#148: This Doctor Became a Patient and it Changed Her Perspective on Nutrition
“It is extremely satisfying, as a physician, to be able to not always rely on a prescription pad to try and help somebody. And be able to able to offer them something where they could genuinely improve their health.” -Dr. Laura Freeman
Dr. Laura Freeman was diagnosed with cancer when she was pregnant with her second child. She had considered herself a relatively healthy person, but after undergoing treatment she started looking more into nutrition and discovered the power of plant-based diets. Her exploration led her to adopt this way of eating herself and she has carried others along in her journey with her. Now she is passionate about sharing this information with her patients and has helped found the first online lifestyle medicine service in the UK!
In this episode of Veggie Doctor Radio, I have a conversation with Dr. Laura Freeman about her journey into plant-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine.
We discuss:
Her plant-based journey
What it was like being a doctor who became a patient
How long it took her to start talking to her patients about plant-based nutrition after she made the switch
What has surprised her the most about lifestyle medicine in her practice
Her favorite patient story
The new Plant-Based Health Online service in the UK
What she wishes more people knew
The personal habit she is most proud of
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Dr. Laura Freeman
More about my honored guest:
Dr. Laura Freeman obtained her Medical Degree from the University of Edinburgh in 2006. She completed her vocational training in General Practice in Manchester in 2011. Between May 2012 and May 2019, after attaining full accreditation from the Medical Council of Canada, Dr. Freeman ran her own Family Medicine practice in midtown Toronto, taught medical students at the University of Toronto and worked with the MedicalCouncil of Canada as an examiner for International Medical Graduates.
Both within and outside of her General Practice, Dr. Freeman has developed a strong interest for plant based nutrition and optimising health through lifestyle choices. In 2019, Dr. Freeman became a diplomat of the International Board for Lifestyle Medicine. In her position as Medical Director for Plant-Based Health Online, she leads a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals in a first of its kind, online plant-based healthcare service.
Her focus is putting her passion in Lifestyle Medicine into practice for her patients and watching the incredible success of their lifestyle interventions. Dr. Freeman has been commended by her colleagues and patients alike for her unwavering calm and kind demeanour, her compassion and care for her patients as well as her sound clinical knowledge, skill and judgment. Her patients have endorsed her input for optimising their diet, prescribing individualised exercise prescriptions, stress management and improving sleep habits.
Dr. Laura Freeman also certified as a CHIP (Complete Health Improvement Program) Practitioner. She is also on the advisory board for Plant Based Health Professionals UK and is a course tutor for the UK’s first ever online plant based nutrition course at Winchester University. She runs regular health workshops and ‘Walk with a Doc’ walking groups in her community. plantbasedhealthonline.com
The information on this blog, website and podcast is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your or your child’s eating, nutrition or growth, consult a doctor.
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