Diversity and Inclusion Committee

ASMBS Staff Liaison

Jennifer Wynn

Members

Monique Hassan, MD, Immediate Past Chair

Kamal Abi Mosleh, MD
Ikemefuna Akusoba, MD
Folahan Ayoola, MD
Kevin Brown, MD
Judy Chen, MD
Tuesday Cook, MD
Christopher Daigle, MD
D’Arcy Duke, MD
Titus Duncan, MD
Megan Ferrell, RN
Casey Flowers, RD
Franchell Hamilton, MD
Sylvia Herbozo, PhD
January Hill, MD
Carah Horn, RN
Farah Husain, MD
Shaneeta Johnson, MD
Ryan Lehman, MD
Robert Lim, MD
Pearl Ma, MD
Colin MacColl, MD
Karina McArthur, MD
Fernando Mier, MD
Benefsha Mohammad, MD
Abdelrahman Nimeri, MD
Sabrena Noria, MD
Ivanesa Pardo, MD
Nini Peterson, PhD
Shireesh Saurabh, MD
Faiz Shariff, MD
Deep Sudhakaran, MD
Nova Szoka, MD
Loic Tchokouani, MD
Camillia Trammell, MD
Alice Wang, MD

Charge

In alignment with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery’s (ASMBS) mission to elevate global health and quality of life by significantly reducing the impact of obesity and its related illnesses, the Diversity & Inclusion Committee is charged with continuously evaluating and refining the ASMBS’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, ensuring they are effective, and data-informed. This commitment supports the committee’s broader goal of enhancing well-being through medical interventions for obesity, in alignment with the ASMBS vision of elevating global health and quality of life by significantly reducing the impact of obesity and its related illnesses worldwide.

Description

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee is dedicated to the research, advocacy, and implementation of strategies that cater to the educational and professional needs of the diverse membership within the organization. The committee is dedicated to diversifying the organization’s membership, from fellows to seasoned healthcare professionals, to expand the breadth of perspectives and expertise. The committee is devoted to enhancing healthcare access for diverse patients and examining and addressing the underlying causes of disparities in obesity-related conditions. This effort aims to improve the frequency, treatment, and outcomes for those affected by obesity.

Objectives

• To proactively engage in and foster a culture of diversity and inclusion by recruiting and supporting a broad spectrum of qualified professionals in the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery, with a particular focus on representation from minority groups.
• To elevate and strengthen the cultural proficiency of healthcare professionals specializing in obesity and related conditions, ensuring their ability to provide effective care and communication across a diverse range of patient demographics.
• To recognize and address any barriers that may affect the professional advancement and development of members from underrepresented groups within the ASMBS community by fostering an inclusive environment.

Goals

• Advocate for and advance policies within ASMBS that reinforce diversity and inclusion principles, aligning with the organization’s mission to create equitable opportunities and treatment for all members and patients.
• Develop and distribute educational materials that specifically address the varied challenges encountered by diverse populations affected by obesity.
• Identify and address barriers preventing minority patients from accessing bariatric surgery.
• Propose and Initiate programs aimed at reducing disparities and creating opportunities for increased representation and leadership among diverse members within ASMBS.
• Diligently identify and remove obstacles that impede the career advancement of minority group members within ASMBS.

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