Purpose

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery is committed to providing tools for physicians as they participate in the Maintenance of Certification program, a lifelong learning process which includes areas of self-assessment and quality improvement of practice performance by physician specialists.  Presentations of papers submitted from the most current research, as well as invited lectures, promote the exchange of information and experiences between those practiced in bariatric surgery and newcomers to the field. The plenary session is offered as a culmination to the selection of courses presented in various learning formats designed to meet the needs of the learner.  The primary goal is continual improvement in the competence and performance of those in the field of bariatric surgery which will result in improved patient outcomes.

Target Audience

The conference is designed for all clinical and academic surgeons and support staff, including any health professional involved in the care of the obese patient, who wish to increase their knowledge of the surgical and perioperative management of the obese patient. The conference is also designed for those seeking practical pearls and hands-on experience to modify their practice and thereby achieve more favorable patient outcomes.

Educational Objectives

Upon completion of this conference, physicians and support staff should
be able to:

• Define, discuss and solve specific challenges in the treatment of patients who suffer from obesity and  obesity-related and metabolic diseases and conditions
• Describe the development and use of new techniques to achieve weight loss by surgery in obese patients
• Examine the broad scope of patient care services
• Identify the specific needs of bariatric patients and assist in  targeting their care in a coordinated multidisciplinary team effort

Accreditation

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery designates this educational activity for a maximum of 39.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Nursing Credits (up to 44.25 CE contact hours) are provided by Taylor College, Los Angeles, California (possibly may not be accepted for national certification).

Credits for the ASMBS Masters in Behavioral Health Course is co-provided by Amedco and the ASMBS a maximum of 10.5 contact hours for for Psychologists and Social Workers.  Please refer to the individual course outlines for each MBH session for specific accreditation information.

Americans with Disabilities Act Statement

The ASMBS wishes to take those steps to insure that no individual with a disability is excluded, denied services, segregated, or otherwise related to differently because of the absence of auxiliary aids and services identified in the Americans with Disabilities Act. If any such services are necessaryin order to participate in the conference, please communicate your needs in advance.

Educational Disclaimer

The primary purpose of this conference is education. Information presented, as well as publications, technologies, products, and/or services discussed, are intended to inform you about the knowledge, techniques and experiences of bariatric surgeons who are willing to share such information with colleagues. A diversity of professional opinions exists in bariatric surgery, and the views of the conference’s faculty are offered solely for educational purposes. Faculty’s views neither represent those of the ASMBS nor constitute endorsement by the Society. The ASMBS declaims any and all liability or damages to any individual attending this conference and for all claims, which may result from the use of information, publications, technologies, products, and/or services of the meeting. Faculty disclosure statements have been requested from the speakers and will be presented in the conference materials.

Special Assistance

ASMBS can assist with special needs (for example, physical, dietary). For assistance, please email your request to watsonp@asmbs.org.

Child Care

Children under 18 may not attend any ASMBS function. Those desiring childcare should contact the hotel concierge.

Additional Information

Contact: American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
100 SW 75 Street, Suite 201
Gainesville, FL 32607 USA
Ph: 352.331.4900,
Fx: 352.331.4975
email: info@asmbs.org