As we close out 2008 and begin a new year, we are very excited about the forward-looking initiatives that our society is embarking upon. First and foremost is gearing up for our annual meeting in Washington DC on October 24-28, 2009. No doubt the meeting will have political overtones as the new administration takes office next month. Stay tuned for further information as our meeting takes shape. There is still time to submit your suggestions for scientific educational sessions, but these must be received before January 6th. This is also a good time to begin thinking about submitting your scientific abstracts for the annual meeting. Abstract submission opens online on January 19th. Visit our website at www.obesity.org for further information.
 
As we know, obesity continues to be a major threat to our nation's health and the message is now clearer than ever. Recently, the Wall Street Journal convened a group of 100 top CEOs and influential policy-makers to discuss what the new administration's priorities should be. Obesity was ranked #1. According to the WSJ report, "The looming disease burden associated with the epidemic, and all the costs and suffering it will entail, apparently pushed it ahead of other, frequently discussed health-reform issues." To address this challenge, The Obesity Society launched a new Advocacy Task Force led by Dr. Richard Atkinson, past president of the society. The task force will lead our efforts in pushing for healthcare reform that includes access to care for overweight and obese individuals and reimbursement for clinicians, and investment in obesity research. We look forward to working with the new administration on these important policy issues.
 
To prepare an informed and skilled clinical work force, The Obesity Society has also embarked on the development of a physician obesity medicine credentialing program that will be offered in 2010. A credentialed physician will be acknowledged to have the knowledge and competency needed to provide comprehensive care for individuals with obesity. Educational programs will be offered by The Obesity Society to prepare physicians for the examination. And just in time, I am pleased to welcome Mr. Bill Scott as our new Director of Education. Bill has expertise in program development and certification and will provide support for new and innovative educational programs.
 
On behalf of The Obesity Society, I wish you a happy holiday and New Year. See you in 2009!
 
Robert Kushner, MD
President, The Obesity Society