Building Relationships That Transform Lives

For Stephen Finney, MD, DABOM, FAAFP, the most powerful tool in obesity medicine isn't a medication or a treatment plan; it’s building long-lasting relationships with patients and watching them celebrate the moments they never thought were possible.

Whether it’s a patient who no longer needs medication to manage a chronic disease, a parent who has the energy to play with their children, or someone who spent years feeling discouraged but finally feels comfortable in their own body again, these transformations are what continue to inspire Dr. Finney every day.

As a board-certified family physician and diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, he has built his career on helping patients improve their health and quality of life through compassionate, evidence-based care. By combining family medicine, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine, he focuses on treating the whole person while building relationships that make change possible.

Looking Beyond the Diagnosis

Family medicine appealed to Dr. Finney because of its emphasis on continuity of care. He valued the opportunity to care for patients over the years, helping them navigate every stage of life.

Early in his career, however, Dr. Finney noticed a common thread among the chronic conditions he treated: obesity. Whether patients were living with diabetes, hypertension, or other chronic illnesses, obesity was often the underlying disease driving many of their health challenges. He also witnessed the stigma that patients with obesity encounter when trying to find evidence-based treatment.

Recognizing both the complexity of the disease and the barriers patients faced inspired him to specialize in obesity medicine. He wanted to offer patients more than oversimplified advice and the comprehensive care they deserved.

More Than Weight Loss

One of the biggest misconceptions Dr. Finney hopes to change is the belief that obesity is a matter of willpower.

"I firmly believe obesity is a chronic, multifactorial disease—not a reflection of willpower or personal failure," he said.

That understanding shapes every conversation he has with patients. Rather than focusing solely on weight, he works to improve overall health, mobility, confidence, and quality of life.

“Some of my proudest moments have come from seeing patients achieve goals they once believed were out of reach, whether that's coming off medications, becoming more active with their families, or simply feeling comfortable in their own bodies again.”

Those accomplishments remind him that effective obesity treatment is about compassion and treating the whole person.

Advancing the Field

While caring for patients remains his greatest passion, Dr. Finney believes improving obesity care requires action beyond clinical practice.

He serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Brown University, where he enjoys mentoring medical students and helping prepare the next generation of physicians to better understand obesity as a chronic disease.

He has also become deeply involved in advocacy efforts to improve access to treatment.

This includes co-authoring a resolution adopted by the American Academy of Family Physicians, which supports insurance coverage for anti-obesity medications, an accomplishment that makes him very proud.d

“Experiences like these have reinforced my belief that improving obesity care requires not only excellent clinical medicine but also policy change and continued education.”

Stronger Together

Throughout his professional journey, the OMA has remained an important source of support for Dr. Finney. He credits the OMA with helping him stay current through its educational resources while connecting him with physicians who share a common mission of improving the lives of patients with obesi.ty

Dr. Finney serves on the OMA Advocacy Committee, which he finds particularly meaningful. Working alongside colleagues from across the country has allowed him to help expand access to evidence-based treatment, while contributing to efforts that reduce stigma surrounding obesity.

For him, OMA membership is more than just professional development. It represents a shared commitment to advancing science while ensuring every patient is treated with dignity and respect.

Relationships First

For clinicians entering the field of obesity medicine, Dr. Finney’s advice is simple: "Listen first, remain curious, and advocate for your patients."

Although obesity medicine continues to evolve rapidly with new scientific discoveries and treatment options, he believes trust remains the most important tool.

By listening carefully, remaining open to new knowledge, and understanding each patient's individual journey, physicians can help people achieve meaningful, lasting improvements in their health.

Looking Ahead

As obesity medicine continues to advance, Dr. Finney remains optimistic about the future of the field. Scientific breakthroughs continue to improve treatment options, advocacy efforts are expanding access to care, and more physicians are recognizing obesity as the chronic disease it is.

Yet amid all that progress, he believes the foundation of excellent care remains unchanged— listening, building trust, and treating every patient with compassion.

As the OMA celebrates Member Appreciation Month, Dr. Finney's story highlights the power of combining evidence-based medicine with genuine human connection. Through compassionate care, education, advocacy, and lasting patient relationships, he is helping shape a future where every person living with obesity has access to the understanding, respect, and treatment they deserve.