
10:30am
Hana Kahleova, MD, PhD, MBA
Dr. Kahleova is a board-certified endocrinologist, with a PhD in human physiology and pathophysiology, and a board certification in lifestyle medicine. She serves as a director of clinical research at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, and her research focuses on nutrition treatment of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disease. Dr. Kahleova has published close to 100 scientific papers in peer-reviewed medical journals.
As a member of the American Diabetes Association and as a board member of the Diabetes and Nutrition Study Group of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, Dr. Kahleova is directly involved in the process of updating the nutritional recommendations for people with diabetes.
Website: Plant-based | Hana Kahleova
How to Optimize Your Diet to Boost Metabolism:
Has your metabolism slowed down? How can nutrition help? In this presentation, we will explore 4 main aspects of nutrition:
- When to eat.
- How many meals to eat each day? Are snacks good for us, or should we eat fewer meals?
- Is it important to eat your meals at regular (or consistent) times?
- What should we eat to boost metabolism?

11:30AM
John Duda, MD
John Duda, MD, is the director of the Parkinson’s Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center (PADRECC) of the Philadelphia VA Medical Center and an associate professor of neurology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. His research activities include basic science investigations into the role of Lewy pathology in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease and related disorders as well as investigations into the mechanisms involved in the development of chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
He has received research grants from the Department of Veterans Affairs, NIH, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, the Samueli Foundation and the Pennsylvania State Department of Health. He is currently on the editorial board of Movement Disorders and has served as a peer reviewer for over 30 journals. He has authored more than 100 scientific publications including articles in JAMA, Science, Neuron, The New England Journal of Medicine and Neurology.
Website: VA Philadelphia Health Care | Veterans Affairs
Nutrition and Brain Health
- How dietary choices can affect symptom control in Parkinson’s
- How particular foods and timing of meals may interfere with Parkinson’s medication
- How age, progression of Parkinson’s, and history can affect the efficacy of certain dietary choices
- The role of the gut microbiome in Parkinson’s and how to improve the gut by making better dietary choices
- How nutrition can change the molecular mechanisms present in people with Parkinson’s and may even provide disease-modifying effects

12:30PM
Shayla Hernández.
Shayla Hernández is a Culinary Medicine specialist currently completing a pre-med program with a concentration in nutrition at the University of Florida in Gainesville. A whole-food, plant-based vegan since birth, she has collaborated with her mother, Dr. Evelisse Capó, PharmD, DipACLM, on their project “The Food Pharmacy,” where they teach classes and workshops on adopting a healthy whole-food, plant-based diet. Shayla currently serves as an Instructor for the Plant-Based Nutrition Program at the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies. Her passion for crafting nutritious recipes has inspired her to develop a diverse array of menus designed to prevent and reverse chronic diseases. Additionally, she has supported numerous participants in the Ornish Program by helping them stay motivated and enjoy their meals. Shayla plans to pursue a career in Internal Medicine, with a special focus on serving underserved communities.
The Healing Kitchen
- How simple, whole food, plant-based meals can transform health by reducing inflammation, boosting immune function, and supporting recovery from illness.
- Learn practical tips to create a healing kitchen and leave with actionable steps to start your journey toward vibrant health.

1:30PM
Jaimela Dulaney
MD West Virginia University. Residency and Cardiology Fellowship at University of Pittsburgh, PA. Private practice in Florida since 1999. Transition to Wellness Practice 2015
Hobbies ultra trail running having competed multiple 50-mile races and 100-mile race, gardening, making sourdough bread.
Podcast: Jami Dulaney MD Plant based wellness
Website: Jaimela Dulaney, MD
Plant-Based Nutrition, Movement, and Health Span:
Living an active and healthy life requires both good nutrition and exercise I believe you need both. My talk will provide evidence of this through scientific research and observational studies.

2:30PM
Jacinda Shapiro
Jacinda Shapiro, RN, CDCES, is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, a Diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and owner of EmpowerMe Diabetes Health LLC. She empowers clients to manage and improve diabetes and chronic conditions through evidence-based lifestyle medicine, emphasizing plant-based nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management.
Unmasking Protein Myths: A Plant-Based Approach to Tackling Diabetes, Obesity, and the Truth About Weight Loss Drugs:
This talk will debunk common protein myths, reveal the pivotal role of fiber in blood sugar control and weight management, and explore the limitations of GLP-1 medications and weight loss drugs. Attendees will learn how a plant-based lifestyle offers sustainable, long-term solutions for reversing Type 2 diabetes and achieving optimal health.
