The AMA “Members Move Medicine” series profiles a wide variety of doctors, offering a glimpse into the passions of women and men navigating new courses in American medicine.

On the move with: Fatima Cody Stanford, MD, MPH, MPA, an obesity medicine specialist in Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School.

AMA member since: 2003.

What inspired me to pursue a career in medicine: Since the age of 3, I have had an insatiable desire to serve humankind through healing. Medicine allows me to do just that.

How I move medicine: By ensuring that we treat the over 100 million children and adults who struggle with obesity.

Career highlights: As a Gold Congressional Award recipient, I have established myself as an advocate for racial and ethnic minorities in my community.

Advice I’d give to those interested in pursuing a career in medicine: Forge ahead! We need you! You can do this!

Aspect of my work that means the most: I am sometimes more thrilled than my patients when they reach a positive milestone by achieving a healthier weight, or by improving or eliminating obesity co-morbidities such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or obstructive sleep apnea.

Visit MembershipMovesMedicine.com to learn more about other AMA members who are relentlessly moving medicine through advocacy, education, patient care and practice innovation, and join or renew today.