(P13-051-25) Green Prescription: Analyzing and Encouraging Plant-Based Eating for Student Physicians in a Four Week Seminar

Objectives: The objectives for this study were to evaluate the impact of a short-term, immersive nutritional program on medical students' knowledge and attitude towards a whole-food, plant-based diet (WFPBD) and to gather information on medical student health habits. We hypothesized that structured nutrition training and WFPBD meals would significantly increase plant-based food intake, improve self-reported nutrition knowledge, and favorably influence select clinical biomarkers.

Methods: Students at Oakland University William Beaumont SOM were invited to participate in the Plant Plunge, which included four weekly one-hour seminars, WFPBD lunches, and pre-/post-program screenings of weight, blood pressure, lipid panels, and blood glucose. A parallel anonymous survey assessing plant-based eating attitudes and label-reading practices was distributed to both participants (≥1 Plant Plunge event attended) and non-participants (no Plant Plunge attendance). Descriptive and inferential statistics (p < 0.05) were employed to assess differences in survey responses and changes in health metrics.

Results: 48 students completed the survey (19 participants; 29 non-participants). Participants significantly increased their plant-based meal consumption (p < 0.05) and reported greater mindfulness of food choices. 95% agreed the seminars provided sufficient education to implement more WFPBD meals. Although not statistically significant, participants were more likely to continue a plant-based diet post-program (p=0.17). Of the 30 students (participants and non-participants) with full pre/post data, weight decreased by a median of 1.2 lbs (p=0.01), HDL cholesterol increased by 4.1 mg/dL (p=0.02), and systolic blood pressure trended downward by 4.0 mmHg (p=0.06).

Conclusions: A short-term WFPBD intervention improved medical students’ plant-based dietary habits, enhanced their nutrition knowledge, and positively affected select health parameters. Incorporating such focused programs into medical curricula may better equip future physicians to counsel patients on the role of plant-based diets in disease prevention.

Funding Sources: The Plant Plunge was hosted by Chickpea and Bean, with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and VegMichigan providing materials for health screenings and plant-based lunches at the weekly seminars.