This conference is organized by the SUNY Downstate Committee for Plant-Based Health and Nutrition, a multidisciplinary body with representation from the College of Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Nursing, College of Health-Related Professions, STAR Program, Brooklyn Health Disparities Center, University Hospital of Brooklyn, Plant Powered Metro New York, and the Brooklyn Borough President’s office. The Committee promotes awareness of the health benefits of plant-based nutrition, provides a forum for multidisciplinary interaction, and discusses ways to integrate plant-based health into resident training, medical student education, and the overall culture at SUNY Downstate.

This conference is the second of an annual conference series in collaboration with the Brooklyn Borough President’s office. The keynote speaker this year will be Dr. Milton Mills, who will discuss the benefits of whole-food, plant-based nutrition as well as problems with the current national nutritional guidelines and issues with food justice. Other featured speakers include Dr. Michelle McMacken, director of Bellevue Hospital’s Plant-Based Lifestyle Medicine Program, Dr. Robert Ostfeld, director of Montefiore Hospital’s Cardiac Prevention Program, and Dr. Richard Rosenfeld from SUNY Downstate.

Specialized afternoon workshops will cover: plant-based nutrition for disease prevention and treatment; a PPMNY-led exploration of strategies for transitioning your patients, your family, and yourself to plant-based meals; and plant-based nutrition for optimal athletic performance.

CME’s are available for physicians, nurses, PAs, dietitians, and social workers.

A delicious plant-based continental breakfast will be held in the Atrium space immediately adjacent to the Alumni Auditorium. Box lunches will be served in separate lecture halls holding the afternoon breakout sessions.