison between the ASMBS, insurers, and CMS on coverage specifics for bariatric procedures. Lastly, the committee collaborates with the ASMBS Access to Care Committees on acute and chronic insurance-related access to care issues. Learn More
International Development Committee
Chair: Rana Pullatt, MD FACS FASMBS DABS-FPMBS
Co-Chair: Rami Lutfi, MD, FASMBS and Ian Soriano, MD FACS
BOD Liaison: Rana Pullatt, MD FACS FASMBS DABS-FPMBS
Staff Liaison: Morgan Matlock
The ASMBS International Development Committee works to integrate international members from around the world by developing relationships between the ASMBS and its members with organizations and institutions in foreign countries with similar goals and activities; facilitating international collaboration and cooperation to advance the treatment of obesity through education, research and policy initiatives; and maintaining an active relationship with the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Diseases. Learn More
Membership Committee
Chair: Andre Teixeira, MD
Co-Chair: Chris Ducoin, MD MPH FACS FASMBS
BOD Liaison: Monique Hassan, MD MBA FACS FASMBS DABOM DABS-FPMBS
Staff Liaison: Andranique Boone
The function of the Membership Committee is to act as a liaison for members to ensure needs of membership are being met by the society, address member concerns, review membership applications, assist applicants in the application process when necessary, facilitate the FASMBS program, stimulate membership, and ensure access of members to society benefits. Learn More
Military Committee
Chair: Anthony Mark, MD FASMBS
Co-Chairs: Open (Military) and Ann DeBord Smith, MD MPH (VA)
BOD Liaison: Richard Peterson, MD MPH FACS FASMBS DABS-FPMBS
Staff Liaison: Leslie Vinson
In alignment with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) mission to elevate global health and quality of life by significantly reducing the impact of obesity and its related illnesses, the Military Committee is charged with supporting the uniformed services and their members through ASMBS, aiming to improve the care of bariatric patients within the military/Tricare/VA Healthcare Systems. The committee focuses on advancing the science of metabolic and bariatric surgery through a robust research consortium. Additionally, it aims to establish a collective within Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) and VA Hospitals, creating uniform pathways among centers, and promoting MBSAQIP participation. Learn More
Nominating Committee
Chair: Teresa LaMasters, MD FACS FASMBS DABOM DABS-FPMBS
Co-Chair: Marina Kurian, MD FACS FASMBS DABOM DABS-FPMBS
Members:
Pediatric Committee
Chair: Jeremy Aidlen, MD FACS FAAP
Co-Chairs: Joy Collins, MD and Ann O’Connor, MD MBA
BOD Liaison: Marina Kurian, MD FACS FASMBS DABOM DABS-FPMBS
Staff Liaison: Leslie Vinson
In alignment with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) mission to elevate global health and quality of life by significantly reducing the impact of obesity and its related illnesses, the Pediatric Committee is tasked with developing, fostering, and promoting best care practices and resources for pediatric bariatric patients. In response to the increasing prevalence of severe obesity within the pediatric population and the rise in weight loss surgeries, the committee continues to carry out its strategic mission to address this public health crisis. Learn More
Program Committee
Chair: Rana Pullatt, MD FACS FASMBS DABS-FPMBS
Co-Chair: Adrian Dan, MD FACS
BOD Liaison: Ann M. Rogers, MD FACS FASMBS DABS-FPMBS
Staff Liaison: Cindy Chambers
Speaker Coordinator: Rosalina Betances
In alignment with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) mission to elevate global health and quality of life by significantly reducing the impact of obesity and its related illnesses, the Program Committee is tasked with developing and organizing all annual educational events for the ASMBS, including the ASMBS Annual Meeting and ASMBS Weekend. The committee identifies professional education needs, reviews abstract submissions, selects topics and speakers, and contributes to the overall conference programming to enhance the educational experience for ASMBS members. Learn More
Public Education Committee
Chair: Rickesha Wilson, MD
Co-Chairs: Kristin McCoy, MD and Carl Pesta, DO FASMBS
BOD Liaison: Teresa LaMasters, MD FACS FASMBS DABOM DABS-FPMBS
Staff Liaison: Anne Polo
