Blazing a Trail of Health
One of the best parts of the Lifestyle Medicine and Food as Medicine movement is that it all comes from the heart. Each physician and patient interaction is conducted with one goal in mind; helping the individual overcome illness and discover the best and healthiest version of themselves.
At Enrich, this passion for helping others has been exceptionally clear with every collaboration. And just like with anything, there are a few trailblazers leading the way to create a brighter health future for us all.
Let us introduce you to five people in the movement we think you should know about.
Padmaja Patel, MD, FACP, DipABLM has been a powerful force in Midland, Texas for years, bringing better health to her hometown. With a calm demeanor and a wealth of experience, she shares the power of whole food, plant-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine with her patients and the local community as the Medical Director of the Lifestyle Medicine Center at Midland Health. As incoming president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM), she’s also set to expand the knowledge base of healthcare practitioners around the world.
Michelle McMacken, MD, FACP, DipABLM is making waves as a key part of the team that’s working with Mayor Eric Adams to bring Lifestyle Medicine and plant-based nutrition to every healthcare professional throughout New York City. This partnership – and unmatched support from ACLM – will have a far-reaching effect on the care that patients receive in the NY Metro area and serve as a role model for others beyond the region.
Colin Zhu, DO, DipABLM is unapologetically passionate about the intersection of lifestyle, nutrition, and medicine. This double board-certified physician, trained chef, and newly-elected ACLM board member is teaching individuals what it means to create a thriving mindset while guiding them to uncover the best (and healthiest) versions of themselves through online education, tele-wellness, culinary demonstrations and his newly-released app, The ChefDoc.
Yami Cazorla Lancaster, DO, MPH, MS, FAAP, DipABLM, NBC-HWC — This busy pediatrician not only operates a practice in Yakima, Washington, she also shares key resources and tips for helping kids choose smart foods through her coaching practice, Veggie Fit Kids. As if that weren’t enough, Dr. Yami, as she’s affectionately referred to, hosts a podcast, is a published author and regularly speaks on the benefits of whole food, plant-based nutrition and smart lifestyle choices.
Will Bulsiewicz, MD MSCI — Fiber rules the roost with this plant-based healthcare practitioner, board-certified gastroenterologist, and all-around gut health guru. Author of the New York Times bestselling book Fiber Fueled, Dr. B shares his own journey to health and uses cutting-edge medical research to teach individuals about the impact of nutrition and lifestyle choices. Beyond a published author and practicing physician, he also offers a masterclass, runs a robust social community, and has even written a cookbook.