Awards Committee 3.14.24

Dr. Raymond E. Dietz Meritorious Service Award

Explain any significant contributions by the nominee to the community or the nominee's affiliations within the community:

Nominator

Nominee

Nominee's Credentials Explain any significant contributions by the nominee to OMA and the field of obesity medicine:

DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP, FOMA

Angie has been an active, contributing member of OMA for several years. She chaired the CME Overview Committee, and was a contributing member of the Algorithm and NP/PA Committees. She currently serves in the Education Working Group. She has been faculty for the Board Review Course and contributed to updating the curriculum. She writes and updates MOC questions. She is a frequent speaker at OMA conferences.

Angie is a frequent speaker at local and national conferences. She has been an education planner and faculty for several obesity education projects at AANP and several other organizations. She has served on numerous advisory boards for industry and educational organizations. With the onset and landslide of denials coming in for reimbursement for care rendered in obesity medicine, Dr. Younglove has written hundreds of local appeals for her own patients in her own clinic. These have been 12-15 page documents outlining the need for care and giving reference to scientific data reinforcing the need for people to receive care for the disease of obesity. She has been a guest speaker at local and national groups gathered to improve the healthcare environment in America and specifically to include the coverage for patients seeking treatment of obesity. Locally, she has supported community efforts at improving access to care and raising awareness of the scope of the disease of obesity. She is an active member in her local Chamber of Commerce helping to put a spotlight on her weight management clinic and further raise awareness of metabolic dysfunction and it's impacts on both a local and global

Angela Golden

Sandra Christensen

Dr. Younglove did a phenomenal job at moderating the 2023 Fall OMA conference in San Antonio. She was well organized, well spoken, knowledgeable, and genuine. She is the most upbeat individual I have ever met with a hard to-contain passion for treating the disease of obesity and beating it. She strives to learn every aspect of treating this disease and she is forging a path forward aimed at treating the root cause of obesity and reversing the underlying pathophysiology from the start. She has sat on OMA committees and given her time to bettering the environment for both patients and providers. Justin has done an extraordinary amount of work on the Obesity Algorithm for the past 2 years. He's also associate editor of Obesity Pillars. Thats on top of speaking at conference and being an active participant on other committees.

MD, FOMA, DABOM, FACOG

Maribeth Orr

Courtney Younglove

Michelle Freshwater

Justin Tondt

MD

I believe Justin has been involved in teaching clinicians in training at his institution, introducing the next generation to the practice of obesity medicine.

Steelman-Seim Educator Award for Excellence in Academics

Nominator

Nominee

Nominee's Credentials Explain any significant contributions by the nominee to OMA and the field of obesity medicine:

Explain any significant contributions by the nominee to the community or the nominee's affiliations within the community:

