Food as Medicine: A Collaboration to Engage, Educate, and Empower Under-Resourced Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: Q&A and Discussion

Proposal: This proposal focuses on an innovative program addressing Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in underserved populations, particularly within the Hispanic community in Phoenix, Arizona. This program is not only a response to a critical public health issue but also an embodiment of the social mission in health professions education. MetS, characterized by high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and increased waist circumference, poses a heightened risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Our program operates through a partnership between a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and a local food bank, uniquely combining clinical intervention with nutritional education and community engagement.
A primary function of this program involved enrolling 100 patients with MetS from a largely Hispanic, under-resourced community. Study participants receive weekly food supplies from the local food bank and are educated on nutrition's impact on MetS. This approach not only addresses immediate health needs but also focuses on long-term dietary changes and lifestyle modifications. We aim to demonstrate the effectiveness of this intervention through measurable improvements in patients’ biomarkers.
Our initiative exemplifies the integration of a social mission in health professions education. It highlights the need for health care professionals to extend their expertise beyond clinical settings into community involvement and social advocacy. This program serves as a model for teaching future health care providers about the importance of cultural sensitivity, understanding of social determinants of health, and the power of community partnerships in addressing health disparities.
The relevance of this initiative to health professions education is threefold. First, it showcases the effective engagement with existing community resources to address health needs comprehensively. Second, it stresses the importance of culturally informed health care delivery, particularly in managing chronic conditions like MetS in diverse populations. Lastly, it underlines the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in enhancing health outcomes and reducing disparities. This proposed presentation will elucidate the program's design, implementation, challenges, and preliminary results. It aims to inspire educational institutions and health professionals to incorporate similar socially accountable practices in their curriculum and professional development. By sharing our experiences and insights, we hope to contribute to the broader conversation on integrating social missions in health professions education, ultimately fostering a health care system that is equitable, culturally sensitive, and community-oriented.