As part of its commitment to advancing innovative models of care, the CU Medicine Weight Management Clinic is launching a new 12-week virtual Shared Medical Appointment (SMA) program beginning July 31. This forward-thinking approach supports patients through medically guided group visits that blend clinical care, structured education, and the power of peer support.
The program will be held virtually via Zoom every Thursday from 5–6 p.m., and is co-led by Victoria Lu, DO, and Cristina Rebellon, RD. It’s designed to increase access to high-quality care while encouraging sustainable lifestyle change for weight management and chronic disease prevention.
The program’s curriculum is adapted from the nationally recognized UC San Diego SLIM Program and incorporates evidence-based strategies including:
Shared Medical Appointments, also called group visits, bring together multiple patients with similar conditions in a virtual group setting, allowing them to receive medical care and health education simultaneously. This innovative model streamlines care, enhances productivity, and fosters a sense of community and accountability among participants.
“This program allows us to reimagine how we deliver care in the clinic,” says Dr. Victoria Lu. “By combining individual expertise with group dynamics, we’re able to provide more frequent and meaningful interactions that support long-term behavior change.”
“It’s not just about what patients eat—it’s about how they think, feel, and live,” adds Cristina Rebellon, RD. “This program gives us space to address all those layers in a way that’s engaging and sustainable.”
“As an endocrinologist and obesity medicine researcher, I see firsthand the benefits of group-based behavioral support,” says Victoria Catenacci, MD and Medical Director of the CU Medicine Weight Management Clinic. “This group-based model to delivering weight management care in clinic is an innovative step forward. It not only expands access to care, but also gives patients the tools, support, and medical expertise they need to make real, lasting changes.”
The program is best suited for established CU Medicine Weight Management Clinic patients who:
CU Medicine Weight Management Clinic participates in many health insurance networks, including Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance apply however, coverage should be verified with individual carriers before starting the program.
This pilot program reflects CU Anschutz’s strategic goals around care innovation, prevention, and value-based models that serve both patients and providers. By testing new ways to deliver medical care that emphasize behavior change and ongoing support, the CU Medicine Weight Management Clinic is contributing to the future of chronic disease management on campus and beyond. If the pilot program is successful, it may expand to include new patients. If you're interested in future offerings, join our mailing list to be notified when new program opportunities become available