Podcast Episodes
10/18/21
Episode 48: Clinical Conversations: Precision Therapy for Obesity
In this episode, Obesity medicine specialist and OMA clinical education director, Dr. Nicholas Pennings interviews Dr. Andres Acosta, highlighted speakers from Obesity Medicine 2021 – Virtual, about precision therapy for obesity. Topics covered include, the four different obesity phenotypes, how these phenotypes evolve, how providers can better identify specific phenotypes and tailor their treatment, and the role precision medicine may play in future patient care for obesity.
You can access more information about Obesity Medicine podcasts and other resources from the clinical leader in Obesity Medicine at http://www.obesitymedicine.org/podcasts.
Guest Speakers
Nicholas Pennings, DO, FOMA, Dipl. ABOM
Andres Acosta, MD, PhD
Resources Mentioned
Precision Medicine for Treating Obesity
Listen Now
09/20/21
Episode 47: Clinical Conversations: Do No Harm - Alternatives to Weight Promoting Medications
In this episode, Obesity medicine specialist and OMA clinical education director, Dr. Nicholas Pennings interviews Dr. Donna Ryan, highlighted speaker from Obesity Medicine 2021 – Virtual, about alternatives to weight promoting medications. Topics covered include, most commonly prescribed medications that are associated with weight gain, the variable impact of individual medications on weight, strategies that providers can use to mitigate weight effects when a patient needs to be on a medication that promotes weight gain, and resources providers can use to learn more about medications that cause weight gain and their alternatives.
You can access more information about Obesity Medicine podcasts and other resources from the clinical leader in Obesity Medicine at www.obesitymedicine.org/podcasts.
Episode Guests
Nicholas Pennings, DO, FOMA, Dipl. ABOM
Donna Ryan, MD
Resources Mentioned
Do No Harm Alternatives to Weight Promoting Medications
Listen Now
09/03/21
Episode 46: Article Reviews: Determinants of Weight Loss Maintenance
In this episode, OMA Chief Science Officer, Harold Bays, MD, FOMA, FTOS, FACC, FNLA, FASPC and Sarah Wells, MD discuss a recent article about the determinants of weight loss maintenance. Topics covered include what determinants were found to be positively predictive in weight loss maintenance, which determinants are non-significant for weight loss maintenance, and how to translate this article into clinical application.
In our article review podcasts, we have carefully selected recent articles included in the latest version of the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) Obesity Algorithm, which is a comprehensive review of obesity medicine that can be found at obesitymedicine.org.
Episode Guests
Harold Bays, MD, FOMA, FTOS, FACC, FNLA, FASPC
Sarah Wells, MD
Resources Mentioned
Varkevisser RDM, van Stralen MM, Kroeze W, et al.: Determinants of weight loss maintenance: a systematic review. Obes Rev 2019 20:171-211.
Listen Now
08/16/21
Episode 45: Clinical Conversations: Obesity Treatment in a Primary Care Setting
In this episode, Obesity medicine specialist and OMA clinical education director, Dr. Nicholas Pennings interviews Dr. Nikhil Dhurandhar, highlighted speakers from Obesity Medicine 2021 – Virtual, about treating obesity in a primary care setting. Topics covered include, discussing weight management with patients, addressing bias and stigma in the office setting, challenging misconceptions about obesity, and next steps for increasing the role that primary care plays in the treatment of obesity.
You can access more information about Obesity Medicine podcasts and other resources from the clinical leader in Obesity Medicine at http://www.obesitymedicine.org/podcasts.
Episode Guests
Nicholas Pennings, DO, FOMA, Dipl. ABOM
Nikhil Dhurandhar, Ph.D.
Resources Mentioned
OMA Academy: Obesity Management in Primary Care Challenges and Solutions
Listen Now
08/04/21
Episode 44: Article Reviews: Patient Assisted Virtual Physical
In this episode, OMA Chief Science Officer, Harold Bays, MD, FOMA, FTOS, FACC, FNLA, FASPC interviews Carolynn Francavilla, MD, FOMA to discuss a recent article on virtual physicals using telehealth. Topics covered include: Individualizing the telehealth physical exam, limitations and opportunities of the telehealth exam, and challenges for prescribing anti-obesity medications by telehealth.
To access other resources from the clinical leader in Obesity Medicine, visit www.obesitymedicine.org.
Episode Guests
Harold Bays, MD, FOMA, FTOS, FACC, FNLA, FASPC
Carolynn Francavilla, MD, FOMA
Resources Mentioned
The Telehealth Ten: A Guide for a Patient-Assisted Virtual Physical Examination
Listen Now
07/19/21
Episode 43: Clinical Conversations: Health at Every Size Movement
In this episode, Obesity medicine specialist and OMA clinical education director, Dr. Nicholas Pennings interviews Drs. Scott Kahan and Elizabeth Holm, highlighted speakers from Overcoming Obesity 2020 – Virtual, about the Health at Every Size Movement and talking with patients about weight and health. Topics covered include opinions on the classification of obesity as a disease, harmful effects of weight stigma and bias, disease consequences associated with obesity, and the importance of how weight and health are discussed with patients.
