About Our Chapter
Florida, Puerto Rico & Caribbean Chapter of the ASMBS
The ASMBS (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery) is a professional organization dedicated to the study and advancement of metabolic and bariatric surgery.
The ASMBS works to advance the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery through education, research, and advocacy. Our organization provides a forum for surgeons, physicians, and allied health professionals to share their knowledge and experience in the field, and to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and techniques.
The ASMBS also sets standards for the practice of metabolic and bariatric surgery and accredits centers that meet those standards. Accredited centers have been shown to have better outcomes and provide safer care for patients.
Overall, the ASMBS plays a vital role in advancing the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery, improving patient outcomes, and promoting public education about obesity and related conditions.
We are the regional chapter that includes Florida, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Islands and primarily network within these regions, however all chapters of the ASMBS are connected when needed.
Our Mission
The mission of the Florida, Puerto Rico & the Caribbean Chapter of ASMBS is to advance the care and treatment of individuals affected by obesity through education, collaboration, and advocacy. We are focused on improving quality of care, ending weight bias and obesity stigma, and providing equitable access for all. Our goal is to foster collaboration among all healthcare professionals, policy makers, and the public to build a comprehensive approach to the care of obesity and to encourage further research into etiology, prevention, and treatment of this complex disease.
Meet Our Officers
Connect with the distinguished officers of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Chapter. Engage in enlightening conversations with these influential leaders, gaining valuable insights into the latest advancements in the field. Build professional relationships and be inspired by their dedication to improving patient care and shaping the future of metabolic and bariatric surgery.
PRESIDENT
Christopher DuCoin
MD MPH FACS FASMBS
PRESIDENT ELECT
Onur Kutlu
MD FACS
Secretary/treasurer
Donald Fridley
DO FACOS FASMBS
Member at large region one
Joey Jarrard
MD FACS FASMBS
Member at large region two
Dennis Smith
MD FACS FASMBS
Member at large region three
Lisa Ferreira
MD FOMA
Member at large region four
Guillermo Bolanos
MD FACS
Past president
John Paul Gonzalvo
DO FASMBS
Founding president
Michel Murr
MD MPH FACS FASMBS
IH president
Daniel Baughn, PhD
PhD
IH PRESIDENT ELECT
Gwen Crispell
MSN RN CBN
IH past president
Vicky Blackard
MBA RN CBN BCS
IH founding president
Lynne Thompson
RN
IH member at large
Aileem Schilling
MHSc RD LDN
IH member at large NURSE
Sharon Krzyzanowski
BSN RN CBN
Upcoming Chapter Events
The ASMBS Annual Meeting 2024
Join ASMBS at the 40th Annual Meeting to be held at the San Diego Convention Center, June 9th-13th, 2024. The 40th Annual Meeting will focus on The MBS Butterfly Effect:
State National Meeting
June 27th at 5:30p – 6:30p. We will be in the Admiral’s Boardroom inside Mandalay Bay. We look forward to seeing everyone there! Oh, and there will be an Open bar for all that attend. (Must be legal drinking age)
2023 Annual State Conference
Nov.4, 2023 – Join us on Saturday, November 4, 2023 for the ASMBS Florida and the Caribbean Chapter Meeting: Metabolic Bariatric Surgery 2023, Current Trends and New Directions. For the first time, local chapter members, including surgeons and other health care professionals, have gathered together a fantastic program in Orlando, Florida to discuss the new challenges and innovations related to managing and treating severe obesity.
