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Chapter Information

Incorporated September 2014

Mission Statement

The Iowa State Chapter of the ASMBS is a collaborative community of healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing the care of the bariatric patient and advocating for high quality treatment of people who suffer with the disease of obesity.  The chapter consists of bariatric surgeons, integrated allied health professionals, and medical bariatricans focused on improving quality, access to care, and providing medically necessary treatment to those impacted by obesity.  We encourage fellowship among members and sharing of best practices as a platform for continuous improvement of quality of care of the bariatric patient.  We strive to engage those in our communities in order to speak with one voice for the patients in our state.

Executive Officers

President: Jessica Smith, MD MPH FACS FASMBS
Past President: Steven Cahalan, MD, Michael Phelps, MD FACS
Senior Past President: Teresa L. LaMasters, MD FACS FASMBS
Vice President/President Elect: Maria Iliakova, MD
Secretary/Treasurer: Teresa L. LaMasters, MD FACS FASMBS
Integrated Health Chair: Alissa Lilla, PA-C
Integrated Health Co-Chair: Kimberly Hibgy, RN CBN
STAR (State Access to Care Representative): Matthew Christophersen, MD
Member at Large: Kyle Ver Steeg, MD FASMBS

Board Members

Teresa L. LaMasters MD FACS FASMBS
Kyle Ver Steeg, MD FASMBS
Michael Phelps, MD FACS

Founding Members

David Aanestad, MD
Matthew Christophersen, MD
Teresa L. LaMasters, MD FACS FASMBS
Michael Phelps, MD FACS
Mark Smolik, MD
Kyle Ver Steeg, MD FASMBS
Steven Cahalan, MD

Chapter Meetings

  • September 22, 2016: Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL

  • On behalf of Dr. Joyce, State and Local Chapter Committee Chair, Dr. Moore, State and Local Chapter Committee Co-Chair, and Dr. Shayani, Illinois State Chapter President, all ASMBS Members from the neighboring state of Iowa are invited to join the Illinois State Chapter meeting at ObesityWeek 2015 in Los Angeles, CA:
    Wednesday, November 4, 2015
    6pm-7pm Pacific Time
    L.A. Convention Center Room #407

  • November 2014, ObesityWeek/AMBS National Meeting during State Chapter meeting – Inauguration of new officers

  • October 2-3, 2014, Chicago, IL: IABS – Mid American Bariatric Summit, Annual Meeting with the Illinois State Chapter

  • 2014 – Planned summer annual meeting however we were invited to join the Illinois state chapter; changed the plan for a combined chapter meeting with Illinois in early October 2014

  • Meeting held at November 2013 ASMBS annual meeting

    • Most officers were unable to attend that meeting
    • President and several allied health member were present
    • Inauguration of new officers was delayed to allow increased participation
  • May 10, 2013: Annual Meeting was held in Des Moines, IA (CME credits)

    • Topics discussed:
    • Technical pearls of Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass and Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
    • Challenging cases/shared best practices
    • Potential new standards for centers of excellence
    • Engagement of more members across the state to create a community for bariatrics in the state
  • Meetings via conference call on 6/19/2012 and 10/8/2012

  • April 21, 2012 Inaugural Meeting: discussed formation of a state chapter with the attendance of Dr. Lloyd Steggeman and Joe Nadglowski (OAC); we formed our state chapter with election of officers and creation of bylaws

    • Final bylaws updated and approved by attorney – Incorporation of Association/Articles of Incorporation as Non Profit Entity
    • EIN/Tax ID info obtained
    • W-9 Info obtained
    • Creation of budget
    • Dues collection and book keeping
    • Officers list created
    • Preliminary application to national ASMBS
    • Business bank account opened
    • Applied for 501(c)(6) status

Chapter Updates

  • Attended Iowa Obesity Coalition for Step Wise Approach to Treat Obesity
  • Relevant local news: Iowa Health Weight Loss Specialists has undergone a name change to UnityPoint Clinic Weight Loss
  • June 25-27, 2015, Las Vegas, NV: Dr. Phelps attended State Chapter Presidents’ Summit
  • Working to continue coverage for bariatric surgery with Access to Care Liaison
  • Working to eliminate six month OBS
  • Dr. LaMasters attended State Chapter Presidents’ meetings and Annual Summit
  • Dr. LaMasters attended Access to Care Committee meetings
  • Plan to continue to engage more of the bariatric surgery community in state chapter activities
  • Discussions ongoing with Iowa Medicaid to restore coverage to all Medicaid participants; recent change with Medicaid expansion led to loss of coverage for middle plan of Iowa Health and Wellness participants
  • There was discussion about a local legislative day in 2013; Dr. Christophersen was working on that event however we were not able to complete it in 2013, planned for 2014; unable to complete in 2014, planned for 2015
  • Dues Collection
  • Membership Drive
  • Chapter final status completed by Dr. LaMasters

Support Groups

Each program provides their own support group

Advocacy Information

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