You can access more information about Obesity Medicine podcasts and other resources from the clinical leader in Obesity Medicine at www.obesitymedicine.org/podcasts.
Episode Guests
Nicholas Pennings, DO, FOMA, Dipl. ABOM
Scott Kahan, MD, MPH
Elizabeth Holm, DrPH, RD
Resources Mentioned
Health At Every Size Point Counterpoint Panel during Overcoming Obesity 2020
Listen Now
06/30/21
Episode 42: Article Reviews: Safety and Effectiveness of Longer-Term Phentermine Use
In this episode, OMA Chief Science Officer, Harold Bays, MD, FOMA, FTOS, FACC, FNLA, FASPC interviews Mahtab Ahmed, MD, FOMA, Dipl. ABOM about a recent article on the safety and effectiveness of longer-term Phentermine use. Topics covered include risks and benefits of prescribing Phentermine longer than 12 weeks, the impact of study results only including low cardiovascular disease risk patients and being a retrospective study, and the role of local regulations in prescribing.
In our article review podcasts, we have carefully selected recent articles included in the latest version of the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) Obesity Algorithm, which is a comprehensive review of obesity medicine that can be found at obesitymedicine.org. We then discuss this new science with obesity experts. To access other resources from the clinical leader in Obesity Medicine, visit: www.obesitymedicine.org.
Episode Guests
Harold Bays, MD, FOMA, FTOS, FACC, FNLA, FASPC
Mahtab Ahmed, MD, FOMA, Dipl. ABOM
Resources Mentioned
Safety and Effectiveness of Longer-Term Phentermine Use: Clinical Outcomes from an Electronic Health Record Cohort
Listen Now
06/21/21
Episode 41: Clinical Conversations: Harnessing Technology and Software to Fight the Obesity Epidemic
In this episode, Obesity medicine specialist and OMA clinical education director, Dr. Nicholas Pennings interviews Dr. Louis Aronne, keynote speaker from Overcoming Obesity 2020 – Virtual, about harnessing technology to enhance obesity treatment. Topics covered include technology tools for connecting with patients, such as video visits, remote patient monitoring tools, and digital materials. The flexibility provided for interdisciplinary care, patient response to virtual visits, and insurance coverage are also discussed.
You can access more information about Obesity Medicine podcasts and other resources from the clinical leader in Obesity Medicine at www.obesitymedicine.org/podcasts.
Listen Now
06/07/21
Episode 40: Article Reviews: Long-Term Weight Loss in the Diabetes Prevention Program
In this episode, OMA Chief Science Officer, Harold Bays, MD, FOMA, FTOS, FACC, FNLA, FASPC interviews Laura Davisson, MD, MPH, FACP, to discuss a recent article on the comparison of Metformin and lifestyle intervention in diabetes prevention. Topics covered include the success of the intensive lifestyle intervention of the Diabetes Prevention Program, the difficulty many patients have with weight loss maintenance, and the consideration of prescribing Metformin for prediabetes.
In our article review podcasts, we have carefully selected recent articles included in the latest version of the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) Obesity Algorithm, which is a comprehensive review of obesity medicine that can be found at obesitymedicine.org. We then discuss this new science with obesity experts. To access other resources from the clinical leader in Obesity Medicine, visit: www.obesitymedicine.org.
Episode Guests
Harold Bays, MD, FOMA, FTOS, FACC, FNLA, FASPC
Laura Davisson, MD, MPH, FACP
Resources Mentioned
Long-Term Weight Loss With Metformin or Lifestyle Intervention in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study
Listen Now
05/24/21
Episode 39: Clinical Conversations: The Case Against Sugar
In this episode, obesity medicine specialist and OMA clinical education director, Dr. Nicholas Pennings interviews Gary Taubes, keynote speaker from Obesity Medicine 2021 – Virtual, about the impact of sugar on nutrition. Topics covered include: the relative risk of sugar on health, comparing non-nutritive sweeteners and sugar, the contribution of the western diet to the obesity epidemic, individual variability in response to diet, and steps health professionals can take to curb diabetes trends. You can access more information about Obesity Medicine podcasts and other resources from the clinical leader in Obesity Medicine at www.obesitymedicine.org/podcasts.
Episode Guests
Nicholas Pennings, DO, FOMA, Dipl. ABOM
Gary Taubes
Resource Mentioned
The Case Against Sugar Lecture
Listen Now
Team
We have lots of talented people working for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Master Fellows of Obesity Medicine (MFOMA)
Master Fellow of OMA (MFOMA) is an honorary designation bestowed upon members whose contributions have exceeded those of a traditional member and whose leadership within the organization has elevated both the association and the field of obesity medicine.

