We think the primary care physician can be just as effective in managing a patient s weight loss, says Dr. Pamela Martin-Davis, a clinical psychologist with the Division of Primary Care. According to Dr. Phillip Brantley, chief of the Division of Primary Care, the sessions will address the newest guidelines for the management of obesity, sensitivity issues in dealing with overweight patients, communication skills, treatment options, and long-term weight maintenance. Along with the key physicians who attended the April presentation, experts at the Pennington Center experienced in obesity research and weight loss management will serve as instructors. In addition to Brantley and Davis, the Pennington Center faculty includes Drs. George Bray, Donna Ryan, Frank Greenway, and Steve Smith.
Obesity is a chronic disease and needs to be treated as such.
And just like any other chronic disease, once the treatment stops, the condition returns, says Brantley. Part of our challenge is to help primary care physicians understand these issues and that they can be a powerful agent of change. The workshops will be offered to primary care physicians free of charge and will include continuing medical education credit.