Michael Steelman, M.D., was recognized recently as the Bariatrician of the Year by The American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP). Dr. Steelman, who lives in the Edmond area, is the only physician to receive the honor twice, and was selected by the 1,200 members of the organization.

ASBP is a professional medical society of licensed physicians which specializes in the medical treatment of obesity (bariatrics) and its associated conditions, formed in 1950.

At the same time, the ASBP also created an educational award this year, and honored Dr. Steelman with naming the award after him and member-peer Dr. Harold C. Seim, M.D., of Minneapolis, Minn.

The Steelman-Seim Award for Excellence in Academics was presented to Dr Stephen Phinney from the University of California for his research work which translated to the clinical setting.

“There is no standard for the award. Dr. Steelman epitomizes what a bariatrician is and should be. He’s the guy people look to who sets the standards. He is the person who puts his time and effort, energy and insights into helping to develop a field that continues to grow and in directing the next generation of bariatricians through his teaching efforts,” said Sharon Cooper, a spokesperson for ASBP.

Dr. Steelman was recently named medical editor of the peer review journal and is serving his second stint as chairman of the board, having served as president of the organization twice previously.

The Steelman Clinic is a longstanding bariatric clinic in the metro area, and Dr. Steelman has been in private practice 27 years. He is board certified in weight management, bariatric medicine, anti-aging, and has served as an advisor to former Surgeon Gen. C. Evert Koop and on the advisory council of the American Obesity Association.