Dr. Stephen Finney, a primary care and obesity medicine physician at Southcoast Health in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts, brings a wealth of expertise to the field of obesity medicine. With board certifications from the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Board of Obesity Medicine, he is dedicated to addressing the complex nature of obesity.
As National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month is observed, Dr. Finney's story is a timely read. Join us as we delve into his journey, his motivations, and the impactful work he does to promote healthier lifestyles and support patients in achieving their wellness goals.
Q: During your medical training at American University of the Caribbean, what were you taught about treating patients with obesity? How has that education shaped your approach today?
A: AUC is strong in pathology, pharmacology, and physiology. My alma mater taught me the pathophysiology of obesity and co-morbid conditions it is associated with. At AUC, the Introduction to Clinical Medicine course taught me how to create an open, honest, nonjudgmental environment for my future patients. Empathy is a crucial skill for medical professionals. At AUC, we practiced with actors portraying various conditions, including obesity, to learn empathetic communication. These interactions allowed me as a medical student to practice empathetic communication, understand emotional states, and respond appropriately. We were also able to reflect on our personal experiences in group discussions.
Q: What inspired you to specialize in obesity medicine? Was there a particular experience or person or moment that sparked your interest?
A: As I trained as a resident in family medicine in Louisiana, the extent of knowledge about obesity was limited to “eat less and exercise more.” I have always had a strong interest in both nutrition and exercise, however, (I) always wanted a deeper education in obesity medicine. Once I discovered that there was an official certification available, I immediately pursued it. Towards the end of my training, I became tired of prescribing countless medications to chronically ill patients. I noticed a pattern of covering up symptoms of insulin resistance with Band-Aids. I started focusing more on lifestyle.