• ASMBS Connecticut State Chapter
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The mission of the Connecticut Chapter of the ASMBS is to encourage collaboration among surgeons, physicians, advanced practice providers, integrated health professionals, and healthcare providers who treat the disease of obesity.

We work to promote prevention, education, and treatment of obesity in the State of Connecticut.

Our focus is on improving access to care for all individuals irrespective of race, religion, or social status.

President: Saber Ghiassi, MD MPH FASMBS
Vice President: Dr. James Healy, MD, MHS
Secretary/Treasurer: Dr. Jennifer Schwartz, MD
Integrated Health Chair: Dana Cantiello, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CBN
STAR (State Access to Care Representative): Dr. Danielle Friedman, MD, FACS
STAR Access to Care IH Rep (non-voting appointed): Gabrielle Berthiaume, DNP-C
Executive Director: Katy Dunay, CPPM
Members at Large: Dr. Juan Holguin, Dr. Randal Zhou, Dr. Neil Floch
Obesity Medicine Liaison (non-voting): Dr. Devika Umashanker

*Past Presidents:

Dr. Darren Tishler, 2021-2023
Dr. Pavlos Papasavas, 2018-2021 (extended term due to Covid pandemic)
Dr. Neil Floch,  2017-2018
Dr. Aziz Benbrahim, 2015-2016
Dr. Jonathan Aranow, 2013-2014

Non-voting Board Member Obesity Medicine Liaison: Dr. Devika Umashanker

  • Established the Connecticut State Chapter in 2012
  • Established an inclusive organization that welcomes participation from surgeons, advanced practice providers, and integrated health professionals from all programs across the entire state, including private practices, medical group system based entities
  • Proud to be recognized as a top team sponsor for Walk from Obesity events in 2021 through 2023, having hosted successful walks since 2015
  • Lead Advocacy efforts since 2018 to expand Access to Care for patients in the State of Connecticut, working with state leaders to pass legislation – our work continues!
  • Collaborated and coordinated a combined meeting with The American College of Surgeons in Connecticut
  • Creation and Host of the Obesity Summit – the premier meeting in New England that provides innovative and thought-provoking content – 2018-2020, 2023-2025
  • Obesity Summit: January 16-17, 2025. We have hosted in 2023, 2024 and looking forward to 2025 – growing the program and attendance year over year.