Discovering the Power of Food as Medicine: Insights from Dr. Leong
In today’s fast-paced world, most people underestimate the transformative power of food on health. Dr. Leong, a dedicated medical professional, emphasizes that food is medicine, and he is passionate about sharing this message with his patients and the wider community. His journey from healthcare to culinary medicine offers a fresh perspective on how nutrition plays a crucial role in our well-being.
A Journey into Healthcare and Public Health
Dr. Leong’s journey began with a profound realization: the healthcare system often prioritizes cost and efficiency over patient well-being. “I realized that a lot of health care was really impacted by costs and efficiency, and this ultimately impacted public health,” he reflects. Through his experiences, he recognized the potential to impact local and federal policies by advocating for a more holistic approach to public health.
During his time at Tufts University, Dr. Leong worked closely with family physicians while studying public health. He volunteered at a food bank, turning that experience into a vital project focused on evaluating the nutritional value of the food provided to the community. “That set the foundation for me,” he shares. “Food could be nourishing and complementary to health, or it could be toxic and detrimental.”
Culinary Medicine: Bridging the Gap
After earning two master’s degrees, Dr. Leong ventured to Tulane University for medical school, where he had the incredible opportunity to contribute to the Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine. Here, he embraced the idea that culinary education could enrich medical training, providing students with the tools to discuss food with their patients in an evidence-based manner.
His mentor, Dr. Timothy Harlan, aimed to integrate culinary lessons into medical education. “If you have that culinary background, you’re able to be so much more dynamic in the tools and ideas you can offer patients,” explains Dr. Leong. He notes that Tulane was among the first institutions to recognize the importance of culinary competency in medical education, inspiring similar programs across the country.
Sharing Knowledge at FUTURE Conference
Dr. Leong will be presenting at the upcoming FUTURE Conference (formerly the National Conference), taking place from July 31 to August 2 in Kansas City, Missouri. His session will delve into obesity and lifestyle medicine, exploring how food and exercise can significantly affect health.
“These tenets of lifestyle medicine—food is medicine, exercise is medicine—are not new,” he asserts. However, the challenge remains in motivating patients and offering them essential support. By combining newer weight loss medications with motivational interviewing techniques, Dr. Leong aims to empower patients to pursue their personal health goals.
His approach transforms conversations about weight loss into discussions about overall well-being. “I always start by asking my patients, ‘What is your goal? Why do you want to do this?’” he shares. Instead of a focus on losing weight, patients often express a desire for improved health—free from diabetes or medication dependency.
Building Stronger Connections with Patients
Dr. Leong places great importance on understanding his patients. This approach enables him to tailor advice to meet their unique needs. “If you are just saying, ‘This is how easy it is to prep these basic types of foods,’ you are not reaching them where they are,” he notes. By learning about financial barriers, preferences, and health challenges, he facilitates a deeper connection that encourages patients to be more open.
Whether in a lifestyle medicine clinic or a grocery store setting, Dr. Leong believes that these engaging conversations can lead to significant insights and improvements in health.
Embracing a Holistic Approach to Health
After four years in urgent care, Dr. Leong found his true calling at Kaiser Permanente as an obesity medicine specialist. In this role, he reinforces that family medicine is about healing and preserving health. He also shares his knowledge with students, residents, and fellow physicians, emphasizing the significance of self-care and healthy living education.
“It’s really hard to take care of others if you can’t feel well and take care of yourself,” he says. Through his teachings and personal experiences, Dr. Leong strives to create a positive impact not just on his patients, but also on the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Inspiring Future Chefs at Home
Beyond the walls of medical facilities, Dr. Leong is dedicated to teaching his children the joys of cooking and healthy eating. “I love to go grocery shopping, be creative, and experiment with different things,” he shares. With child-friendly tools like plastic knives, he encourages his kids to be hands-on in the kitchen.
His excitement is palpable as he recounts their dreams of becoming chefs. “The other day, we were watching Master Chef Junior, and my oldest says, ‘I want to be on that show.’” It’s clear that Dr. Leong is not only propagating health in his professional life but also nurturing a deep appreciation for food within his family.
Conclusion: Food as a Vehicle for Health Transformation
Dr. Leong embodies the belief that food is not just sustenance; it is a powerful tool for healing and health transformation. Through his innovative methods, he sets an example for healthcare professionals and patients alike, demonstrating how improving one’s relationship with food can lead to a healthier life. In a world where convenience often trumps nutrition, Dr. Leong’s insights remind us that the key to well-being may be found in our kitchens.
By embracing the principles of culinary medicine, we can cultivate not just healthier individuals, but also healthier communities. For more information on culinary medicine and its applications, visit Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine.
