What Is Culinary Medicine?
Culinary Medicine, as defined by Dr. John La Puma in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, is a new evidence-based field in medicine that blends the art of food and cooking with the science of medicine.1 It is more than just nutrition; Culinary Medicine empowers individuals to manage and even prevent chronic diseases through mindful dietary choices. By demystifying how various foods affect the body and by teaching helpful, home-chef skills, it transforms healthy eating into a gratifying experience rather than a chore. While a complete dietary overhaul can seem daunting, Culinary Medicine breaks it down into manageable steps, facilitating progressive changes.
What Is Culinary Medicine At UAMS?
At UAMS, we follow the “Health Meets Food” curriculum developed by the American College of Culinary Medicine. Our Teaching Kitchen features recipes that align with the renowned Mediterranean Diet, prioritizing a plant-based approach. We have a beautifully renovated kitchen space located on the first floor of the Reynolds Institute on Aging building on campus where we offer diverse classes to a wide range of groups including students, residents, faculty and other UAMS employees, and even community members. A primary objective of our program is to reduce UAMS health coverage cost due to chronic diseases that can be managed through food and lifestyle education. Another is to educate current and future healthcare professionals on the pivotal role of fruit and vegetable consumption in combating prevalent diseases like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. The program includes lecture style education and hands-on cooking experiential learning for small groups. We are actively seeking to extend our outreach beyond campus and engage local communities to promote Culinary Medicine.
Five Pillars Of The UAMS Culinary Medicine Program
Research
Research plays a vital role in the continual advancement and sustainability of the Culinary Medicine Program. Through investigation, we systematically explore information and data related to the intersection of food, nutrition, and health, ensuring the production of credible and evidence-based sources. Our overarching goal is to observe and document the transformative influence of Culinary Medicine on both the medical community and the broader public. By doing so, we aim to contribute to the growing body of knowledge that underscores the profound impact of food as medicine, fostering healthier individuals and communities.
Interprofessional Education
Culinary Medicine extends its educational offerings to diverse professionals across the medical spectrum. We advocate for equipping all healthcare practitioners with foundational knowledge in this discipline, recognizing its pivotal role in enhancing their efficacy in patient care. By fostering interprofessional education, Culinary Medicine empowers healthcare professionals with the understanding of how nutrition and culinary practices intersect with health outcomes, thereby fostering more comprehensive and effective healthcare delivery.
Community Outreach
Community outreach lies at the heart of the Culinary Medicine Program’s evolving mission. Our commitment extends beyond the confines of the university campus, as we actively engage with neighboring communities across Arkansas. In a state grappling with prevalent challenges such as obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses, we recognize the critical role of food and diet in prevention and treatment. Through our outreach efforts, we aim to amplify this message, empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge and resources to make informed dietary choices and improve overall health outcomes.
Classroom Curriculum
Our program utilizes the Health Meets Food framework, designed into specialized modules to maximize participant learning and engagement. Incorporating a blend of didactic sessions and immersive, hands-on experiences in the kitchen, our approach ensures a dynamic and comprehensive learning journey. Participants not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop practical culinary skills, empowering them to apply nutrition principles effectively in real-world settings.
Continuing Medical Education
Continuing Medical Education encompasses a range of educational initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of practicing healthcare professionals. The Culinary Medicine Program is committed to supporting these healthcare professionals by providing tailored programming designed to enrich their expertise. Through our specialized courses and activities, we offer opportunities for ongoing learning and skill development, equipping healthcare professionals with the tools and insights needed to optimize patient care in an evolving healthcare landscape.
- Puma J. Culinary Medicine and Nature: Foods That Work Together. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2020 Jan 7;14(2):143-146. doi: 10.1177/1559827619895149. PMID: 32231479; PMCID: PMC7092399.