OMA Member Story: Jennifer Ng

Dr. Jennifer Ng's path to obesity medicine and the OMA stemmed from a need she quickly recognized in her practice. As an internist working in primary care, she witnessed firsthand how the medical school mantra of “eat less, exercise more” was failing her patients. Dr. Ng empathized with the frustration of her patients as she saw conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and joint pain continue to worsen despite their best efforts. Determined to find better solutions, she immersed herself in the field of obesity medicine, seeking evidence-based approaches that could truly make a difference.

Her search for more information led her to the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA), where she found not just education, but a community of like-minded professionals dedicated to changing the landscape of obesity treatment. “I immediately knew that the members were ‘my people’. Everyone I met at OMA has been very supportive and willing to exchange ideas about our shared challenges,” she recalls of her first OMA conference. This ignited her passion for obesity medicine and created the path for a new chapter in her medical career.

Dr. Ng’s participation in OMA conferences became instrumental in shaping her expertise and approach to obesity medicine. The constant evolution of the field, driven by new research and innovation, inspired her to do the same in her practice. One of the most pressing challenges she encountered was time: traditional office visits weren’t long enough to address the multifaceted nature of obesity. Patients needed more support, education, and engagement than a standard 15- to 20-minute visit could provide.

The turning point came when Dr. Ng recognized the potential of virtual group visits. The idea was first sparked by a colleague’s remark about the absence of group visits in medical weight loss. However, it was a patient’s longing for the sense of community they once found in a popular community-based weight loss program that solidified her vision. When she proposed a virtual weight management program, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Patients were eager for a supportive space where they could share experiences, gain knowledge, and stay accountable, all without the logistical challenges of in-person appointments.

But turning an idea into reality wasn’t easy. Despite initial enthusiasm, navigating the complexities of implementation required persistence and adaptability. Dr. Ng found herself in countless meetings, pitching the concept to leadership, refining workflows, and aligning with dietitians and psychologists to build a truly multidisciplinary program.

Uncertain about how to bring her vision to life, Dr. Ng attended an OMA conference, where she experienced a breakthrough. In Susan Bowlin, DNP-FNP-BC, ACNP-BC, CBN’s session, 'Burnout to Balance: Shared Medical Appointments and Telehealth', Dr. Ng saw someone like herself successfully conducting group visits every day. Dr. Bowlin’s practical guidance, covering everything from structuring visits to navigating billing and documentation, provided Dr. Ng with the confidence and a clear blueprint to turn her vision into reality.

Even after the conference, Dr. Bowlin remained a guiding force, sharing insights via LinkedIn that helped Dr. Ng fine-tune her group visits. However, knowing something works in theory is very different from implementing it in practice. Dr. Ng faced significant challenges in adapting group visits to the unique realities of her practice and organization. While she was fortunate to have dietitians and a psychologist already working with her office, determining the right partners for collaboration required multiple discussions to refine roles and structure the partnership effectively. Only after finalizing this collaboration could she move forward with workflow details and present a solid plan to her leadership team.

The knowledge Dr. Ng gained from OMA conferences played a crucial role in overcoming these challenges. Dr. Bowlin’s lecture provided a real-world example that she leveraged when pitching the idea to her leadership. Beyond the conference, her experience with OMA committee work, first as a member and later as a Chair, proved invaluable. Through these roles, she honed skills in collaboration, motivation, and adapting ideas to fit organizational needs. These abilities helped her gain leadership buy-in and establish a successful partnership with the dietitians. The final confirmation of success came when patients began asking if their friends and family could join—clear proof of an unmet need waiting to be fulfilled.

Since launching her virtual group weight management program, the impact has been profound. Patients appreciate the accountability, community, and interactive nature of the visits. But one piece of feedback stands out the most to Dr. Ng, when a patient, despite being sick, insisted on attending because she had “been waiting all month for this.”

Dr. Ng’s journey to creating this program was filled with obstacles, but the rewards have been endless. Her advice to other healthcare professionals considering a similar endeavor? “It is totally worth doing as it helps with both patient and provider satisfaction. The more interactive you can make it, the more it helps with patient engagement. Don’t hesitate to reach out to other OMA members for help.”

Through her unwavering commitment, Dr. Ng has not only transformed her practice but has also redefined what compassionate, effective obesity care can look like.