Congratulations to William (Bill) Gourash, PHD, MSN, CRNP, who was selected as the first recipient of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Integrated Health Distinguished Advanced Practice Provider (APP) award. This well-deserved honor acknowledges Bill’s efforts and dedication to the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery as demonstrated within our department and within the ASMBS.
One of the first and best bariatric professionals, Bill started in the field over 20 years ago as a clinical practitioner at the time of the innovation of the laparoscopic approach to bariatric surgery. He collaboratively helped refine the laparoscopic approach and the training of other practitioners/surgeons from all over the world. Over the course of his career, Bill has demonstrated a passion for the professional development of others and expertly precepts and mentors a wide range of students, nurses, residents, and fellows. He leads the Obesity Lecture Series, a multi-disciplinary conference highlighting clinical and research advances that encourages collaboration. Bill is dedicated to quality improvement serving on multiple committees for these efforts.
Recently, Bill successfully defended his PhD dissertation, “Retention and Attrition in Bariatric Surgery Research: A Qualitative Study” and is considered one of the country’s leading expert in this area. He has authored over 30 published manuscripts and 25 abstracts and poster presentations and has been invited to speak more than 50 times.
Bill has held many leadership roles within the ASMBS throughout his long and distinguished career. Notably, he served as President of Integrated Health Sciences Section and Member of the Executive Council of the ASMBS from 2008-2010. He is also Chair of the Certified Bariatric Nurse Certification Committee and was instrumental in developing the bariatric certification program for nurses.