Lynn Montague-Daddio, MSN RN NP ACNS-BC CBN
Chair
Co-Chair: Kathi Ling, PT DPT WCC
Kellie Armstrong, RN, MS, CBN
IH Board of Directors Liaison
Members
Heidi Bednarchuk, MSN APRN CNS
Stephanie Sogg, PhD
Mary Gray-Hixson, MPH RD CSOWM LDN, IHEC Secretary
Valerie Matthews
David Creel, PhD
Michael Dougherty, PA-C
Kim Evans-Labok
Karen Flanders, NP-C
Kelli Friedman, PhD
William F. Gourash, MSN, CRNP
Leslie Heinberg, PhD
Afton Koball, PhD
Kathi Ling, PT DPT WCC
Jill Myers, MSN, RN, NPD-BC
Megan Tomczyszyn, MS, RD, LD, RYT, ACSM-CPT
Catherine Tuppo, PT, MS, CLT-LANA
Subcommittees
Behavioral Health Abstract Committee
Janelle Coughlin, PhD, Chair
Karen Grothe, PhD
Dale Bond, PhD
Kelli Friedman, PhD
Kristine Steffen, PharmD PhD
Ryan Marek, PhD
Valentina Ivezaj, PhD
Afton Koball, PhD
Nutrition
Emily Thevis, MBA RDN CDCES, Chair
Lauren Casey Flowers, MS RD LDN
Post-Graduate
Connie Klein, NP – Chair
April Smith, PharmD
Abstract
Kellie Armstrong, RN MS CBN – Chair
Janelle Coughlin, , PhD
Kelli Friedman, PhD
Rachel Goldman, PhD
Melissa Majumdar, MS RD CSOWM LDN
Kellene Isom, PhD MS RD CAGS
Laura Andromalos, MS RD LDN
Leslie Heinberg, PhD
Karen Flanders, MSN ARNP CBN
Zachary Grunewald, PhD, MS, RDN, LD
Connie Klein, NP
Lynnita Montague-Daddio, MSN RN NP
Multidisciplinary
Kristine Steffen, PharmD PhD, Chair
Dale Bond, PhD
ASMBS Staff Liaison
Cindy Chambers
Kristie Kaufman
Mission
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.
Description
The IH Section Program and Professional Education Committee collaborates closely with the
Program Committee to develop educational events, particularly for the ASMBS Annual Meeting. It identifies
areas of need, assesses professional gaps, and contributes to the overall design and execution of educational
programming. Additionally, the committee promotes and develops educational initiatives aimed at improving
the skills, clinical practices, and research endeavors of metabolic and bariatric surgery professionals.
Objectives and Goals
Objectives
● Conduct ongoing reviews of current and new programs and advise, advocate, and support ASMBS
educational programs to promote educational collaboration with related disciplines, organizations, and
subject matter experts.
Rationale: This objective ensures that educational programs are high-quality, relevant, and
interdisciplinary, aligning with the evolving needs of metabolic and bariatric surgery professionals. It
maintains standards for educational content, fostering continuous improvement in program
effectiveness and ultimately enhancing patient care outcomes.
● Utilize available, affordable programming technologies to provide quality program delivery.
Rationale: This objective expands access to educational programming, ensuring affordability making it
accessible to a broader range of professionals, facilitating continuous learning and professional
development.
● Develop and maintain offerings for continuing education requirements.
Rationale: This objective ensures that professionals remain current with the latest advancements and
best practices in metabolic and bariatric surgery and enhances the relevance and effectiveness of
programming, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
● Offer support for course directors and presenters.
Rationale: This objective ensures the successful delivery of educational content and enhances the
overall effectiveness of educational events.
● Contribute to the development of guidelines.
Rationale:This objective ensures consistency and quality in educational programming, providing a
framework for effective delivery and assessment.
Goals
● Conduct quarterly reviews of IH professional education programs.
Rationale: This goal ensures that educational programs remain current and relevant, addressing the
evolving needs of metabolic and bariatric surgery professionals.
● Establish clear criteria for program approval/rejection and streamline the review process and provide
timely and actionable feedback to program proposers.
Rationale: This goal ensures consistency and fairness in evaluating proposals for new programs and
enables proposers to make necessary adjustments, improving the quality and effectiveness of
proposed programs.
● Foster collaborative relationships with related disciplines, organizations and subject matter experts to
develop relevant content.
Rationale: This goal facilitates the development of interdisciplinary educational initiatives and ensures
that educational offerings are comprehensive and evidence-based, meeting the educational needs of
professionals.
● Explore and implement innovative educational technologies and regularly update and refine educational
guidelines.
Rationale: This goal enhances the delivery and accessibility of educational content and ensures that
guidelines remain relevant and aligned with best practices, meeting the diverse learning needs of
professionals and providing a framework for high-quality educational programming.
Offer discounted rates for ASMBS members.
Rationale: This goal ensures that educational programming remains affordable for members, promoting
broader participation and engagement.
● Monitor compliance with continuing education requirements.
Rationale: This goal ensures that professionals maintain their certification and stay current on the latest
developments in the field, enhancing the quality of patient care.
● Provide comprehensive training and resources for course directors and presenters.
Rationale: This goal enhances the quality and effectiveness of educational events, maximizing their
impact on participant learning.
Apply to Join a Committee
