Food as Medicine Conference

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Wolfington Teletorium, Mandeville Hall

In collaboration with PCOM, Saint Joseph's will be hosting this year's Food as Medicine Conference focused on the therapeutic and preventive aspects of food. As chronic illnesses increasingly affect more Americans’ health, the link between dietary habits and disease prevention is taking on a larger role in medical schools. This conference is designed to attract physicians & healthcare professionals, nutritionists, researchers, food industry executives and the general public interested in the impact of nutritional choices and how it influences health outcomes. 

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7:45-8:30 a.m.

Welcome attendees with a nutritious breakfast

8:30-8:45 a.m.

Topic: Food As Medicine 

Speaker: Jay S. Feldstein, DO, President and Chief Executive Officer, PCOM  

8:45-9:30 a.m.

Topic: Empowering Patients to Prevent and Manage Chronic Disease Through Nutrition

Speakers: 

• Farzaneh Daghigh, PhD, Professor of Biochemistry, Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, PCOM 
• Joanne Kakaty-Monzo, DO, Academic Chair, Clinical Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, PCOM

Learning Objective: Identify ways to prevent and manage disease through nutrition.

9:30-10:15 a.m.

Topic: Food as Medicine in Oncology: Facts, Myths, and the Evolving Science of Precision Wellness 

Speaker: Monique Gary, DO, Breast Surgeon, Chief Medical Officer of Bexa 

Learning Objectives: 

• Review the landscape of misinformation and disinformation regarding nutrition for oncology patients, with particular attention to social media influence over patients and consumers. 
• Review evidence-based best practices for nutrition in oncology, treatment, and survivorship.
• Discuss evolving trends, challenges, and opportunities in biotechnology that support research and outcomes for integrative, precision wellness.

10:15-11 a.m.

Topic: The Gut-Mind Connection and How Food Fuels your Mood 

Speaker: Andrea Weir, DO, Jefferson- Einstein Behavioral Health, PGY-4 

Learning Objectives: 

• Understand the relationship between gut health and mental well-being.
• Identify key nutrients that support mood and cognition.
• Develop practical strategies to use food as a tool for emotional and cognitive balance.

11-11:45 a.m.

Topic: Pediatric Obesity 

Speaker: Autumn Dye DO, Associate Professor PCOM Philadelphia Campus 

Learning Objective: Determine obesity in children and how to manage obesity in children.

11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Topic: MANNA’s Food Is Medicine Model and it’s Impact 

Speaker: Sue Daugherty, RDN, LDN, Chief Executive Officer, MANNA 

Learning Objective: Identify how social determinants of health can impact patient outcomes and healthcare cost. 

12:30-1:30 p.m.

AOA CME Credit: 4 Hours of AOA Category 1A 
The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association of medical education for physicians. The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine designates this program for a maximum of 4 hours of AOA Category 1-A credits and will report CME and specialty credits commensurate with the extent of the physician's participation in this activity.

ACCME Credit: 
Accreditation Statement: Main Line Health is accredited by the Pennsylvania Medical Society to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Credit Designation Statement: Main Line Health designates this live online educational activity for a maximum of (4) AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the educational activity. Conflict of Interest Statement: Faculty and all others who have the ability to control the content of continuing medical education activities sponsored by Main Line Health must disclose to the audience any financial relationships with ineligible companies within the prior 24 months. Speakers must also disclose discussions of unlabeled/unapproved use of drugs or devices during their presentations.