By Karen R. Studer ’10, MBA, MPH, Chair, Department of Preventive Medicine

Loma Linda University’s (LLU) department of preventive medicine continues to set the global standard in lifestyle medicine. With a history deeply rooted in our Seventh-day Adventist health message, our department remains at the forefront of education and clinical practice in lifestyle medicine. This is largely due to the foresight and diligent work of the department’s previous chairs, Wayne Dysinger ’86, MPH, chair from 2003–2013, and April Wilson ’06, MPH, chair from 2017–2024.

The Only University with a Full Spectrum of Lifestyle Medicine Education

One of our most distinctive achievements is being the only university in the world to offer lifestyle medicine education at every level—from undergraduate training to fellowship programs. This distinction has earned us the “platinum” designation from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, signifying the highest level of commitment to training future health care professionals in lifestyle medicine. Our unique, vertically integrated curriculum ensures that students and medical professionals at every stage of their careers receive rigorous, science-backed education in lifestyle medicine.

Recognized Excellence: ‘Exercise is Medicine’ Gold Status

Recently, LLU was honored with the prestigious “Exercise is Medicine” Gold status from Exercise is Medicine® (EIM), a global health initiative managed by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). This designation recognizes our commitment to promoting physical activity as a standard in medical care. Our department led in this endeavor, in large part by Andrew Mock (SPH alum), by providing exercise lectures in our medical student and resident curriculum, integrating physical activity vital signs (PAVS) into the EMR, providing resistance training workshops for medical students and residents, and creating a new referral to the Drayson Center for patients to work with a health coach, personal trainer, or have a fitness assessment.

Grants and Research

Our preventive medicine residency program has been awarded two competitive grants from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and our addiction medicine fellowship has been awarded one grant from the HRSA. These grants support initiatives focused on training future leaders in these fields, reinforcing our dedication to addressing some of the most pressing public health challenges. I have named Christina Miller (SPH alum) the department’s Director of Sustainability, Grants, and Research to further improve our grants and research initiatives.

Therapeutic Dietary Menu for the Hospital System

Under the leadership of Rosie Florian, April Wilson, Sylvia Cramer (SPH alum), and Belliny Phaeton, our department has also developed a therapeutic dietary menu for the hospital system, an initiative funded by a grant from the Ardmore Institute for Health. This initiative underscores our commitment to integrating nutrition as a cornerstone of patient care, ensuring that hospital patients receive meals that support healing, recovery, and overall well-being. By prioritizing whole food, plant-based meals, we are setting a new standard for hospital nutrition and improving patient outcomes.

Occupational Medicine

Our occupational medicine residency is a national leader, offering a PGY-1 year position. Under the leadership of Akbar Sharip (SPH alum) they are nationally recognized for providing their graduates with prestigious job placements after residency. The occupational medicine clinic continues to provide whole person care to area businesses, including school districts and police departments, to rehabilitate their workers.

Through our world-class educational programs, prestigious accolades, and groundbreaking research, the department of preventive medicine at LLU continues to lead the way in transforming health care for generations to come.  ν

Karen R. Studer ’10, MBA, MPH became chair of the department on July 1, 2024. She serves as a director on the American Board of Preventive Medicine and volunteers with the American College of Preventive Medicine. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her nephew and horseback riding.