8th Annual Association for Bariatric Endoscopy (ABE) Meeting: Practical Approaches to Treating Obesity and Related Comorbidities| May 2023 ABEANN2023-Schooling the Next Generation - Education on Obesity curriculum and Options for Training and Practice

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This document emphasizes the importance of expanding obesity training in the field of Gastroenterology (GI) and provides recommendations for incorporating obesity education into GI fellowship programs. The prevalence of obesity in the US is over 40%, making it essential for GI physicians to be knowledgeable in managing obesity-related complications. The document highlights the impact of obesity on endoscopic practice, including challenges with sedation/anesthesia and the need for accurate recognition of anatomy in post-bariatric surgical patients.<br /><br />The curriculum recommendations include specific content areas and training goals for both medical and endoscopic management of obesity. Medical training should focus on evaluating patients with obesity and related GI comorbidities, understanding the pathophysiology of obesity, and comprehensive lifestyle therapy and pharmacotherapy. Endoscopic training should cover the evaluation and treatment of obesity, including device-assisted endoscopy and interventional endoscopic ultrasonography. The document also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary training by engaging faculty with expertise in obesity and providing resources for trainees.<br /><br />The modes of training suggested include incorporating obesity training within GI fellowships and offering additional resources such as elective rotations, case conferences, workshops, and electronic resources. The training should aim to develop proficiency in endoscopic bariatric and metabolic therapies (EBMTs) and provide hands-on experience with relevant devices. The document also mentions the need for quality assessment and competency thresholds in obesity training, although none currently exist. <br /><br />Overall, the document highlights the need for comprehensive obesity training in GI and provides recommendations for incorporating obesity education into the GI core curriculum. It emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary training, keeping up with rapid innovations in EBMTs, and utilizing various resources to enhance obesity training even in settings with limited expertise.

Asset Subtitle

Rahul Pannala, MD

Keywords

obesity training

Gastroenterology

GI fellowship programs

obesity education

endoscopic practice

sedation/anesthesia challenges

medical management of obesity

endoscopic management of obesity

interdisciplinary training

endoscopic bariatric and metabolic therapies