Dr Wickham is an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism. He has devoted the last 18 years of his life to the evidence-based and compassionate care of youth and adults with obesity and became board certified in obesity medicine in 2015. In 2012, he founded the Healthy Lifestyles Center, a comprehensive pediatric obesity treatment and research center, at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Through the center, he has conducted extensive research to further the understanding and treatment of childhood obesity and has changed countless lives of children and their families. He is a revered educator having won numerous teaching awards and educates trainees at all levels (medical students, residents and fellows). He has spent countless hours developing and is Program Director of Virginia’s first pediatric obesity medicine fellowship program, now in its second year. He is a highly sought after lecturer speaking at the local, regional and national levels. His lecture, “Words Matter†, encourages providers to consider how they communicate with patients, particularly those with obesity. He has numerous publications in the field of obesity as well as a book chapter. Although an OMA member for only the past two years, he has been a member of The Obesity Society for many. He has been heavily involved in the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) where he is currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors and has been on the Certification Exam Item and Form Review Committee and Job Task Analysis (JTA) Committee. His work with the JTA is foundational to the field as we move to clarify what it means to practice obesity medicine. He was on the Obesity Task Force for the Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Commissioner’s Work Group on Obesity Prevention and Control for the Virginia Department of Health. He was recently selected as the Champion for Healthy Lifestyles for the Virginia Chapter of the AAP. Dr. Steven Teoh's contributions to the Obesity Medical Association (OMA) and the field of obesity medicine have been invaluable. His dedication to education and teaching has significantly advanced the cause of healthcare in combating obesity. Dr. Steven has supervised numerous students pursuing their Master of Science degrees, providing them with comprehensive guidance and mentorship in the field of obesity medicine. Moreover, his mentorship extends beyond academia, as he has mentored three individuals in the Obesity Medical Association (OMA) and five in the Academy of Family Physicians Malaysia (AFPM) Advanced Training in Family Medicine (ATFM) program. Through these mentorship initiatives, Dr. Steven has not only nurtured future leaders in obesity medicine but has also fostered a culture of excellence and innovation within the medical community. Furthermore, Dr. Stevens's prolific research output and publications have significantly contributed to the body of knowledge in obesity medicine. His role as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) and speaker in various healthcare forums and talks has further disseminated crucial information and insights to healthcare professionals and students alike. Additionally, Dr. Steven's leadership in running the obesity clinic at a university hospital in Penang, Malaysia, underscores his commitment to providing comprehensive care and support to individuals struggling with obesity. His efforts in patient care, coupled with his educational initiatives and research endeavors, highlight his exemplary contributions to OMA and the field of obesity medicine. Moreover, Dr. Steven's unique position as one of the few primary care physicians in Malaysia with fellowship training in bariatric medicine is noteworthy. He has been instrumental in introducing and creating awareness of such fellowship programs to fellow PCPs in Malaysia. By advocating for specialized training in bariatric medicine, Dr. Steven is not only enhancing the capabilities of primary care physicians in addressing obesity-related concerns but also expanding the scope of obesity medicine within the healthcare landscape of Malaysia. Dr. Rajeev Kurapati's contributions to the field of obesity medicine, particularly through education and authorship, mark a significant impact on both the medical community and public discourse surrounding obesity, health, and body positivity. His multifaceted approach, combining direct patient care with the education of medical students, residents, and broader audiences, reflects a deep commitment to improving understanding and treatment of obesity in a holistic and compassionate manner. Educator in the Hospital Setting: In the hospital setting, Dr. Kurapati (as a Hospitalist) has played a pivotal role in educating medical students and residents about the complexities of obesity. By integrating the latest research and clinical practices, he has provided these future healthcare professionals with a nuanced understanding of obesity that goes beyond traditional views. His teachings emphasize the multifactorial nature of obesity, including genetic, environmental, psychological, and social determinants, thereby equipping his students with the knowledge to approach obesity with a comprehensive and empathetic strategy. Dr. Kurapati's educational efforts extend to patients, where he has been instrumental in shifting the narrative from blame to understanding. By educating patients about the science of obesity and the myriad factors that contribute to it, he empowers them to take charge of their health in an informed and self-compassionate way. This patient education is crucial in a hospital setting, where individuals often encounter the medical system at vulnerable points in their lives. Author of "The Book of Body Positivity" Dr. Kurapati's authorship of "The Book of Body Positivity" further amplifies his contributions to obesity medicine and the broader societal conversation about body image, health, and wellness. This work critically examines the failures of current measures to control the so-called obesity epidemic and proposes thoughtful solutions toward a healthier future for individuals and the planet. By critiquing the current practice of medicine and the fragmented science centered around weight and health, Dr. Kurapati challenges prevailing narratives that oversimplify obesity and its solutions. His book serves as an astute guide for readers to navigate the complex interplay between individual health and societal factors, advocating for a more integrated and compassionate approach to health and wellness. "The Book of Body Positivity" not only contributes to the academic and professional discourse on obesity but also reaches out to a broader audience, fostering a more inclusive and understanding conversation about body image and health. Through this work, Dr. Kurapati has positioned himself as a thought leader in the movement towards a more empathetic and holistic approach to obesity and health care. Dr. Rajeev Kurapati's dual role as an educator and author represents a significant contribution to the field of obesity medicine. By challenging traditional paradigms and advocating for a more compassionate and comprehensive approach to understanding and treating obesity, he has influenced both the next generation of healthcare professionals and the broader public. His work underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of obesity, promoting body positivity, and working towards a healthier future for all individuals, irrespective of their weight. Dr. Pennings has made considerable efforts to advance awareness about Lipedema, a chronic condition characterized by a symmetrical buildup of often-painful adipose tissue in the legs, and sometimes arms and trunk, that is resistant to diet interventions and exercise. Lipedema is commonly confused with and misdiagnosed as obesity. Dr. Pennings participated in several presentations at the UIP/AVLS Conference in Miami in September 2023, including: The Epidemic of Obesity and the Implications of Sedentary Behaviors in Patients, Expand on Using GLP and GIP Receptor Agonists in Lipedema, Obesity Surgery and Lipedema, and Medications for Lipedema Treatment: GLP and GIP Receptor Agonists for Lipedema. He has also been featured on OMA's podcast with Dr. Karen Herbst, titled: Clinical Conversations: Recognizing and Treating Lipedema. Dr. Steven Teoh is a distinguished figure in obesity medicine. His significant contributions to the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) and the field at large include leading Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions such as conferences, workshops, and webinars, where his expertise has had a broad impact both locally and internationally. Recognized as an authority in obesity treatment, Dr. Teoh's profound knowledge and practical approaches have made him a respected voice in the field. His commitment extends to OMA, where as a committee member and my mentor, he has inspired many, including myself, to join and engage actively. His mentorship, marked by consistent in-person and virtual meetings, has been instrumental in providing invaluable guidance. Dr. Teoh's approachability and support for learning, evidenced by his willingness to answer questions and review work, demonstrate his commitment to creating a supportive educational environment, significantly contributing to the professional growth of those around him. Presentations, abstracts and peer reviewed articles (numerous pages) can be furnished upon request. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=edmond+wickham