Deborah Bade Horn, DO, MPH, MFOMA
2015

Denise E. Bruner, MD, MFOMA
2015

Allen Rader, MD, MFOMA
2015

Larry Richardson, MD, MFOMA
2015

Eneida Roldan, MD, MPH, MBA, MFOMA
2015

Eric C. Westman, MD, MHS, MFOMA
2015

Gary Zisk, DO, MFOMA
2015

Lydia Alexander, MD, DABOM, DACLM, MFOMA
2023

Harold Bays, MD, MFOMA, FTOS, FACC, FNLA, FASPC, DABOM
2023

Sandra Christensen, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC, MFOMA, FAANP
2023

Suzanne Cuda, MD, FAAP, ABOM, MFOMA
2023

Angela Fitch, MD, FACP, MFOMA, DABOM
2023

Michelle Freshwater, MD, DABOM, MFOMA
2023

Frank Greenway, MD, MFOMA, FTOS, FACP, MABOM
2023

Carl Knopke, MD, MFOMA, FAAFP
2023

Ethan Lazarus, MD, DABFM, DABOM, MFOMA
2023

William McCarthy, MD, DABOM, MFOMA
2023

Jeremy McConnell, MD, MFOMA
2023

Daisy Merey, MD, PhD, FAAFP, MFOMA
2023

Nicholas Pennings, DO, DABOM, MFOMA, FACOFP, FAAFP
2023

Craig Primack, MD, FACP, FAAP, MFOMA, DABOM
2023

Bharti Shetye, MD, MFOMA, DABOM
2023

Jeffrey Sicat, MD, FACE, MFOMA
2023

Wickham Simonds, MD, MFOMA
2023
Fellows of Obesity Medicine (FOMA)
The following candidates met a list of criteria to become Fellows of OMA. They earned their Fellow designation, FOMA, which identifies them as someone who is passionate about the field and continues to seek new ways to treat obesity effectively.

