Flexible Endoscopy Committee

Leena Khaitan, MD MPH FACS
Chair

Salvatore Docimo, DO MS
Co-Chair

Mona Misra, MD
BOD Liaison

Members

Mujjahid Abbas, MD FACS
Juan Barajas Gamboa, MD
John-Paul Bellistri, MD
Judy Chen, MD FACS ABOM FASMBS
Jerry Dang, MD PhD FRCSC
Matthew Davis, MD
Nicole Fearing, MD FACS
Daniel Guerron, MD FACS
Brooke Henson, MSN APRN FNP-C CBN
Matthew Kroh, MD FACS DABS-FPMBS FASGE
Marina Kurian, MD FACS DABOM DABS-FPMBS FASMBS
Dean Mikami, MD
Ninh Nguyen, MD
Sabrena Noria, MD PhD
Rodolfo Oviedo, MD FACS FICS DABS-FPDMBS
Yagnik Pandya, MD FACS
Kevin Reavis, MD
Cory Richardson, MD FACS FAFS FASMBS
Thomas Shin, MD PhD
Samuel Szomstein, MD FAC
Nabil Tariq, MD
Kevin Wasco, MD FACS
Natan Zundel, MD

ASMBS Staff Liaison

Morgan Matlock

Charge:

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.

Description:

The Flexible Endoscopy Committee focuses on training, clinical applications, and research related to endoscopic therapies for patients with obesity. It emphasizes understanding the anatomy and physiology of obese patients, past and current surgical procedures, and the role of endoluminal therapies. Additionally, the committee addresses the need for leadership within ASMBS to ensure responsible and safe use of endoscopic techniques and to keep members informed about the latest developments in the field.

Objectives:

  • Promote bariatric endoscopy through the BE-SAFE program as a formal curriculum for ASMBS and SAGES members.

Rationale: This objective ensures standardized training and education, fostering competence and confidence in bariatric endoscopy procedures and enhancing patient care outcomes.

  • Provide high-quality, data-driven educational courses (didactic and hands-on) in flexible endoscopy in the bariatric patient at the ASMBS Annual Meeting, ASMBS Weekend, and with SAGES.

Rationale: This objective promotes continuous professional development among members, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to incorporate flexible endoscopy into bariatric patient care effectively. Hands-on training enhances practical proficiency, ensuring safe and effective use of endoscopic techniques.

  • Collaborate to develop guidelines with other ASMBS committees when using endoscopy in the management of obesity.

Rationale: This objective ensures comprehensive guidelines for the use of endoscopy in obesity management, integrating emerging technologies and procedures seamlessly into clinical practice and promoting standardized, evidence-based care.

Goals:

Goals:

  • Promote the BE-SAFE program as a standardized formal curriculum and skills verification for ASMBS and SAGES members, and provide high-quality educational courses in flexible endoscopy for bariatric patients at ASMBS events and with SAGES to promote BE-SAFE.

Rationale: This goal ensures that members receive comprehensive and standardized training and skills verification, stay abreast of the latest advancements and best practices in bariatric endoscopy, and ultimately improve patient outcomes, care quality, safety, and reduce procedural risks.

  • Continuous review and updating of the BESAFE curriculum and skills verification content to ensure alignment with evolving best practices and evidence-based guidelines in bariatric care. 

Rationale: This goal ensures that the BESAFE curriculum and content remain current, ensuring that members are competent in providing optimal care of bariatric surgery patients. 

  • Develop evidence-based guidelines for the safe and effective endoscopy use in obesity management in collaboration with other ASMBS committees, especially Emerging Technologies and Procedures.

Rationale: This goal ensures comprehensive and up-to-date guidelines that integrate emerging technologies and procedures, promoting standardized care and optimizing patient outcomes.

Apply to Join a Committee

Share your interest in becoming involved with the many ASMBS committees.