Michael Steelman, former president of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians, once wrote about what "bariatric medicine" is and what, exactly, it encompasses. Writing in the Summer, 1997 issue of The Bariatrician, in his "From the President" column, he wrote:

"The term 'bariatrics' was coined many years ago by leaders of our organization to refer to the medical discipline of treating obesity and related conditions. This word struggled for years to find recognition in the medical community and general public and great inroads have been made both in the use of the word in a recognition of the discipline as a valuable part of the practice of medicine.

Another former president, Larry Richardson, wrote more about to this definition:

"Bariatrics" is the practice of medicine by physicians relating to the treatment of obesity and associated conditions and requires direct doctor-patient contact, even though it is legal in some states to defer initial exam and follow up to nursing staff. At a minimum, treatment should include direct physician contact at the time of initiating therapy and follow-up by a qualified physician at reasonable intervals thereafter consistent with loca standards of care. If follow-up visits are delegated to legal recognized physician extenders, the supervising bariatrician must be on-site and available for consultation regarding the patient.

In addition, the patient should receive counseling from the bariatrician as indicated, regarding the nutritional, behavioral, exercise component and psychological aspects of the treatment program. While bariatric medicine has grown tremendously since tose words were written, the basic concepts remain the same. Namely,

A "bariatrician" is a physician who has devoted his professional training and skills to treating patient with the disease of obesity.
A "bariatrician" respects the problems associated with the disease of obesity and is sensitive to social, professional, and health costs of being obese in American society.
A "bariatrician" studies and evaluates the latest developments in diagnosis and treatment of obesity and is ready to interpret and utilize this information to deliver state-of-the-art care of the obese patient.
A "bariatrician" cares for , on a personal and professional level, the lives of the obese patient and is qualified to guide them in the long, difficult process of living a healthier lifestyle.

While you won't find this definition in any publication, it is our definition at the Albright Bariatric Clinic. We put the health of our patients above all other concerns. We are here to help, for as long as is required.