Samina Afreen, MD, FOMA
2023

Mahtab Ahmed, MD, FOMA
2019

Amit Algotar, MD, PhD, MPH, FOMA
2023

Rebecca Andrick, DO, CNS, FOMA
2023

Anthony Auriemma, MD, JD, FOMA
2020

Shagun Bindlish, MD, FACP, DABOM, DACLM, FOMA
2025

Stacy Braff, MD, FOMA
2019

Allen Browne, MD, FAAP, FACS, DABOM, FOMA
2022

Nancy Browne, MS, PPCNP-BC, CBN, FAANP, FAAN, FOMA
2022

Karlijn Burridge, MMS, PA-C, FOMA
2019

Pascale Carbonara, MD, DABOM, FOMA, FACP
2023

Marisa Censani, MD, FOMA
2019

Erin Chamberlin, MD, FAAFP, FOMA
2017

Aparna Chandrasekaran, MD, MBBS, FOMA
2021

Cindi Condos, FNP, FOMA
2022

Sunil Daniel, MD, FTOS, FOMA
2020

Lisa Maria DeRosimo, MD, MS, FOMA
2022

Teji Dhami, MD, FOMA
2022

Krishna Doniparthi, MD, FAARM, FOMA
2016

U. Inge Ferguson, DO, FACOI, FOMA
2016

Lisa Ferreira, MD, FOMA
2021

Carolynn Francavilla-Brown, MD, DABOM, FOMA
2019

Elizabeth Fryoux, MD, DABOM, FOMA
2025

Christina Funk, DNP, FNP-C, APNP, FOMA
2021

Brent Gear, DO, FACEP, FACOEP, FOMA
2018

Thomas George, Jr., DNP, CRNP, FNP-C, NASM-CPT/WLS, FOMA
2024

Celine Gisbert, MD, FOMA
2025

Angela Golden, DNP, FNPC, FOMA
2022

Sylvia Gonsahn-Bollie, MD, FOMA
2022

Fadia Haddadin, MD, FAAFP, FOMA
2022

Rameck Hunt, MD, DABOM, FACP, FOMA
2023

Binju Joel, MD, FOMA
2022

Sara Karjoo, MD, FOMA
2022

Breann Kelley, MD, FOMA
2022

Monu Khanna, MD, FOMA
2023

Kristopher Knoop, MD, FOMA
2019

Scot Kolsin, MD, FOMA
2017

Jennifer Kucera, APRN, FNP-C, FOMA
2022

Cesar Lara, MD, FOMA
2016

Michael B. McClurken, MD, FOMA
2022

Peter McIlveen, MD, MBA, FACOG, FOMA
2019

Stephanie McKnight, MD, FOMA
2022

Julia Melamed, MD, FOMA
2016

Ryan Morgan, DO, FACOI, Dipl. ABOM, Dipl. ABCL, BC-ADM, FOMA
2022

Derek Muse, MD, FOMA
2016

Jennifer Ng, MD, DABOM, FOMA
2023

Joynita Nicholson, DO, FOMA
2018

Chima Nwizu, MD, FAAFP, FNLA, FOMA
2022

Nkemdilim Nwosa, MD, FACOG, DABOM, FOMA
2024

Valerie O’Hara, DO, FAAP, FOMA
2022

Teresa H. Owens, ARNP, FNP-C, MSN, FOMA
2019

Jennifer Paisley, MD, DABOM, FOMA
2023

Naomi Parrella, MD, FOMA
2022

Warren Peters, MD, MPH, FOMA
2018

Kanchan Pillai, MD, FOMA
2022

Justin Puckett, DO, FOMA
2017

Jennifer Rajkumar, MD, FOMA
2021

Jill Ratanaphruks, RN, MSN, FNP-C
2022

Allison Rhodes, MD, DABOM, FOMA
2025

Vivienne Rose, MD, FOMA
2017

Kevin Rosenburg, MD, FACO, FACEP, FOMA
2023

Carol Rowsemitt, PhD, RN, FNP-C, FOMA
2020

Mark Schwartz, MD, FOMA
2021

Jennifer Seger, MD, FOMA
2016

Mahesh Sreedasyam, MD, MHA, DABOM, FOMA
2023

Michelle A. Stone, NP-C, FOMA
2017

Steven Teoh, MD, FOMA
2025

Pankaj Timsina, MD, FOMA
2020

Komal Trivedi, MD, DABOM, FOMA
2023

Kirsten Tychonievich, MS, APRN-CNP, FOMA
2022

Catherine Varney, DO, ABOM, FAAFP, FOMA
2023

Verlyn Warrington, MD, FOMA
2016

Christopher Weber, MD, FAAP, FACP, CSCS, DABOM, FOMA
2023

Anna Welcome, MD, FACOG, FOMA
2019

Sarah Wells, MD, FOMA
2023

Lori Wenz, NP-C, BC-ADM, FOMA
2022

Dominique Williams, MD, MPH, FOMA, DABOM
2023

Susan Wolver, MD, FACP, FOMA
2021

Courtney Younglove, MD, FACOG, FOMA
2021
