The American Board of Obesity Medicine: Five‐year report

The rationale for developing a certification in the United States is supported by the following key points: · The increased prevalence and burden of overweight and obesity among US adults and children present an important public health challenge that requires an expanded and dedicated physician workforce (1,2). · Obesity has recently been recognized as a chronic disease by several healthcare organizations, including the American Medical Association (3). · Steep increases in severe, complicated, and recalcitrant obesity demand specialist referral options for more advanced care. · Certification would bring increased recognition and competency to the obesity field and may lay the foundation for improved reimbursement for obesity care. · Offering a certification examination would increase the number of physicians choosing to train in obesity and/or seek obesity-related continuing medical education activities. · Anticipated advances in obesity care over the next decade in pharmacotherapy, surgical procedures, and devices will require specialty training and expertise. · There are an insufficient number of physicians to provide perioperative care for the increasing number of patients undergoing bariatric surgery and placement of medical devices for obesity treatment. · Certified physicians can serve as clinical and educational champions at the local and national level. · Board certification would establish minimal standards of appropriate knowledge and professional practice in obesity medicine. Origins of the ABOM Based on these arguments, the ABOM was established through the cooperative efforts and merger of two prior certification pathways- the American Board of Bariatric Medicine and Certified Obesity Medicine Physician-and incorporated as a...