ASMBS Foundation News and Update—October 2014

October 2014

by Connie Stillwell
Ms. Stillwell is the Executive Director of the ASMBS Foundation.

The 2nd Annual L.E.A.D. Awards. The 2nd Annual L.E.A.D. Awards will be held in conjunction with Obesity Week 2014 on Monday, November 3 from 12:00pm to 1:30pm at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel.

Each year the ASMBS and ASMBS Foundation come together to celebrate and honor those who have shown leadership and dedication to the field of bariatric surgery. This year we are proud to announce four new awards in addition to the highly regarded Outstanding Achievement Award.
Congratulations to the following award recipients!

ROBERT BROLIN, MD, FACS
Outstanding Achievement Award. The Outstanding Achievement Award honors an ASMBS member who supports the goals and vision of the ASMBS Foundation, has displayed a lasting impression and selfless commitment to the ASMBS organization, and has made significant contributions to the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery.

JOHN DIXON, MD, PhD
Master Educator Award. The Master Educator Award recognizes an ASMBS member who has demonstrated excellence as a master educator and mentor in the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery. In addition to recognized skills as an excellent educator, recipients of this award will have made significant contributions (one or several) in educational leadership, curriculum development, education research, and participation in national educational meetings, educational publications in peer-review journals, creation of innovative teaching programs, and the development of CME programs, educational software, or videotapes.

KIMBERLEY STEELE, MD, PhD
Excellence in Nutrition Award. The Excellence in Nutrition honors an ASMBS member who has made significant contributions to preoperative and/or postoperative nutrition. Those contributions include original research specific to nutrition, novel approaches and/or protocols that maximize patient adherence, and educational programs. This individual clearly understands how both pre- and postoperative nutrition complement a surgical procedure to optimize postoperative health.

WALTER PORIES, MD
Patient Safety and Quality Award. The Patient Safety and Quality Award recognizes major achievements of teams or individuals that promote patient safety and healthcare quality in bariatric surgery. Part of the mission of the ASMBS Foundation is to improve access to quality care and treatment of obesity. Quality care focuses on improved, patient-centered, reliable, accessible, and safe treatment.

HENRY ALDER, Director, Health Economics & Market Access, Ethicon
Distinguished Industry Partner Award. The Distinguished Industry Partner Award is presented to a prominent colleague from the bariatric industry for providing a steadfast commitment to the goals and vision of the ASMBS, excellence in service and value to ASMBS members, their patients, and the field of bariatric surgery.

The ASMBS will also present the Integrated Health Circle of Excellence, Research Grant, International, and Best Video Awards.

Tickets for the L.E.A.D. Awards may be purchased for $150.00 online at www.asmbsfoundation.org or with Obesity Week registration. Group Tickets (table of 10) may also be purchased for $1,250.00.

Thank you to Bariatric Advantage, Covidien, Ethicon, Novo Nordisk, and Gore & Associates for sponsoring this celebration of accomplishments. Please visit www.asmbsfoundation.org for more information.

Exhibit Expedition. Win Big with the ASMBS Foundation! We are excited to announce a new fundraising activity for the ASMBS Foundation that will take place at Obesity Week 2014. The Exhibit Expedition allows meeting attendees the chance to network with industry, challenge their colleagues, and win great prizes. The grand prize is a 4-NIGHT STAY IN HAWAII plus $500 toward airfare.

Visit the Foundation at booth #1135 to play. For a small tax-deductible donation, participants will have their name entered into the grand prize raffle drawing. They will also have the opportunity to have their names added more than once by visiting with other exhibitors. For more details on how to play, please visit asmbsfoundation.org/fundraising-events/exhibit-expedition.

Don’t Miss us at Obesity Week. This year, the Foundation will be located in the exhibit hall at booth #1135. Stop by to learn more about how you can get involved with the Foundation and the Walk from Obesity.

Walk from Obesity. Apply today to host a Walk from Obesity in the Spring of 2015. Hosting a Walk from Obesity is a great way to help support the work of the ASMBS Foundation, while also bringing a fun, informative, and obesity awareness event to your community. The ASMBS Foundation will work closely with you to plan and organize a Walk in your city and provide you with the tools and guidance to have a successful fundraising event. Here are five reasons you should host a Walk from Obesity in your community:
1.    Be a leader. Join with local healthcare providers and volunteers to help those affected by obesity by raising money for prevention, education, research, and treatment.
2.    Be part of the tradition. The Walk from Obesity is a proud tradition among many of the leading bariatric practices across the country.
3.    A celebration for patients. The Walk from Obesity is the only national event that brings together those who are and have been affected by obesity.
4.    Draw attention to the cause. Hosting a Walk is key to drawing attention to obesity and raising awareness for the need of treatment and prevention efforts.
5.    Inform your community. The Walk from Obesity gives hospitals, bariatric programs, and sponsors invaluable exposure in the obesity community, national and local media, and the general public.

The dedication and time given by your local Walk Committee, with the guidance of our experienced staff, will help to bring a great event to your city.  For more information about hosting a Walk from Obesity event and how to apply, please visit www.walkfromobesity.com/host.

The deadline to submit an application is December 31, 2014. Apply today and get a jump-start on your event planning.

Thank you to the Fall 2014 & Spring 2015 Walk from Obesity National Sponsors. Visionary: Covidien. Champion: Eisai. Advocate: Bariatric Advantage and Eithicon.

Tags: ASMBS Foundation

Category: ASMBS Foundation News and Update, Past Articles