313: Creating Innovative Lifestyle Medicine Initiatives with Lily Correa, RD

In this episode of I AM HUMAN, I interview Lily Correa, MPH, RD about the incredible and inspiring work that her amazing team is doing at NYC Health + Hospitals. We learn about her plant-based journey and how her work is so gratifying, but requires patience and perseverance. She also gives tips for how other health care professionals can make an impact and influence those around them. 

Our conversation is not just about food; it's about rewriting the script of patient care. We unwrap the stories of plant-based athletes defying expectations and the community-centric model that elevates the role of diet and exercise in managing health. The Bellevue Hospital program isn't just a clinic; it's a beacon of change, demonstrating the sustainability and impact of a shared medical appointment model. Lily and her team, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Michelle McMacken, have crafted a legacy of empowerment, enabling patients to flourish in their health journeys through education and whole-person care. Lily's aspiration to author a Spanish-language plant-based cookbook speaks to her dedication to diversifying the nutrition dialogue. 

Lily Correa, MPH, RD, is a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, seeing the kitchen as a powerful tool for promoting health and wellness. As a registered dietitian and bilingual health educator, she honed her skills at Kaiser Permanente in Riverside, CA, where she led plant-based cooking classes and developed a ‘culinary curriculum.’ Her commitment led her to New York, where she studied health-supportive culinary arts at the Natural Gourmet Institute and contributed to launching the Plant-Based Lifestyle Medicine Program at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. In 2022, she became the Director of Education and Training for the Office of Nutrition & Lifestyle Medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals Central Office, aiming to expand the Bellevue model citywide. Lily's expertise extends to presenting at academic conferences and community organizations, reflecting her dedication to advancing nutrition and lifestyle medicine, recognized by her Diplomate status from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. 

Discussion points: 

• (0:00:00 - 0:05:10) Lily Correa introduction and family journey to plant-based diets, and moving to the U.S. from Peru.  
• (0:05:11 - 0:11:32) Lily's plant-based journey was influenced by her grandfather, a Seventh-day Adventist pastor, including the role of diet in managing his Type 2 Diabetes. The impact of immigration on dietary habits and health, as well as misconceptions about plant-based diets for athletes. 
• (0:11:33 - 0:21:22) Lily's path from English literature to nutrition and public health- highlighting the significance of registered dietitians in culinary medicine.  
• (0:21:23 - 0:30:44) The growth and success of the Bellevue Hospital team, under Dr. Michelle McMacken's leadership, the clinic's shared medical appointment model, financial sustainability, and the potential influence of the “Bellevue Model” on health care across New York City and beyond. 
• (0:30:45 - 0:40:28) Strategies for implementing lifestyle medicine programs and building supportive teams within healthcare systems. Patient success stories and the challenges of navigating established healthcare systems. 
• (0:42:46) Final questions - success, goals, dreams, what we wish people knew, personal and global implications of dietary choices, the concept of legacy through success in healthcare, and the balance between work and personal life. Lily's goal to create a Spanish-language plant-based cookbook and the significance of each individual's story. 
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Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please consult a healthcare professional. 

The I AM HUMAN podcast explores topics such as plant-based nutrition, lifestyle medicine, personal development, and spirituality to promote health, well-being, longevity, and joy and help you craft your best life yet. Subscribe today, and send your feedback to podcast@doctoryami.com 

Dr. Yami is a board-certified pediatrician, certified lifestyle medicine physician, national board-certified health and wellness coach, author and international speaker. She is a passionate promoter of healthy lifestyles, especially the power of plant-based diets for the prevention of chronic disease. She hosts the popular podcast I AM HUMAN (formerly Veggie Doctor Radio) which boasts listeners from 98 countries and more than a million downloads to date. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, has a certificate in plant-based nutrition and is a certified Food for Life Instructor. Dr. Yami owns Nourish Wellness, a pediatric practice in Yakima, Washington where she lives with her husband and two sons. Her book is called “A Parent’s Guide to Intuitive Eating: How to Raise Kids Who Love to Eat Healthy”. You can learn more about Dr. Yami at DoctorYami.com. 

Resources: 

Lily Correa IG: @lilyc_rd 

Lily Correa Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lilyc_rd 

David’s success story: https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/patientstories/trading-cuchifritos-for-couscous-and-a-healthier-life/ 

Advancing Lifestyle Medicine in New York City’s Public Health Care System: https://authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S2542454824000201  

PPOD Conference: https://www.preventionofdisease.org/agenda-june-2024 

 

More From Dr. Yami: 

Listen: http://bit.ly/vdrpodcast 

TEDx Talk - http://bit.ly/DOCTORYAMITEDX 

A Parent's Guide to Intuitive Eating: How to Raise Kids Who Love to Eat Healthy by Dr. Yami - https://amzn.to/40ZEQpT 

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Credits: 

Show Poducers: Dr. Yami, Alejandra Parra 

Graphic Designer: Alejandra Parra 

Music: GlowBox Productions, https://glowboxproductions.com   

Editing: The Castos Productions team, https://castos.com/productions 

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