Childhood Nutrition and Obesity Prevention Committee Meeting
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
AAPCA1 invites you to join the Childhood Nutrition & Obesity Committee meeting held virtually on Wednesday, March 25 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Don’t miss this important discussion on nutrition counseling in pediatric primary care!
RSVP Here
Meet Our Speaker
Sarah Ro, MD, Dipl. ABOM
Dr. Ro is board certified in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine. She serves as the
Medical Director of the University of North Carolina Health Medical Group Weight Management Program, where she has played a key role in establishing community-based weight management clinics throughout North Carolina. Her efforts have focused on expanding access to evidence-based obesity care, particularly for socially vulnerable populations. The program now spans 17 primary care clinics across 9 NC counties, integrating obesity medicine-certified physicians to deliver affordable, comprehensive, and ongoing care—both in person and via telehealth. Dr. Ro is deeply committed to reducing health disparities among adults and children living with obesity by addressing systemic barriers to care.
Meet The Committee Chairs
Dr. V. Sushma Chamarthi, MD, FAAP, DABOM – Chair
Dr. V. Sushma Chamarthi is a pediatrician and Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) with more than 15 years of clinical experience, including eight years serving children and families in California’s Central Valley. Practicing at Valley Children’s Healthcare in Fresno, she is a strong advocate for underserved and rural communities, where she focuses on the early recognition, prevention, and treatment of childhood obesity to reduce long-term comorbidities.
Dr. Vaishali Benaka Hebbar, MD, FAAP – Vice Chair
Dr. Vaishali B. Hebbar is a dedicated pediatrician with a strong focus on nutrition, preventive care, and advancing health equity in underserved communities. She is committed to addressing the root causes of health disparities by promoting access to early interventions and family-centered care. Through her clinical work, Dr. Hebbar emphasizes the importance of empowering families with the tools and resources needed to support children’s long-term health and well-being.
Contact: info@aapca1.org
Join the Committee