Top 5 Things I Learned by Being Part of OMA Committees

Over the past year, I took my OMA membership to the next level by participating in two OMA Committees. Here are some of the things that I have learned through this experience.

1. There is a sense of community built by the OMA

Whether you are in a solo practice or a larger group practice, it is always helpful to develop relationships with colleagues in your field. Through committee participation, you have the chance to network with those in other areas of the country (or world), not to mention make new friends in the field. Through these connections, you can collaborate on research, exchange practice management ideas, and share feedback on new anti-obesity medications.

2. You can make an impact by taking an active role in the OMA

Work accomplished through OMA committees can have a strong impact on the field of obesity medicine. You can help to raise awareness about the field and care options. You can help to combat healthcare disparities and weight stigma. You can also play a role in crafting the educational materials that are provided to the community and colleagues.

3. OMA provides the resources to advance your career

The OMA provides various resources to help advance your career, including advice on how to start your own obesity medicine practice as well as the opportunity to publish in Obesity Pillars and speak at national conferences. These are valuable tools that would be beneficial to clinicians in both private practice and academic settings.

4. Participating in OMA committees enhances leadership skills

The nine different OMA committees have various opportunities for leadership roles, such as becoming a committee chairperson, taking the lead on a sub-committee or specific project, or joining the Speakers Bureau. The OMA offers opportunities for members to deliver webinars and submit speaker proposals for the OMA conferences.

5. The OMA plays an important role in serving our patient population

The OMA and its committees engage in community outreach and educational efforts to increase awareness among the general population about lifestyle interventions and possible treatment options for obesity. The OMA advocacy committee regularly meets with lawmakers to garner support for initiatives such as the expansion of insurance coverage for obesity treatments. OMA is also part of the Obesity Care Advocacy Network, which is a collaboration that works to increase funding and research in obesity medicine.

If you are considering getting involved with the OMA, be sure to check out the OMA committees at https://obesitymedicine.org/membership/committees/ and apply this fall!