The American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) is pleased to introduce Dr. Brianna Johnson-Rabbett as the organization’s new medical director. Dr. Johnson-Rabbett, assistant professor in the division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, has served in the role on an interim basis since July 1, 2024. She will assume the permanent position on July 1, 2025.
In her role as ABOM Medical Director, Dr. Johnson-Rabbett’s primary responsibility is to serve as the obesity medicine clinical content and practice expert interacting with administrative staff, board members, item writing committee members, diplomates, and certification candidates. Dr. Johnson-Rabbett will oversee ABOM’s item writing committee, which is a volunteer committee comprised of diplomates that develops the annual certification exam.
“Dr. Johnson-Rabbett’s steady leadership and deep commitment to ABOM’s mission have already made a lasting impact, and we couldn’t be more excited to have her in this role permanently,” said ABOM Executive Director Dana Brittan.
Learn more about Dr. Johnson-Rabbett’s background, interest in obesity medicine, and hopes for ABOM’s future in the Q and A below.
Why did you pursue obesity medicine certification?
I felt that it was important to spend more dedicated time learning about obesity as a disease to complement what I learned during my prior medical training. As such, I pursued the CME pathway to obesity medicine board certification. I also felt that it was important to demonstrate to the medical community and patients that I worked with that I was competent in the practice of obesity medicine by pursuing board certification.
Many doctors have told us about the “aha” moment that stimulated their interest in obesity medicine. Do you have an obesity medicine “aha” moment that sticks out in your memory?
Looking back, it was learning of the stigmatizing experiences that dear friends and colleagues living with obesity endured in both the medical community and society in general that really ignited a passion for treating the disease of obesity in a caring, empathetic, and evidence-based manner.
How do you currently incorporate your obesity medicine training into your practice?
I use principles that I learned in pursuit of the CME pathway to obesity medicine board certification every day in both my general endocrine and medical weight management focused clinics. I have also used the training and education I received to advocate for expanding patient access to obesity medicine care and ensuring the provision of high-quality obesity medicine care in the health system that I work within.
Why do you believe obesity medicine certification is valuable?
I believe that obesity medicine board certification is the clearest way to demonstrate to patients, health systems, potential referring physicians, and society that a physician has the training and expertise to care for patients living with obesity in an evidence-based and comprehensive manner.
What do you hope to accomplish during your time as ABOM medical director?
I am grateful for the privilege of joining an organization that does important work in a rapidly developing field of medicine. I plan to continue the legacy of excellence that prior medical directors have demonstrated, ensuring that the obesity medicine board certification remains a key indicator of a physician’s competence in the practice of obesity medicine.