The First Virtual AWSIM Annual Scientific & Member Assembly:
Evidence, Education, and the Future of Weight-Inclusive Care
Earn up to 5.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
This inaugural scientific assembly brings together clinicians, educators, researchers, trainees, and community partners committed to advancing weight-inclusive care. Beyond sharing evidence, this space is designed to foster meaningful connection, dialogue, and collaboration—creating a community where ideas are exchanged, perspectives are challenged, and collective learning moves the field forward. Participants will also have the option to engage in sequential small-group discussions with the same group throughout the day, intentionally designed to support deeper dialogue and build lasting professional connections within the AWSIM community.
KeyNote Speakers
Rachel Fox, MS, MA, PhD, Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Grand Valley State University
Presenting: Beyond Weight Inclusion: Joining the Fight Against Obesity Elimination
Her mixed-methods research examines the relationship between medicine, public health, and stigma with a focus on anti-fatness in the US.
Dr Lesley Williams MD, Board Certified Family Physician at Mayo Clinic, Assistant Professor at Mayo Medical School. Eating disorder & Menopause Specialist. Weight inclusive physician. Dedicated to promoting health & wellbeing for every body.
Presenting: The Future of
Weight-Inclusive Care in the Era of GLP-1 Medications
10:00 – 10:30 AM EST
Welcome & Orientation
Dr. Lisa Erlanger
10:30 – 11:40 AM EST
Beyond Weight Inclusion: Joining the Fight Against Obesity Elimination
Rachel Fox, MS, MA, PhD
45-minute talk + 25-minute Q&A and breakout rooms
Understanding fat eliminationism and identifying hidden weight bias
11:40 AM – 12:50 PM EST
Scientific Session 1 “Inside the Clinical Encounter: Systems, Industry, and Patient Experience”
Hillary Hecht , MSW
Ragen Chastain MEd, BCPA
Angela Incollingo Rodriguez Ph.D.
10-minute Q&A
12:50 – 2:00 PM EST
Scientific Session 2, “The Consequences of Weight Stigma: Evidence, Inequities, and Health Outcomes”
Virginia Ramseyer Winter, PhD, LGSW
Catherine Fredericks BA
Emma D’Arpino PhD, MS-HPEd, RD, LDN
10-minute Q&A
2:00 – 3:00 PM EST
Virtual Poster Session
15 poster presentations
4 breakout rooms
PDF gallery + optional 3-minute video
Live chat with presenters
3:00 – 4:10 PM EST
Scientific Session 3 “Changing the System: Education, Intervention, and the Future Workforce”
Nicula Maria
Erin Harrop PhD LICSW
Cory Campbell
Q&A
4:10 – 5:10 PM EST
The Future of
Weight-Inclusive Care in the Era of GLP-1 Medications
Dr. Lesley Williams, MD
45-minute talk + 15-minute Q&A and breakout rooms.
5:10 – 5:30 PM EST
Clinical Integration Roundtable: Translating Weight-Inclusive Evidence into Practice
A facilitated clinical discussion focused on translating weight-inclusive principles into real-world practice. Participants will identify one actionable change, explore common barriers in weight-centric systems, and exchange strategies with peers.
5:30 – 7:00 PM EST
AWSIM Governance & Leadership Meeting
Don Doering. PhD
Interim Executive director of AWSIM
Building a Weight-Inclusive Professional Home and Changing the Practice of Medicine: Leadership, Strategy and Governance
Make the most of your registration
If you’re not yet an AWSIM member, the Conference + Membership bundle offers the best value.
In addition to attending the Assembly, you’ll gain access to a growing professional community, ongoing education, and member exclusive resources through the end of the calendar year.
We believe access matters
We are committed to making this event accessible.
Professionals residing in low- and middle-income countries are eligible for a 50% discount
→ Use code: SAVE50 at checkout
Scholarships are available for attendees. If cost is a barrier, please reach out to mperalta@awsim.org to request support and follow the application process.
AWSIM Members
Early registration rates available through April 15 2026.
$75-$175
Reduced rates for active AWSIM members
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Discounted conference registration .
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Priority access to AWSIM programming
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Member-only resources and community
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Standard rate $75-$175
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CME eligibility (if applicable)
Non members
Early registration rates available through April 15 2026.
$100-$230
Conference registration only
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Full access to all conference sessions
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CME eligibility (if applicable)
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No ongoing membership included
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Standard rate $100-$230
Best Value
Conference + Membership
Includes AWSIM membership through the end of the calendar year
$140-$330
Join AWSIM and save on registration
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Conference registration included
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AWSIM membership through 2026
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Access to member-only education & community
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Priority pricing for future events
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Attend and Join AWSIM now for 40% off Annual Dues!
Students
Accessible pricing for students
$20
Flat rate registration
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Full conference access
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Discounted student rate
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Pricing is based on professional role and training level to support equitable access.
Want to support our work?
Help grow a home for weight-inclusive healthcare.
AWSIM exists because clinicians, trainees, and advocates believe healthcare should be equitable, compassionate, and free from weight stigma.
Donations support our educational programs, operational sustainability, and scholarship opportunities—ensuring that financial barriers do not limit participation in this work.
AWSIM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible as permitted by law. We do not accept funding from pharmaceutical or weight-loss companies.