The Public Education Committee is responsible for educating the public on bariatric surgery via printed and web-based materials as well as through the media, including radio, newspaper, television and journals. Learn More
Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Committee
Chair: Tammy Kindel, MD PhD FACS FASMBS
Co-Chair: Oliver Varban, MD FACS FASMBS
BOD Liaison: Ben Clapp, MD FACS FASMBS DABS-FPMBS
Staff Liaison: Leslie Vinson
In alignment with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) mission to elevate global health and quality of life by significantly reducing the impact of obesity and its related illnesses, the Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Committee is entrusted with promoting continuous improvement in patient safety and risk reduction. The committee integrates and coordinates patient safety initiatives among member surgeons, aiming to reduce medical errors through process analysis and quality improvement reporting. Learn More
Research Committee
Chair: Ben Clapp, MD FACS FASMBS DABS-FPMBS
Co-Chairs: Tammy Kindel, MD PhD FACS FASMBS and Andrew Wheeler, MD FASMBS
BOD Liaison: John Scott, MD, FACS, FASMBS
Staff Liaison: Karen Loerzel
The mission of the Research Committee is to advance the science of metabolic and bariatric surgery by advocating clinical and basic science research. Learn More
Rural Committee
Chair: Arnold D. Salzberg, MD FACS
Co-Chair: Linden Karas, MD FACS
BOD Liaison: Pearl Ma, MD FACS FASMBS DABOM DABS-FPMBS
Staff Liaison: Leslie Vinson
In alignment with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) mission to elevate global health and quality of life by significantly reducing the impact of obesity and its related illnesses, the Rural Committee is charged with representing rural bariatric surgical practices, fostering best care practices, identifying unique challenges faced in rural settings, and facilitating potential solutions. Composed of surgeons and integrated health section professionals serving bariatric patients in rural or isolated areas, the committee advises and supports ASMBS membership concerning practice trends and issues specific to rural bariatric surgery. Learn More
State and Local Chapters Committee
Chair: Judy Chen, MD ABOM FASMBS
Co-Chair: Dino Spaniolas, MD FACS FASMBS
BOD Liaison: Pearl Ma, MD FACS FASMBS DABOM DABS-FPMBS
Staff Liaison: Leslie Vinson
In alignment with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) mission to elevate global health and quality of life by significantly reducing the impact of obesity and its related illnesses, the State & Local Chapters Committee is entrusted with fostering communication between health professionals on obesity and related conditions at the grassroots level, extending to state legislatures and the U.S. Capitol. This entails promoting collegiality among colleagues and programs, advancing the work of chapters through collaboration, and facilitating timely communication and networking. Learn More
Video Committee
Chair: Matthew Brengman, MD MHA FASMBS
Co-Chair: Venkat Modukuru, MD FACS
BOD Liaison: Mona Misra, MD FACS FRCSC FASMBS DABS-FPMBS
Staff Liaison: Rosalina Betances
The Video Committee is charged with advancing the surgical techniques for metabolic & bariatric surgery and improve the care and treatment of people with obesity and related diseases. They are responsible for creating and continuously updated the ASMBS Video Library and organizing video presentations for ASMBS Educational Meetings. Learn More
Integrated Health (IH) Section Committees
IH Advanced Practice Provider Committee
Chair: Connie Klein, NPC, CBN
Co-Chair: Deb Allis, PA-C MBA
IHSEC Liaison: Aura Petcu, AG-ACNP CNS
Staff Liaison: Morgan Matlock
The Advanced Practice Provider (IH APP) Committee is tasked with exploring, developing, and maintaining credentialing and educational offerings for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinical nurse specialists in the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery. Learn More
IH Behavioral Health Committee
Chair: Stephanie Sogg, PhD
Co-Chair: Karen Grothe, PhD ABPP LP
IHSEC Liaison: Kati Duncan, PsyD
Staff Liaison: Morgan Matlock
The Behavioral Health (BH) Committee of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) is charged with integrating and promoting comprehensive and high-quality BH practices within the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). Learn more
IH CBN Certification Committee
