Presenter: Sarah Quinn, Applied Mathematics, Global Public Health Scholars
Obesity is one of the greatest threats to the field of public health in the twenty-first century. Obesity leads to secondary noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even certain types of cancers. With obesity becoming more prevalent than ever, public health professionals have been tasked to find an effective treatment for this disease. For my practicum, I decided to focus on obesity and its impacts, but more importantly, obesity and its treatments. I spent two weeks at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center shadowing a Bariatric surgeon. From this experience, I was able to observe countless operations, as well as, patient visits allowing me to gain the vital information I need to complete my project. In my final poster presentation, I will detail the effectiveness of Bariatric Laparoscopic Surgery and emphasize the impact this operation makes on the patients' lives afterward.
This was a wonderful and interesting presentation! Once you decided what topic you wanted to do, how did you go about obtaining the shadowing opportunity? After this experience, do you see yourself going into the field of Bariatrics? What are the negative effects that can result from getting these procedures? To combat the effect this decision and procedure can have on a patient’s mental health, are they provided with any therapy or someone to talk about what they might be feeling? I admire how you chose such a pressing issue in today’s society for your practicum. Especially as childhood obesity continues to rise, awareness is critical to decreasing the prevalence of obesity in the future. -Nandini Persaud
Hi Sarah! Your presentation was fascinating. Surgery is a major interest of mine so your presentation immediately stuck out to me. Obesity is clearly a huge issue today, especially in the US it seems, and can lead to so many dangerous complications. I am glad that you pointed out the fact that these procedures are not the easy way out, as I have to admit I found myself thinking that. You outlined the reasons it is not really well. Throughout your experience and research, have you found any ways that bariatric procedures may be considered a necessary procedure by insurance companies? As you highlighted, these procedures are not the easy way out, and prevent countless complications that may arise later…
Great job, Sarah! What an experience! Your presentation was very informative. What are some potential solutions to make these treatments available to low income individuals (either in the US or in other countries)?