Table 1 The 5AsT-MD Program

 1

Interactive, discussion-based lectures covering: 1) the complex etiology of obesity and its chronicity, 2) an introduction to the 5A’s of Obesity Management and the 5AsT approach, 3) assessment and management of obesity in pediatrics 4) prevention, pregnancy and postpartum, 5) management of obesity, including lifestyle changes, medications and bariatric surgery.

 2

Empathy suit experience: residents are given an opportunity to wear a empathy suit, which simulates a body size in the obesity class. Learners experienced the incumberance of obesity spending approximately 15 min in a Smart Condo executing tasks of daily living (i.e., getting dressed, cleaning the apartment, getting out of bed, making the bed). The university provides these resources as part of the Health Sciences Education and Research Commons. Empathy suits are available commercially, and the tasks of daily living exercise can be modified to other local circumstances [39,40,41].

 3

Following this exercise, residents are asked to complete a one-page narrative reflection on their experience wearing the suit. At the next session, residents discuss their experiences and reflections in small groups facilitated by expert preceptors.

 4

Standardized patient interviews: Residents demonstrate their use of the 5A’s by practicing with standardized patients. Patient cases were designed to focus on specific parts of the 5A’s (i.e., ASK, ASSESS, ADVISE, AGREE, ASSIST) and to allow residents to practice the skills and tools they have learned.

 5

Following this exercise, the residents debrief in small groups, which include their preceptor, the standardized patient, and their peers.

 6

In-clinic practice: Residents practice the newly acquired skills and knowledge with one of their own patients in clinic.

 7

Residents reflect on their experience in a one-page narrative, which they debrief with their preceptor.