Research Committee

Abdelrahman Nimeri, MD, FACS, FASMBS
Chair

Michael Edwards, MD, FACS, FASMBS
Co-Chair

Ann Rogers, MD, FACS, DABS-FPMBS, FASMBS
Executive Council Liaison

Members

  • Ben Clapp, MD (Past Chair)
  • Tammy Kindel, MD (Past Co-Chair)
  • Dimitrios Stefanidis, MD, PhD, FASMBS
  • Nancy Puzziferri, MD
  • Mohammed Ali, MD
  • John Pilcher, MD
  • Bhavani Pokala, MD
  • Shanil Shah, DO
  • Subhash Kini, MD
  • Victoria Lyo, MD
  • Pavlos Papsavas, MD
  • Elizabeth Hechenbleikner, MD
  • Marios Alogakos, MD
  • Tom Shin, MD
  • Sergio Bardaro, MD
  • Milot Thaqi, MD
  • Mike Kachmar, DO
  • Tarik Yuce, MD
  • Jason Samuels, MD
  • Austin Airhart, MD

ASMBS Staff Liaison

  • Karen Loerzel, MS, CMP, ODCP

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 Research Committee is tasked with advancing the scientific understanding of metabolic and bariatric
  • surgery through the promotion of high-quality research initiatives. By advocating for both clinical and basic
  • science research, the committee aims to contribute to the improvement of care and treatment for individuals
  • affected by obesity and related diseases.

Description

The Research Committee operates with the primary objective of driving progress in the field of
metabolic and bariatric surgery through research advocacy. By facilitating and supporting research endeavors,
both in academic and private practice settings, the committee endeavors to enhance the scientific knowledge
base and promote evidence-based practices within the field.

Objectives

  • Promote the highest quality research standards and methodologies in metabolic and bariatric surgery.
  • Rationale: This objective ensures the generation of high-quality scientific evidence that can inform
  • clinical practice, drive innovation, and improve patient outcomes in metabolic and bariatric surgery.
  • Establish grant opportunities for academic and private practice research to pursue innovative research
  • projects that address key clinical questions and advance the field.
  • Rationale: This objective fosters research excellence and supports investigators in conducting impactful
  • studies in metabolic and bariatric surgery.
  • Proactively identify new and emerging research and areas of scientific interest opportunities.
  • Rationale: This objective ensures that research efforts remain aligned with the evolving needs of the
  • field and supports research initiatives that have the potential to generate significant advancements in
  • the understanding and treatment of obesity and related diseases.

Committee Goals

Advance the science and understanding of metabolic and bariatric surgery by promoting high-quality
research initiatives and supporting grant opportunities.

Rationale: This goal directly contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge in metabolic and
bariatric surgery through research advocacy, ultimately leading to improved patient care and treatment
outcomes.
● Improve the care and treatment of people with obesity through the facilitation of research endeavors
that address key clinical challenges and contribute to evidence-based practice.
Rationale: This goal plays a vital role in enhancing patient care and promoting better outcomes for
individuals with obesity and related diseases.

Completed Projects

  • Awarded two (2) grants in 2025

ASMBS Research Committee 2025 Top Two Accomplishments:

  1. Continuing the ASMBS Research Collaborative (ARC) with over 200 MBSAQIP sites engaged in the first two collaborative research projects related to VTE and PPI prophylaxis.
  2. Awarded two (2) research grants in 2025

View Research Produced by ASMBS Research Grant Awards

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