Changing The Conversation On Obesity In Primary Care
October 8, 2026 -
 November 19, 2026
Select Thursdays
7:30 AM -
 8:30 AM

The Changing Conversation on Obesity in Primary Care ECHO is a four‑session learning series designed to help clinicians strengthen obesity care through practical, evidence‑based strategies. Using the Project ECHO model, participants connect with obesity care specialists and quality improvement leaders to build skills, reduce weight bias, and improve patient outcomes.

This series blends clinical education with actionable quality‑improvement steps that support real‑world practice change. Each session focuses on a key component of high‑quality obesity care:

  • Reducing weight bias and stigma
  • Screening, diagnosis, and assessment
  • Treatment options and referrals
  • Quality improvement in practice and complex cases

 

Participants gain ready‑to‑use tools, practical workflows, and strategies that make it easier to support patients living with obesity in primary care settings.

Program Benefits

  • Complimentary ADA Membership for eligible participants
  • Certificate of Completion signed by the ADA Chief Quality Officer
  • Participation in a national quality‑improvement initiative
  • Case‑based learning with peers and subject‑matter experts

Series Leaders

  • Keerthana Kesavarapu, DO, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School  
  • Tom Bateman, PharmD, BCACP, Clinical Assistant Professor, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers  
  • Deannon Colon, MD, Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Community Health, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
  • Julien Chamoun, MS, RD, RD Nutrition Counseling 
  • Lee Ruszczyk, LCSW, CCS, ACS, Senior Director of Behavioral Health, Henry J. Austin Health Center 

Learning Objectives

After participating in ECHO, providers will be able to:

  • Understand obesity as a complex, chronic disease shaped by biological, behavioral, social, and environmental factors.
  • Recognize and reduce weight bias and stigma to strengthen patient trust, communication, and engagement.
  • Apply evidence‑based strategies for screening, assessment, treatment, and referral across diverse life stages and clinical contexts.
  • Use quality‑improvement tools to enhance clinical practice, support patient‑centered care, and improve long‑term outcomes.

Continuing Education Accreditation

Certificate of Completion signed by the ADA’s Chief Quality Officer

Sessions

Reducing Weight Bias and Stigma in Obesity Care
Thursday • October 08, 2026
7:30 AM
Screening, Diagnosis, & Assessment
Thursday • October 22, 2026
7:30 AM
Treatment & Referrals
Thursday • November 05, 2026
7:30 AM
Quality in Practice and Complicated Cases in Obesity
Thursday • November 19, 2026
7:30 AM