CERTIFYING PHYSICIANS
OF ALL AMERICAS
in the treatment of obesity

WHY
CERTIFY?

Obesity is defined as a chronic, relapsing, multi-factorial, neurobehavioral disease, wherein an increase in body fat promotes adipose tissue dysfunction and abnormal fat mass physical forces, resulting in adverse metabolic, biomechanical, and psychosocial health consequences. The global prevalence of obesity has more than tripled since 1975 and the recognition of obesity as a disease allows us to research interventions to prevent obesity and implement evidence-based treatments.

In an obesity epidemic, most of the world´s physicians are unprepared to treat patients with obesity. Studies reveal that the biggest obstacle in the fight against excess weight is the lack of technical training of the vast majority of physicians and HCPs on our planet.

They did not receive adequate training during their basic training to work in the area of Obesity Medicine with solid knowledge and excellence. In addition, a considerable part of the content acquired in the first years of professional training becomes obsolete after a few years.

The Pan American Board of Obesity Medicine certifies physicians looking to bridge this gap. The certification is recognized as a traditional synonym of excellence and professionalism in science, and through this process, PABOM seeks to guide professionals in the process of continuing education and qualification in Obesity Medicine.

PABOM seeks to certify physicians of all specialties from all countries of America's (North, Central and South) and through our review courses in obesity medicine developing skills to treat this condition effectively and safely, delivering a even better care for your patients and performing your services more productively and efficiently.

Apply now to become a PABOM diplomate.

Why

APPLY NOW

OUR MISSION

The Pan American Board of Obesity Medicine (PABOM) serves the public and the field of obesity medicine by maintaining standards for assessment and credentialing physicians. Certification as an PABOM diplomate signifies specialized knowledge in the practice of obesity medicine and distinguishes a physician as having achieved competency in obesity care.

Mission

History

OUR HISTORY

The Pan American Board of Obesity Medicine history mixes with the history of SBEMO - The Brazilian Board of Obesity Medicine - that was established formally in 2019 to serve the public and the field of obesity medicine by maintaining standards for assessment and credentialing physicians in Brazil. The SBEMO is an independent entity which organizes and administers certification exams in obesity medicine. Certification as an SBEMO diplomate signifies specialized knowledge in the practice of obesity medicine and distinguishes a physician as having achieved competency in obesity care. Physicians who complete the SBEMO certification process in obesity medicine are designated Diplomates of The Brazilian Board of Obesity Medicine.

World studies have shown that obesity counseling rates remain low among health care professionals. The main reason is insufficient training in weight management skills and counseling. These data suggest that there is an extensive gap between recommended obesity care and current physician practice.

The American Board of Bariatric Medicine (ABBM) had been administering an examination in obesity medicine since 1997 throughout the U.S. and Canada. However, such certification is restricted to U.S. and Canadian physicians. PABOM emerged in this scene to make the certification process in obesity medicine accessible to physicians of all Americas. The Pan American Board of Obesity Medicine (PABOM) was established through the cooperative efforts with The Brazilian Board of Obesity Medicine (SBEMO) sharing high standards of excellence for certification in obesity medicine. Therefore, it incorporated approximately 2.800 associated SBEMO members and 500 current diplomates physicians of The Brazilian Board of Obesity Medicine.

Recognition of obesity medicine as a subspecialty certification remains the long-term goal for the SBEMO and PABOM. And the growing number of SBEMO diplomates is an important factor that clearly illustrates the demand for a certification that allows physicians to demonstrate their competency in obesity medicine.