277: [UNICORN] How to Talk About Obesity: A Masterclass

75% of American adults are overweight or obese. With that statistic, we will definitely treat overweight or obese patients, regardless of our specialties. But how do we discuss weight with our patients? Many PAs feels nervous about discussing a patient’s weight and don’t know how to approach what can be a very sensitive and emotionally-charged topic.  That’s why I have Elena Sullivan on the podcast today to lead a masterclass in talking about obesity with compassion. Elena has been working as a PA in obesity and lifestyle medicine for 4 years. She shares how to focus on longitudinal whole person care with our patients. Elena defines weight bias and stigma, and how we can identify our own biases in order to best care for our patients.  I learned so much from my conversation with Elena on the best ways to discuss obesity, weight loss and health with my patients, and also how to apply these tools to my own life. But my biggest takeaway from Elena’s masterclass on obesity? Elena believes that the biggest weight one can lose is that of others’ opinions and criticism of our own selves.  SPONSORS Scrubmates: www.wearscrubmates.com CM&F Group: www.cmfgroup.com/ThePAIsIn CONNECT WITH ELENA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenasullivan/ COACHING ⁠1-ON-1 NEGOTIATION CONSULT https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/negotiate⁠  ⁠FREE 30-MINUTE COACHING CONSULT⁠ ⁠https://calendly.com/the-pa-is-in/gen-call⁠   LINKS EPISODE BLOG POST https://www.tracybingaman.com/blog ⁠TRACY ON INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/mrstracybingaman/⁠ ⁠TRACY ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybingaman/⁠ SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepaisin/support