Jan 20, 2016

New York City Is Home To Many Qualified Bariatric Doctors

Tags

By Carl Green


Medicine diversity of the medicine profession makes it reasonable to split it into subspecialties that handle specific areas of the field. The study of prevention, treatment, diagnosis, and causes of obesity is done under a subspecialty of medicine referred to as bariatrics. Bariatricians or bariatric physicians refer to medical specialists who specialize in bariatrics. The terms bariatricians and bariatric physicians are often employed interchangeably. Some of the most qualified bariatric doctors today are found in the city of New York.

The year 1965 is when the term bariatrics was coined. The term originated from the Greek language. When translated into the English language, the word gives the meaning of pertaining to treatment of weight. The profession comprises of different approaches to loss of weight including exercise, dieting, and behavioral therapy. There are other meanings associated with the term in the medicine profession too.

Overweight and obesity are continue to cause medical concern in the whole world, particularly developed states. Of all the American adult population, a third of the people have been estimated to be obese by the CDC. The problem is expected to get worse if the existing trend in obesity goes on. With the trend, by 2030, 44 percent of all Americans in all states will be experiencing some form of obesity. Therefore, more batricians are likely to be needed in the future. Obesity is said to exist if one has their body mass index often abbreviated to BMI placed above 30.

People whose BMI value of greater than 30 are at a higher risk of developing certain medical conditions. Such medical conditions include obstructive sleep apnea, chronic musculoskeletal problems, asthma, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and various kinds of cancer. Obese people need the help of bariatricians because they are mostly incapable of losing weight on their own.

Treatment of obesity can be done using many different methods. First-line treatments usually include behavior therapy, anti-obesity drugs, exercise, and diet. These methods are not very effective and are known to have very limited success in the short-term while long-term success is outright poor. That leaves weight loss surgery as the main alternative left. Surgery has been determined to be relatively more effective than conventional treatment methods in both the short and long-term.

Becoming a bariatrician is characterized by several academic requirements. Having an MD from a medical school that is recognized is the starting point. Medical school concludes with a two-year period of supervised clinical rotations. After that, one must complete a residency program. The duration of residency programs range between 3 and 7 years.

One cannot practice without being licensed. Licensure comes after medical school and residency program. There is a licensing exam that all practitioners who wish to practice in the US must take and pass. Being licensed then opens the door for board certification in obesity medicine. One must again take and pass a board exam. The board administers a workshop and a certification review course to help candidates with preparation.

There are chances for one to further their training. Various professional organizations also provide accreditation to their members. This field is highly dynamic and practitioners need to remain informed about recent changes and inventions in order to be successful.




About the Author: