Obesity and Chronic Diseases
A Six-Hour Interprofessional Symposium for Healthcare Workers
Saturday, September 13
8:45 am – 4:30 pm (ET)
Cost:
- Eligible 1199SEIU members: No out-of-pocket costs
- All other participants: $150
Live Webcast (Internet)
The deadline to register for this event is Friday, September 12, noon.
Program Moderator
Jenny Zhang, MD
Program and Learning Objectives
8:45 am — Participants Log in
9:20 am — Welcome and Introductory Remarks
9:30 am — “Overview of Obesity and Chronic Diseases (Cancer, Diabetes and Cardio Issues)”
Presenter:
Jenny Zhang, MD
Descriptive Summary:
Obesity is a complex, chronic disease that is increasing in prevalence nationally and globally. This presentation will focus on the significant role obesity plays in the development and progression of various other chronic conditions, contributing to poorer health outcomes and increased healthcare burdens. The links between obesity and increased overall and cancer-specific mortality, particularly in breast, colon and uterine cancers, will be discussed. Obesity as a major risk factor for the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, including its widespread impact across multiple organ systems, will also be addressed.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Describe the definitions and prevalence of obesity;
- Explain the relationship between obesity and cancer;
- Discuss the role of obesity in the development of diabetes; and
- Understand the effects of obesity on cardiac diseases.
10:30 am — “Recent Advancements in Obesity Treatment (New Trends in Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment of Obesity)”
Presenter:
Gustavo Fernandez-Ranvier, MD, PhD
Descriptive Summary:
This presentation will explore obesity as a global health challenge, how treatment approaches are rapidly evolving and recent advancements focused on improved efficacy, safety, personalization and long-term sustainability. How the landscape of obesity treatment has been transformed and the future of multimodal, patient-centered approaches will be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Identify current patient selection criteria;
- Describe the principles, indications and outcomes of traditional and newer bariatric procedures;
- Compare endoscopic procedures to traditional laparoscopic techniques in terms of safety, recovery and long-term weight loss outcomes; and
- Review technological advances, the role of robotics and other technologies.
11:30 am — “Obesity: Childhood, Teens and Adolescents (Prevention and Control)”
Presenter:
Catherine Tsai, MD
Descriptive Summary:
This presentation will provide an overview of the prevalence and factors contributing to childhood, teenage and adolescent obesity in the U.S. Preventative measures, as well as both non-surgical and surgical management of childhood, teenage and adolescent obesity, will be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Understand the prevalence and causes of childhood, teenage and adolescent obesity in the U.S.;
- Explain obesity prevention in children, teenagers and adolescents;
- Explore methods of non-surgical management of childhood, teenage and adolescent obesity; and
- Describe methods of surgical management of childhood, teenage and adolescent obesity, including special considerations.
12:30 pm — Lunch Break
1:30 pm — “Current Research Best Practices in Weight Management: Empowering Practitioners and Technicians to Support Patient Health”
Presenter:
Michelle P. Maidenberg, PhD, MPH, LCSW-R, CGP
Descriptive Summary:
This presentation will provide practitioners and technicians with the knowledge and practical strategies to support patients in weight management. Research on comprehensive behavioral interventions will be explored. The role that practitioners and technicians play in counseling patients on lifestyle changes, monitoring progress, supporting medication use and addressing barriers to weight loss will be discussed. Enhancing patient outcomes and improving access to effective weight management services in community and clinical settings will be explained.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Explain the role of practitioners and technicians in weight management;
- Identify evidence-based behavioral interventions, such as multicomponent programs, cognitive-behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy;
- Analyze the role of digital health tools in supporting patients’ weight loss and maintenance, and evaluate their integration into practice; and
- Develop practical strategies to engage patients in lifestyle modifications, set achievable weight management goals and overcome common barriers.
2:30 pm — “Pharmacological Treatment and New Medication for Obesity and Chronic Diseases”
Presenter:
Anastasiya Shor, Pharm D, BCPS
Descriptive Summary:
This presentation will explore the expanding role of pharmacists in guiding evidence-based pharmacologic treatment for obesity and its prevalent comorbidities. How pharmacists must assess efficacy, durability, titration protocols, side-effect profiles and therapeutic alignment with patient comorbidities will be discussed. Trial data from STEP, SELECT, and SURMOUNT, along with emerging therapies, will be examined. Real-world challenges, such as navigating insurance coverage, monitoring adherence and managing common patient questions, will be explored.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Evaluate treatment selection criteria for anti-obesity medications;
- Compare the mechanisms of action, efficacy and safety profiles of GLP-1 receptor agonists against dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists for obesity management and associated chronic diseases;
- Analyze clinical trial data and real-world evidence comparing weight loss outcomes, cardiovascular benefits and adverse event profiles among major anti-obesity pharmacotherapies; and
- Evaluate strategies for treatment selection and management in comorbid chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
3:30 pm — “Preventing Weight Regain: Long-Term Strategies in Obesity and Chronic Disease Management”
Presenter:
Theresa Gentile MS, RDN
Descriptive Summary:
This presentation will focus on weight regain challenges for individuals who have successfully lost weight, especially those managing chronic diseases like obesity. The connection between long-term weight management and chronic disease management, and the prevention of weight regain, will be discussed. Evidence-based lifestyle strategies for long-term management of obesity and chronic diseases will be explored.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Identify key physiological, behavioral and environmental drivers of weight regain following intentional weight loss;
- Apply lifestyle strategies to support long-term weight maintenance in individuals with obesity and related chronic conditions; an
- Describe the role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in long-term weight maintenance.
