Incorporated June 2009
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Mission Statement
To promote the interchange of ideas, information and experience among bariatric surgeons, to promote improved perioperative and long-term care of patients and reduce patient risk, and to encourage and foster education and educational programs for the physicians, lay people and paramedical persons involved in the care of bariatric surgical patients.
Executive Officers
President: Jamil Stetler, MD FACS
Vice President: Oliver Whipple, MD FASMBS
Past Presidents: Renee Hilton, MD FASMBS; Titus Duncan, MD; Danny Vaughn, MD; Shaneeta Johnson, MD FASMBS
Treasurer/Secretary: Elizabeth Hechenbleikner, MD FACS
Executive Director: Kathryn Browning
Integrated Health Chair: Maria Immonen, MSN RN CNL
STAR (State Access to Care Representative): Aaron Bolduc, MD
IH STAR (State Access to Care Representative): Maia Routly, DNP MA RN CPN EBP-C
Board Members
Elizabeth Hechenbleikner, MD FACS, At Large Director
Fritz Jean-Pierre, MD FACS, At Large Director
Robert Richard, MD, At Large Director
Paul Cartwright, MD FACS, At Large Director
Contact
Kathryn Browning
1740 Hudson Bridge Road Suite 1224
Stockbridge, GA 30281
gachapterasmbs@gmail.com
Chapter Meetings & Updates
- Georgia State Chapter Meeting
August 16, 2024
King and Prince Beach Resort in St. Simons, Island, GA - Local surgeon is lobbying for state employee health benefits –
- The ASMBS Georgia State Chapter has been working to restore bariatric surgery coverage for state employees, teachers, and retirees, building on its success with a legislative pilot project that added bariatric surgery to the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP). In 2014, the Chapter succeeded in securing a two-year pilot program through HB 511, covering 75 patients per year, with data analyzed to assess its cost/benefit. The Chapter was closely involved in the pilot’s implementation, with three members advising the Georgia Department of Community Health. In 2021, the Chapter received the ObesityPAC Award. The Chapter continues to advocate for expanding bariatric surgery benefits to university employees and remains focused on improving access to care, including lobbying efforts by local surgeons and legislative testimonies. Future plans include organizing an Obesity Awareness Advocacy Day and ongoing efforts to address access issues for Georgia patients.