This year’s Fall Grand Rounds, organized by UAA’s Interprofessional Education Committee (IPE) and the Alaska Center for Rural Health & Health Workforce (ACRH-HW), focused on the theme of Health at Every Size® (HAES®). The event, held on November 8, 2024, brought together healthcare professionals, students, and faculty from across Alaska to discuss and learn more about weight-inclusive care practices.

With over 100 participants attending both in-person and virtually, the event fostered a dynamic space for shared learning and collaboration. This year’s agenda featured a distinguished panel of experts, including:

• Amy Urbanus, MS, RDN, LD, CSG, CDCES (Facilitator) – an expert in nutrition and diabetes care, who opened the session with an introduction on the importance of HAES® in modern healthcare.
• Natalie Uy, Patient – sharing a personal perspective on how weight-inclusive care has positively impacted her health journey.
• Jody Drange, Registered Dietitian – providing insights on how HAES® principles can be integrated into nutritional practices.
• Megan Volkov, Nurse Practitioner, Anchorage Women's Clinic – discussing the role of HAES® in clinical care and patient relationships.
• Sarah Leavitt, LPC, Counseling Anchorage – offering a mental health professional’s perspective on how HAES® can contribute to emotional well-being.

After the panel presentations, participants were divided into smaller discussion groups to explore real-world applications of HAES® in healthcare. Discussion facilitators helped guide these conversations, and each group reconvened to share their takeaways on how adopting weight-inclusive care practices can improve patient outcomes.

Gloria Burnett, Director of ACRH-HW, reflected on the significance of the event: “This year’s Fall Grand Rounds was a powerful opportunity to engage with the community on the importance of weight-inclusive care, especially in rural and underserved areas. As we continue to support healthcare professionals in their practice, embracing HAES® is a crucial step in creating a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare system for all.”

A big thank you to everyone who attended and engaged in this important event—your participation is instrumental in advancing the conversation around inclusive care. We look forward to continuing this momentum and further integrating HAES® principles into healthcare practices across Alaska.

Stay tuned for upcoming training opportunities and events focused on weight-inclusive care!

Photo Credits: Kevin Bennett / UAA Alaska Center for Rural Health & Health Workforce

 

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