4:30 pm — Program Ends
Accreditation
CASACs
An application has been submitted to the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services for six (6) clock hours.
Clinical Laboratory Practitioners
This continuing medical laboratory education activity is recognized by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) for six (6) CMLE credits. ASCP CMLE credits are acceptable for the ASCP Board of Registry Certification Maintenance Program.
Dietitians/Dietetic Technicians
An application has been submitted to the Commission for Dietetic Registration (CDR) for six (6) continuing education units.
Imaging Technologists
An application has been submitted to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) for Category A continuing education credits. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) accepts ASRT Category A credits.
LPNs/RNs/Nurse Practitioners:
This course is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing for six (6) continuing education credits.
Medical Records Coders
An application has been submitted to the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) for six (6) continuing education credits.
Occupational Therapists/Occupational Therapy Assistants
An application has been submitted to the New York State Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (NYSOTA) for contact hours (NY licensees only).
Paramedics/EMTs
An application has been submitted to the Regional Emergency Medical Services Council of New York City for EMS CME credits.
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians:
The New York State Council of Health-system Pharmacists (NYSCHP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.
- Module A (AM): This course, 0134-0000-25-175-L01-P; 0134-0000-25-175-L01-T, is approved for 0.3 CEUs (3 contact hours).
- Module B (PM): This course, 0134-0000-25-176-L01-P; 0134-0000-25-176-L01-T, is approved for 0.3 CEUs (3 contact hours).
Statements of Continuing Pharmacy Education Credit are available to participants upon the conclusion of the program through survey links. Participants have 45 days from the date of the program to claim credits and must verify attendance at the meeting by entering the program CE code.
Physical Therapists/Physical Therapy Assistants
An application has been submitted to the New York Physical Therapy Association (NYPTA) for contact hours (NY licensees only).
Respiratory Therapists
An application has been submitted to the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) for six (6) continuing education credits.
Social Workers
The 1199SEIU League Training and Upgrading Fund SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers under provider #0286. Licensed NYS Social Workers are required to provide their NYS license number to receive certificate of credit. This course is approved for six (6) continuing education hours.
All Other Healthcare Professionals:
You will receive a general certificate of attendance. Please check with your accreditation board with respect to receiving credit for this program.
Presenters:
Jenny Zhang, MD
Assistant professor, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Health System
Gustavo Fernandez-Ranvier, MD, PhD
Associate professor, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Health System
Catherine Tsai, MD
General surgeon, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Health System
Michelle P. Maidenberg, PhD, MPH, LCSW-R, CGP
Clinical therapist, author of Ace Your Life”: Unleash Your Best Self and Live the Life You Want
Anastasiya Shor, Pharm D, BCPS
Director, Drug Information Center’s Drug Information Fellowship Program; assistant professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Touro College of Pharmacy
Theresa Gentile, MS, RDN
Coordinator, home enteral nutrition program, Maimonides Medical Center; owner of nutrition consulting practice
Eligibility for 1199SEIU Members
Training and Employment Fund Members
Members must have been a part-time or full-time employee for at least one year, work at least three-fifths of a regular workweek, and work for an employer who contributes to the 1199SEIU League Training and Upgrading Fund or the 1199SEIU Greater New York Education Fund.
City of New York Education, Child and Eldercare Fund Members
Pharmacists, Dietitians, Clinical Laboratory Practitioners and LPNs must have worked with NYC Health + Hospitals or a mayoral agency for at least one year.
Registered Nurse Training and Job Security Fund members
Members must have been a part-time or full-time employee for at least one year and work for an employer who contributes to the 1199SEIU/Hospital League Health Care Industry Registered Nurse Training and Job Security Fund.
For Further Information
Email: Institute@1199Funds.org
Refund and Cancellation Policy
If you wish to cancel, you must do so at least 48 hours before the program date to avoid a penalty. To cancel, contact the 1199SEIU League Training and Upgrading Fund (TUF) by telephone, (212) 894-4390; fax, (212) 643-8795; or e-mail, Institute@1199Funds.org. TUF reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a program in the event of insufficient enrollment or unforeseen circumstances. Participants will be notified and given the option of receiving a refund or attending the rescheduled program or an alternate program.
