We have begun work on an educational project that we hope can be used as a Grand Rounds topic, educational module for Physicians, and teaching program for patients.  Obesity has a large impact upon women’s health.  While it is common knowledge that the obesity epidemic in this country has increased the incidence of heart disease and Type II diabetes, there are multiples effects on Obstetrics and Gynecology.  The hope is that the realization of the more immediate consequences of obesity may help motivate women to be more mindful of their eating habits and activity.  There is also a need to educate women, who are the prime “feeders” and shoppers for the family.

We have enlisted a diverse group of physicians to contribute basic outlines of the effects of obesity on their sub-specialties/areas of expertise.  Larry Barmat, MD has written  about the morbidity in REI, with the increase in infertility and PCOS.  Stephen Smith, MD outlined the effects of obesity on pregnancy and delivery.  Sharon Mass, MD has contributed her expertise on breast feeding and its effects on post-partum weight loss and infant/childhood obesity.  Lamar Ekblad,MD Mitchell Edelson,MD and Miles Murphy MD are working on contributions to the project on contraceptive issues in obesity, oncology issues, and urogynecology problems, repectively.

I will also be enlisting help from a nutritionist and nurse practicitoner to work on a patient education program.  Donna Brown, MD, a senior resident and the Junior Fellow Chair of the PA Section, will work on a module specifically directed at OB/GYNs in training.

When we have collected all of our resources and information, we will use the expertise of our Executive administrator, Jan Reisinger, and media resources at the PA Medical Society to produce a power-point presentation, webinar, and possibly a written patient brochure or link to the ACOG website for patients.

The paradigm for educational programs at ACOG is changing.  The need for a new approach is evident as the demographics and goals of the younger physicians in our specialty change.  As we shift to a computer-based society, there is less attendance at CME meetings.  The economy has affected the ability of many physicians to travel.  Hard-working OB/GYNs are less apt to travel for CME and be away from their families, when so much is now available on-line.  Richard Henderson, MD, the incoming Chair of ACOG District III (PA, NJ, and DE) has responded to this change by proposing a “Road Show”, whereby ACOG brings the education to the Physicians.  The OBesity Project is a response to his mission.

It is also helpful to those of us in the Philadelphia area, since the 2011 District III Annual Clinical Meeting will be held in our fair city.  Hopefully, we will be able to present a finished project by October of 2011 at the meeting..

I invite any member of the Obstetrical Society to contribute to this project and welcome suggestions for topics and references to include in it..  Please e-mail any ideas/comments to me at sherry.blumenthalmd@gmail.com This is not a one-woman show, but a project of PA ACOG with a little help from our friends in NJ and DE.  The Philadelphia Obstetrical Society is an important part of PA and we invite you to be an important part of the OBesity Project.