Company\Resources\Ep. 33 | Reducing Obesity Stigma with Action, Advocacy and the ASMBS with Dr. Ann Rogers

Ep. 33 | Reducing Obesity Stigma with Action, Advocacy and the ASMBS with Dr. Ann Rogers

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podcast

Episode Summary

In this inspiring episode of In the Know with Nina, Dr. Nina Crowley is joined by Dr. Ann Rogers, bariatric surgeon and incoming president of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), to discuss her plans to lead with advocacy and compassion. With the ASMBS 40th Annual Meeting approaching, Dr. Rogers shares her vision for the year ahead, focused on ending obesity stigma and pushing for policy change that improves access to care.

The conversation delves into the importance of recognizing obesity as a complex medical condition rather than a personal failure. Together, they discuss the power of storytelling, the importance of educating healthcare providers about bias, and the need to create environments where patients feel seen and heard. Dr. Rogers' leadership aims to unify medical, surgical, and lifestyle treatment communities to advance comprehensive, stigma-free care.

Key Takeaways

Ending obesity stigma is the central focus of Dr. Rogers’ upcoming ASMBS presidency.
The ASMBS will hold Hill Day visits in Washington, D.C. to advocate for access and policy change.
Sharing patient stories is a powerful tool to shift public and provider perceptions.
Stigma persists in healthcare and must be addressed through education and awareness.
Collaboration between surgical, medical, and lifestyle approaches is essential in obesity treatment.
Obesity is a biological condition, not a character flaw—patients deserve compassionate, evidence-based care.

About Ann Rogers, MD, FASMBS

Dr. Ann Rogers is the Director of the Surgical Weight Loss Program at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. A graduate of Cornell University and Cornell University Medical College, Dr. Rogers completed her residency at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center in NYC, where she later served as Director of the General Surgery Residency Program. She pursued additional fellowship training in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at Penn State. Dr. Rogers is also Vice Chair for Leadership and Professional Development in the Department of Surgery.