As Co-director of the Healthy Lifestyles Clinic, he has done extensive community outreach through programs like fruit, vegetable and flavored water tastings, cooking classes and the development of a community garden. He has served as an advisor for Fit4Kids, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving children’s health and wellness in the Richmond region.

Susan Wolver

Edmond "Trey" Wickham MD, MPH

Beyond his contributions to OMA and the field of obesity medicine, Dr. Steven Teoh has made significant impacts on the community and his affiliations within it. As a primary care physician, Dr. Steven is deeply invested in improving the health and well-being of the community he serves. His leadership in running the obesity clinic at a university hospital in Penang, Malaysia, directly benefits the local community by providing accessible and specialized care for individuals grappling with obesity-related issues. Moreover, his involvement in mentoring students and healthcare professionals not only fosters professional development but also strengthens the healthcare infrastructure within the community. By sharing his expertise and knowledge, Dr. Teoh empowers others to make meaningful contributions to healthcare delivery and education. Furthermore, Dr. Steven's active participation in community outreach programs and initiatives demonstrates his commitment to promoting health awareness and education beyond the confines of the clinic or academic settings. Whether through conducting health talks, CMEs or participating in health screenings, Dr. Steven actively engages with the community to address prevalent health concerns and promote preventive measures. In addition, it's crucial to note that access to anti-obesity medications is limited in government facilities in Malaysia, with availability near none. However, by operating his obesity clinic in the university hospital, Dr. Steven has made it possible for some patients to attain these medications. While self-paying patients may have fewer hurdles in accessing these medications elsewhere, government workers often face challenges. Dr. Steven has facilitated numerous subsidy requests, ensuring that patients, regardless of their financial circumstances, can access essential anti-obesity medications, thereby significantly impacting their journey towards healthier lifestyles and improved well-being. His efforts in facilitating access to AOM reflect his commitment to equitable healthcare access and his dedication to serving the needs of all members of the community.

MD, Masters in Family Medicine, Fellowship in Bariatric Medicine

KAREN CHRISTELLE

STEVEN TEOH SOOHUAT

Dr Rajeev Kurapati served as the medical director of integrative oncology at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Northern Kentucky. Triple-board certified, and specializing in obesity and lifestyle medicine, Rajeev is also the award-winning author of three books—Unbound Intelligence (2014), Physician: How Science Transformed the Art of Medicine (2018) and Burnout in Healthcare (2019). His writing has appeared in Slate, Cincinnati Enquirer, Aging America, Journal of Medical Economics, Mind Body Green, Life Hack and Millennial Magazine. He lives in Cincinnati.

Rajeev Kurapati

Rajeev Kurapati

MD, MBA

Dr. Pennings was part of the committee for establishing the Standard of care for Lipedema in the United States; the first national consensus paper on the condition, published in 2021. He has offered thoughtful input and feedback on educational materials for clinicians in the field surrounding Lipedema, including the best ways to engage with obesity medicine providers to ensure Lipedema is properly diagnosed. Dr. Pennings also participated in Lipedema Foundation's 2023 Lipedema Awareness Month campaign to bring attention to the under-diagnosed condition. He has proven himself to be an invaluable ally to the Lipedema community.

Courtney Mascio, OT/L, CLT Dr. Nicholas Pennings

DO, FOMA, FACOFP

Dr. Steven Teoh established a pioneering obesity medicine clinic at Universiti Sains Malaysia, an initiative that has been recognized by our university's medical faculty. Additionally, he extended his expertise to private healthcare by initiating a visiting service at a private hospital, making obesity treatment more accessible. Dr. Teoh's advocacy for better access to AOMs has recently achieved a significant milestone. Thanks to his efforts, our university's health benefits for staff and their dependents now include coverage for AOMs, markedly enhancing the healthcare provisions available to us.

Shazwany Md Noor

Steven Teoh

MD