Course Description

“So, what are we going to do about the weight?”

This is a question that has been asked of every person living in a large body so many times they have lost track. A question that immediately blames body size and the person in the body for any and all medical concerns. A question that is full of assumptions about “what can be done.” 

The asker generally has made a lot of assumptions and generalizations about the patient due to appearance or BMI alone, and may well be responding from deeply ingrained bias, both conscious and unconscious. What if all those assumptions and generalizations were essentially wrong and doing a disservice to your patients?

Amelia Mitchell examines these questions, and our role and responsibility in addressing and ending weight bias in health care.

Approved for Continuing Education

*Please note: In order to be eligible for CE credit, you must register with your full name (as it appears on your professional license) and your license state and number.

This course is listed with the FSMTB CE Registry for 1 CEU for massage therapists.

Approved for 1 contact/clock hours of continuing education credit by the Continuing Education Institute of Illinois in collaboration with the University of Illinois Department of Family Medicine for the following professions:

  • Acupuncturist
  • Athletic Trainer
  • Counselor-Professional/Clinical
  • Dentist/Dental Hygienist
  • Dietitian/Nutritionist
  • Marriage and Family Counselor
  • Nurse (APN, RN, LPN)
  • Nursing Home Administrator
  • Occupational Therapist/COTA
  • Physical Therapist/PTA
  • Psychologist
  • Respiratory Therapist
  • Social Worker

Instructor

Guest Instructor Amelia Mitchell

Amelia Mitchell, was a fat woman whose advocacy focused on Weight Stigma and the challenges that large bodied people face in the world. She was also a nationally board certified and licensed massage therapist, certified lymphedema specialist, NCBTMB continuing education provider, mentor, and workshop leader. In 2006 she founded Alchemy Healing Arts Center in Annapolis, Maryland, a successful multi-therapist practice with a variety of hands-on specialties. She was a strong advocate for massage therapists as a Board Member of the Maryland Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association and as the chapter’s Government Relations Chair. A highly regarded teacher and workshop leader, Amelia brought insights and experiential knowledge to the subjects of ethics, cultural diversity, weight stigma, business development, and boundaries. A creative spirit, Amelia blogged at Aunt-Amelia.com. She was a mask-maker, multimedia designer, photographer, retired master gardener, quilter, and knitter. Amelia Mitchell passed away on May 2, 2022. She is deeply missed.

Healwell's programs are supported in part by generous people like you. Donate today and choose love, compassion, and evidence-based care that acknowledges that humans are important.

Donate Now