Chair: Karen Flanders, NP-C FASMBS-IH CBN
Co-Chair: Sharon Hillgartner, RN CBN
IHSEC Liaison: Kellie Armstrong, MSN RN CBN and Karen Groller, PhD RN CV-BC CMSRN
Staff Liaison: Morgan Matlock
The CBN Certification Committee is dedicated to enhancing and promoting the specialty of bariatric nursing care by maintaining the CBN certification program. Learn More
IH Clinical Issues Committee
Chair & IHSEC Liaison: Lillian Craggs-Dino, DHA RDN LDN CLT
Co-Chair: Laura Aylward, PhD
Staff Liaison: Leslie Vinson
In alignment with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) mission to elevate global health and quality of life by significantly reducing the impact of obesity and its related illnesses, the Integrated Health Section Clinical Issues Committee (IHSCIC) is charged with creating evidence-based position statements focusing on clinical issues pertinent to the integrated interdisciplinary team. The committee aims to address individual integrated health disciplines’ challenges, with the overarching goal of enhancing the safety, quality, and outcomes of bariatric and metabolic surgical patient care. Learn More
IH Communications Committee
Chair & IHSEC Liaison: Sarah Muntel, RD
Co-Chair: Rachel Goldman, PhD
Staff Liaison: Anne Polo
The aim of the Integrated Health Communications committee is to facilitate communication within AMSBS integrated health membership, between integrated health and surgeon members, and with potential members. This includes communicating in outside forums, moderating communication over official forums, and ensuring that relevant integrated health is available to all members. Learn More
IH Membership Committee
Chair: Julia Jurgensen, APRN CNP DNP
Co-Chair: Jamie Carr, BSN RN
IHSEC Liaison: Melissa Page, MS RD CSOWM LDN
Staff Liaison: Andranique Boone
The function of the IH Membership Committee is to act as liaison for members to ensure needs of membership are being met by the society, address member concerns, review membership applications, assist applicants in the application process when necessary, stimulate membership, and ensure access of members to society benefits. Learn More
IH Multidisciplinary Care Committee
Chair: Brooke Doucet, RN CBN
Co-Chair: Nicole Franklin, PsyD
IHSEC Liaison: Janelle Coughlin, PhD
Staff Liaison: Leslie Vinson
In alignment with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) mission to elevate global health and quality of life by significantly reducing the impact of obesity and its related illnesses, the Integrated Health Section Multidisciplinary Care Committee (IHS MDC) Committee is tasked with providing evidence-based support for the role of team members in the long-term success of bariatric surgical patients. It consists of representatives from various specialties within the integrated team, including exercise, behavioral health, nursing, nutrition, surgery, and obesity medicine. Learn More
IH Nominating Committee
Chair: Nathaniel Sann, MSN FNP-BC
Co-Chair: Stephanie Sogg, PhD
Members: Kelli Friedman, PhD; Catherine Tuppo, PT MS CLT-LANA
IH Program and Professional Education Committee
Chair: Lynn Montague-Daddio, MSN RN NP ACNS-BC CBN
Co-Chair: Kathi Ling, PT DPT WCC
IHSEC Liaison: Kellie Armstrong, RN MS CBN
Staff Liaison: Cindy Chambers
Speaker Coordinator: Rosalina Betances
In alignment with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) mission to elevate global health and quality of life by significantly reducing the impact of obesity and its related illnesses, the Integrated Health Section Program and Professional Education Committee is tasked with promoting and supporting the development of educational programs to enhance the care and treatment of individuals with obesity and related diseases, advance the understanding of metabolic and bariatric surgery, and address the educational and professional needs of a diverse membership. Learn More.
IH Support Group Committee
Chair: Nini Peterson, PhD
Co-Chair: Andrea Rigby, PsyD
IHSEC Liaison: Nini Peterson, PhD
Staff Liaison: Karen Loerzel
The mission of the Support Group committee is to promote the development of the concept of support groups in the care of bariatric surgical patient identify the needs of support group leaders and develop strategies to meet these needs identify, develop and distribute resources for support groups and support group leaders, and encourage the exchange of ideas and networking among support group leaders. Learn More