Dr. Zach Burns, a board-certified family medicine physician and rising leader in plant-based healthcare, recently joined Dr. Frank Sabatino on the NHA Health Science Podcast for a compelling discussion on the future of medicine. As the Assistant Director of Moving Medicine Forward, an initiative founded by the iconic Dr. Michael Klaper, Dr. Burns is at the forefront of a movement to revolutionize medical education by integrating plant-based nutrition into the fight against chronic disease. In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Burns shared his passion for empowering future physicians to harness the transformative power of plant-based medicine to prevent and reverse the global burden of chronic illnesses.

Moving Toward Plant-Based Medicine

Dr. Burns’ journey toward plant-based living began during his college years, where a class on American food systems opened his eyes to the realities of factory farming. This, combined with his personal background of avoiding red meat for environmental reasons, led him to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle, eventually transitioning to veganism. His philosophical studies also played a significant role in this shift, as he explored the ethics of animal treatment and questioned the superiority humans often attribute to themselves over other species.

Addressing Health Disparities

One of Dr. Burns’ earliest experiences in healthcare came from his work with underserved communities in East Boston as part of AmeriCorps. There, he observed the devastating effects of preventable chronic diseases, particularly within immigrant populations struggling with limited access to education, nutritious food, and healthcare. This experience fueled his desire to tackle chronic disease head-on and led to his focus on the role of diet in health outcomes.

The Vision of Moving Medicine Forward

Dr. Burns shared the mission of Moving Medicine Forward, which seeks to fill a critical gap in medical education: the lack of training on the role of nutrition in preventing and reversing chronic disease. Medical schools often allocate minimal time to nutrition, focusing primarily on deficiencies rather than how diet can impact chronic illness. Moving Medicine Forward is working to change that by connecting with medical students, helping them form groups and advocate for plant-based education on their campuses. Dr. Burns is passionate about empowering students to create lasting change that will benefit both their future patients and the medical field as a whole.

Challenges and Opportunities in Medical Education

Dr. Burns acknowledged the challenges posed by the inertia in modern medicine, likening the field to a “tank” that is difficult to move forward. However, he is optimistic about the growing acceptance of plant-based approaches among medical students and faculty. He also pointed out that organizations like the American College of Lifestyle Medicine are helping to drive this shift.

However, as Dr. Burns pointed out, one of the biggest obstacles remains the influence of the pharmaceutical industry, which often dictates the direction of medical research and practice. He emphasized the need to continue educating both students and practitioners on the benefits of plant-based nutrition, while also advocating for more regulation in the pharmaceutical sector to allow lifestyle medicine to thrive.

A Call to Action

As the Assistant Director of Moving Medicine Forward, Dr. Burns is committed to continuing his work in medical education while also practicing clinically. He encouraged listeners to explore plant-based nutrition, not only for personal health but also for the well-being of the planet and animals. His message was clear: making small changes, such as shifting to a plant-based diet, can have a profound impact on both individual and societal health.

Episode Highlights

[00:00]             Introduction

[02:00]             Where Dr. Zach Burns’ journey into plant based eating began.

[05:00]             From personal change to career transformation.

[09:45]             The man who taught Dr. Burns about the gift of life.

[17:00]             Finding like-minded professionals to have more than one voice.

[20:00]             Dr. Michael Klaper’s involvement changed everything.

[24:45]             Moving medicine forward.

[29:00]             Obstacles in making changes with raising awareness.

[32:30]             The control by Big Pharma.

[39:00]             Going beyond the food to the animals and the environment.

[45:00]             Knowing how to navigate the grocery store.

[48:00]             Discover a deeper relationship to animals.

About Dr. Zach Burns

Zach Burns, DO, MPH is a first-year family physician in Rochester, NY. A plant-based nutrition advocate, he works to improve the lives of human and non-human beings. After hosting Dr. Michael Klaper to speak on campus in medical school, Zach got involved with the non-profit Moving Medicine Forward and now serves as Assistant Director. Zach finds that chronic disease benefits drug companies more than the converse, and his teaching highlights commercial influence on medical guidelines and education. To view Zach’s writing or blog, visit www.herbivores.life

About Dr. Frank Sabatino

As a recognized authority on the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, Dr. Frank Sabatino has cared for and inspired thousands of people for over 40 years. Dr. Sabatino has a PhD in cell biology and neuroendocrinology and has done extensive landmark research on calorie restriction, stress, and aging. He currently is on staff at the TrueNorth Health Foundation in Santa Rosa, CA, and serves as the Director of Health Education at the NHA.

Dr. Sabatino’s passion and life’s work include raising awareness about the benefits of whole-food, plant-exclusive nutrition (without added salt, oil, or sugar), health rejuvenation and stress management.

Dr. Sabatino is the author of Weightless: Compassionate Weight Loss for Life, a groundbreaking guide to sustainable weight loss through a compassionate, plant-based lifestyle. Drawing on extensive clinical and personal experience, Dr. Sabatino offers practical strategies to overcome food addiction and avoid fad diets, risky drugs, and surgeries. The book provides meal plans, recipes, and lifestyle tips, emphasizing whole, plant-based foods and addressing the role of stress, sleep, and environmental toxins in weight management. “Weightless” empowers readers to achieve their weight goals healthily and sustainably, benefiting both people and the planet.

About NHA

The National Health Association (NHA), founded in 1948, is a nonprofit organization that promotes the benefits of a plant-based diet. The Association provides educational materials, educational events, and services to thousands of people around the world.

The mission of the National Health Association is to educate and empower individuals to understand that health results from healthful living. The NHA recognizes the integration of all aspects of health: personal, environmental, and social.

The NHA also provides travel experiences around the globe through the NHA Plant-Based Travel and cruise division.

More information: https://www.healthscience.org/

Scholarships

A unique benefit of the NHA Conference is the selection of two medical students who receive a full scholarship to the conference.

Contact Wanda Huberman for more information on how to apply for the scholarship.  [email protected]

NHA membership

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Members of the NHA enjoy a subscription to the award-winning quarterly health journal, Health Science, access to the “Members Only” section of the NHA Website (which contains all 43 years of back issues of the magazine),  the ability to download for free many classic out of print eBooks on the history of the Natural Hygiene Movement, including Fasting Can Save Your Life and The Greatest Health Discovery, discounts on books, and early notice of the NHA events.

Only $35 a year for basic membership within the United States.  https://www.healthscience.org/join-renew/