FLORIDA, PUERTO RICO & CARIBBEAN CHAPTER

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

Gwen Crispell

MSN RN CBN
IH PRESIDENT ELECT

Aileem Schilling

MHSc RD LDN
IH past president

Daniel Baughn

PhD
IH founding president

Lynne Thompson

RN
IH member at large

Lourdes Aponte

MSN-ED RN
IH member at large NURSE

Carah Horn

MBA-HCA BSN RN CBN
FLORIDA, PUERTO RICO & CARIBBEAN CHAPTER

Upcoming Chapter Events

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)

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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.

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