Dr. Prologo is a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Medicine, after which he underwent radiology and interventional radiology training in the University Hospitals Case Medical Center programs – where he also served as chief resident. He is currently an assistant professor in the department of radiology and imaging sciences of the Emory University School of Medicine. His primary research interests are the application of image-guided techniques to the treatment of obesity and obesity-related syndromes. Dr. Prologo received his certification from the ABOM in 2017.

Why did you pursue obesity medicine certification? My personal interests and career began to intersect as interventional radiologists developed novel procedures for the management of obesity. It became clear that to develop new procedures and/or take care of patients with obesity, a complete understanding of the pathology and available treatments would be necessary. In addition, I worked for many years on a program to bring evidence-based behavioral interventions to the public (www.catchingpoint.com) and wanted to formalize my training and knowledge.

Many doctors have told us about the “aha” moment that stimulated their interest in obesity medicine. Do you have an obesity medicine “aha” moment that sticks out in your memory? I met ABOM Diplomate Dr. Lisa DeRosimo at an interventional radiology meeting in Florida around 2013. At that point I had been exploring IR options for obesity as well as developing a software program for behavioral interventions. Dr. DeRosimo told me about the ABOM training opportunities and talked with me about the field of obesity medicine. That night was my “aha” moment and I decided to pursue training and certification.

How do you currently incorporate your obesity medicine training into your practice? Primarily through research. As we develop new techniques to potentially aid in the treatment of obesity, an understanding of neurophysiology underpinning appetite and weight management allows for the illumination of potential targets. For example, we are currently conducting a study evaluating CT guided cryoablation of the posterior vagal trunk for the management of appetite and calorie intake.

Why do you believe obesity medicine certification is valuable? The certification is extraordinarily valuable for me because as interventional radiologists in 2017, we pride ourselves on managing the whole patient. As a result, it is our intention to perform these procedures as part of a comprehensive care plan – a plan that is founded in ABOM training. Moreover, certification allows for collaboration with other ABOM diplomates, who come from a variety of backgrounds. This collection of varying vantage points and experience is invaluable to innovation.

What is the biggest challenge you face in your practice and research? Time. So many opportunities to contribute and advance our subspecialties that time management becomes a challenge.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?  Becoming an active, contributing part of the Emory IR section.

What do you wish other physicians knew about treating obesity? That the field is evolving and complicated, and that historical solutions may need to be re-examined.

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