Committee Mission

The mission of the Board Certification Committee is to establish and maintain high standards for professionals in metabolic and bariatric surgery.

An Interview With The Chair

What about this committee’s mission is the most important to you? 

“This committee has achieved a significant milestone that the ASMBS has been striving for over the past decade. Discussions with the American Board of Surgery, which began around my tenure as ASMBS President, have finally led to formal recognition of surgeons dedicated to Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS). Importantly, we’ve established a pathway to ‘grandfather’ all of us actively practicing in accredited centers, who can demonstrate comprehensive knowledge in the field.

This is a pivotal advancement for MBS. It not only allows us to validate our expertise among peers, but it also helps us distinguish ourselves within hospitals from surgeons who may only dabble in this field. Moreover, it helps us combat the bias and stigma that sometimes surround treatments for obesity.”

How has being part of this committee benefitted you professionally or even personally?

“Being a part of this committee has been an honor. I’ve gained valuable insights into how the American Board of Surgery (ABS) develops high-quality exams, including the process of validating and scoring each question. It has also provided the opportunity to witness how we can collectively channel our efforts into this major undertaking, consolidating our knowledge into a comprehensive blueprint.”

What of this committee’s accomplishments are you most proud of? 

“This committee, initially led by Eric DeMaria, was recognized for achieving a designation from the ABS after many years of effort. I am incredibly proud to have contributed by completing three examinations, bringing over 30 surgeons onto the committee—many as item writers—and improving the quality and validation of each exam question.

More recently, we successfully incorporated a group of surgeons who were unintentionally excluded from the process, either because they were not ABS diplomates or were unable to obtain MBSAQIP accreditation. This includes DOs and some military surgeons, who will gradually gain access to the exam and be eligible for this special designation.”

Final Thoughts on the Access to Care Committee?

Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS) will continue to play a crucial role in the comprehensive care of patients suffering from obesity and the Board Certification Committee is focused on making sure that we offer the highest standards for surgeons.”