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. The conference is designed to attract physicians & healthcare professionals, nutritionists, researchers, food industry executives and the general public interested in how diet influences health outcomes.

7:45-8:30 a.m.

Welcome attendees with a nutritious breakfast

8:30-8:45 a.m.

Topic: Food As Medicine 

Speakers: 

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

8:45-9:30 a.m.

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

Speaker:  Dr. Joanne Kakaty-Monzo, DO Farzaneh Daghigh, PhD 

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 Objective: 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 and discuss evolving trends, challenges, and opportunities in biotechnology that support research and outcomes for integrative, precision wellness.

10:15-11:00 a.m.

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

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

Learning Objective: Understand the relationship between gut health and mental well-being, identify key nutrients that support mood and cognition, and 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.