About
Dr. Scott Kahan
Dr. Scott Kahan is a physician trained in both clinical medicine and public health. He is the only known physician to be board-certified in Preventive Medicine, Obesity Medicine, and clinical nutrition. His clinical practice specializes in weight management and obesity medicine, and he serves as Director of the National Center for Weight and Wellness.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Kahan also works as a public health physician specializing in obesity prevention and treatment. He serves as Medical Director for the George Washington University-based Strategies to Overcome and Prevent (S.T.O.P.) Obesity Alliance, a coalition of more than 80 organizations that drive innovative and practical strategies to address obesity.
He also serves on the Board of Directors for the American Board of Obesity Medicine, a national, independent, non-profit organization that certifies specialist physicians in obesity medicine, and the Board of Directors of Playworks DC, a non-profit organization that teaches kids about life through play. He also serves as Chair of the Clinical Committee for The Obesity Society.
Education
Dr. Kahan received his undergraduate degree in bioengineering from Columbia University, his medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania, and his Master’s of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. He completed a residency in Preventive Medicine at Johns Hopkins University, where he served as Chief Resident.
Academic Appointments
Dr. Kahan serves on the Faculty of the George Washington University School of Medicine and School of Public Health & Health Services, and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He teaches courses on obesity, nutrition, public health, and health behavior change. He created the first course devoted to obesity and nutrition at GWU School of Medicine, and the first undergraduate course devoted to obesity at Johns Hopkins University.
Publications
He has published 14 books in medicine, nutrition, and public health, and is the Editor-in-Chief of a series of medical texts published internationally and translated into nine languages. His most recent textbook, published by Johns Hopkins University Press, is titled Health Behavior Change in Populations: The State of the Evidence and Roles for Key Stakeholders.
Awards & Recognition
Dr. Kahan has received numerous awards, including Healthcare Provider Advocate of the Year, the Patients’ Choice award, Outstanding Contribution Gratitude Award by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and has been rated as the #1 Preventive Medicine physician in Washington, D.C. He has been named to the Medical College of Pennsylvania/Drexel University 40 Under 40 list and nominated for the Robert Wood Johnson Young Leader award.