I am honored to have been appointed to the Board of Directors for the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS.) I have been a bariatric surgeon since 2003. As the first DO to sit on this board, it is a privilege to represent all surgeons in this community, but especially the osteopathic surgeons. When I first joined the society, osteopathic surgeons were only allowed to be associate members of the then ASBS (American Society of Bariatric Surgeons.) Clearly things have changed for the better! It was an honor to work with Adam Smith, D.O. in allowing osteopathic surgeons to become certified with a certificate of added qualification in metabolic and bariatric surgery with the same exam that allows our allopathic counterparts to obtain the focus practice designation in metabolic bariatric surgery. It has been my career goal to participate on this board to help shape the future of bariatric surgery globally as it affects our patient’s health in such a positive manner. My inspiration for becoming a leader in the field is certainly influenced by my father Carl, Michael Pesta D.O. who served as speaker of the house for the American Osteopathic Association as well as many other accolades.
There are over 200 Osteopathic members of the ASMBS, and I hope to continue to serve their needs as well as all of our country’s bariatric surgeons. I began my career in Bariatric surgery in 2003 when I was early in Practice after the current surgeons left a void at our hospital when they left to start another program. Alongside Keith Marshall, D.O. and Gary Katz, D.O. we grew a strong bariatric program in southeast Michigan. I continued my aspirations in leadership by becoming the Michigan Bariatric Surgery chapter President. I participated in numerous committees for the national society and was the Committee chairman for the state chapter committee as well as the community and independent practice committee. I have been very active in the access to care committee and political action committee to be sure that much needed coverage is provided to our patients. I served as president of the TREO foundation, which is the ASMBS foundation supporting funding for Treatment, Research, and Education to end Obesity, which serves as the acronym for the Foundation. Though not elected to this board, the incoming president C. Joe Northup, M.D. selected me to fill a vacancy for the year on the board when John Scott, M.D. moved into the secretary treasurer role on his path to becoming president. I am grateful for this appointment and hope that it will allow me to be voted onto the board by the society membership for a full 3-year term. I would strongly encourage all osteopathic physicians to continue to support our members in these leadership positions so that people will continue to understand our value as osteopathic physicians in the field of surgery.