Plant-based nutrition is revolutionizing how we approach healthcare — offering powerful, evidence-based solutions to prevent, manage, and even reverse chronic disease. To advance 1440 Multiversity’s charitable purpose and Live Well learning pillar, this immersive one-day educational conference organized by fellow nonprofit Eat for the Earth brings together a multidisciplinary team of nationally recognized voices in the “food as medicine” movement.
Designed for healthcare professionals and open to passionate members of the public, the Food as Medicine Health Conference explores the clinical and practical impact of plant-based nutrition through a full day of science-backed lectures, culinary demonstrations, and peer connection. Participants will engage in sessions that examine current research, real-world applications in patient care, and the broader implications of nutrition for public health and health equity. A resource fair and networking opportunities will offer additional space for learning and collaboration among clinicians, educators, and advocates.
Set against the inspiring backdrop of 1440 Multiversity’s private redwood campus, this continuing education event provides a nourishing environment to reflect, recharge, and reimagine what’s possible when we align food, science, and care. This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the California Medical Association and the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Learn more about continuing education credits here.
During this immersive educational program, you will:
- Deepen your understanding of the latest research on plant-based nutrition and its role in preventing and managing chronic disease
- Learn from nationally recognized healthcare leaders through engaging lectures, clinical insights, and real-world case examples
- Discover practical strategies for integrating nutrition-based approaches into medical care and wellness settings
- Gain inspiration and confidence to support behavior change and promote health equity in your practice or community
- Experience culinary medicine in action with a live food demonstration that connects science to the plate
- Nourish yourself with a delicious, fully plant-based breakfast and lunch
- Build meaningful professional connections with peers, faculty, and organizations committed to advancing food as medicine
- Leave re-energized and equipped with tools, insights, and resources you can apply immediately in both personal and professional contexts
This program and educational workshop is ideal for:
- Healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses, dietitians, physician assistants) earning accredited CEs/CPEUs
- Integrative clinicians, lifestyle medicine providers, and medical educators
- Medical students, residents, and allied health professionals ready to deepen their understanding of nutrition science
- Wellness advocates and passionate individuals eager to apply plant-based food principles in personal or patient care settings
Conference Speakers/1440 Adjunct Faculty Members include:
- Dr. Jorge Otañez, MD, DipABLM: As the Associate Chief Medical Officer at TrueCare, Dr. Otañez has spearheaded comprehensive initiatives integrating lifestyle-based interventions directly into primary care settings. He will share his perspective on overcoming institutional barriers and successfully scaling food-as-medicine, physical activity, and social connection interventions to improve whole-person health outcomes.
- María José Hummel, PhD, MPH, MS, DipACLM: An international health educator and plant-based nutritionist, María José Hummel will break down four years of life-changing outcomes data from a bilingual dietary immersion program. She will share measurable public health metrics that showcase how structured, culturally inclusive dietary strategies can successfully combat and reverse chronic conditions like diabetes.
- Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto, MD, DipABLM: As a Clinical Associate Professor in Immunology and Rheumatology and Director of the Rheumatology Oncology Clinic at Stanford, Dr. Katsumoto is uniquely positioned at the intersection of cellular defense and lifestyle medicine. She will break down the latest evidence-based clinical insights on how targeted plant-forward dietary strategies protect individual health while mitigating chronic disease.
- Dr. Csilla Veress, ND, LAc: A nationally recognized expert in longevity science and therapeutic fasting, Dr. Veress will connect the dots between what we put on our plate and its direct influence on microbiome health, sleep architecture, and bone density.
- Dr. Reshma Shah, MD: As a board-certified pediatrician, Adjunct Clinical Instructor at Stanford, and co-author of the award-winning guide *Nourish: The Definitive Plant-Based Nutrition Guide for Families*, Dr. Shah is a premier authority on pediatric lifestyle medicine. She will bridge the gap between cutting-edge clinical science and everyday family dynamics, offering practitioners actionable frameworks for prescribing healthy, sustainable diets for children.
- Rev. Chef Beth Love, MDiv: Bringing five decades of transformational activism—including insights gained in diverse contexts including churches, the California state prison system, nonprofits, and even an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show—Chef Beth serves as Eat for the Earth’s Executive Director and head chef. She will demonstrate how clinicians and individuals can translate plant-forward nutritional guidelines directly onto the fork, turning meals into powerful tools for whole-person healing with a live culinary medicine demo!
- And many more: Click here to view the full list of faculty
Click here to book online now! Please email info@foodasmedicinesantacruz.org with any questions you may have.
