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Robert Graham
Founder of FRESH MED NYC Integrative Health
Dr. Robert E. Graham, M.D., MPH, is a prominent physician and co-founder of FRESH Med NYC, an integrative health and wellness center. He is a Harvard-trained physician, board-certified in both Internal and Integrative Medicine, with over 15 years of clinical experience. Dr. Graham received his medical degree from Stony Brook University Medical Center and completed his residency at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, where he was honored with the Community Service Award and the “Attending of the Year” award.12
Professional Background
Education and Training::
- Medical Degree: Stony Brook University Medical Center
- Residency: Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City
- Master of Public Health: Harvard School of Public Health
- Fellowships: General Internal Medicine and Complementary and Integrative Medical Therapies at Harvard Medical School; Medical Education at Mount Auburn Hospital.24
Culinary Training:: In 2018, Dr. Graham became one of fewer than fifty doctor-chefs worldwide after earning a culinary degree from the Natural Gourmet Institute. This unique combination of medical and culinary training allows him to advocate for a "food as medicine" approach to healthcare.24
FRESH Med NYC
Founded in 2016, FRESH Med represents a paradigm shift in healthcare, moving away from traditional symptom-based treatment towards a holistic model that emphasizes prevention and the root causes of disease. The practice integrates conventional medicine with clinical nutrition, functional medicine, health coaching, and complementary therapies.35
FRESH Model Components:
- Food: Tailored dietary plans based on individual needs.
- Relaxation: Techniques to promote mindfulness and stress reduction.
- Exercise: Encouragement of regular physical activity.
- Sleep: Emphasis on the importance of restorative sleep.
- Happiness: Focus on mental well-being as part of overall health.26
Contributions and Advocacy
Dr. Graham is recognized as a national leader in areas such as nutrition, urban farming, health disparities, and cultural competency. He has been featured in various media outlets including the Wall Street Journal and NBC Today Show, and he has presented at TedXManhattan.13 Additionally, he serves as the Chief Health Officer for Performance Kitchen, where he designs medically tailored meals for patients with chronic diseases.24
Dr. Graham's work emphasizes the critical connection between food and health, advocating for systemic changes in how food is perceived within healthcare settings. He believes that integrating culinary arts with medical practices can significantly enhance patient care and promote healthier lifestyles.35