Saturday, May 3

Sunday, May 4

Erin O'Dwyer, ND, MScN

"Relational Food Systems: Supporting Healthy, Sustainable Food and the People Who Produce It"

Current food system paradigms are skewed heavily towards production and profit maximization at great cost to the environment, human health, and social equity. While change is urgently needed, in this presentation we’ll examine how current power dynamics inhibit transformative change and explore agroecology, grounded in relational values, as an alternative approach. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped to understand the key barriers and supports needed to further agroecological efforts and how relational values might play a foundational role in transformative change that supports the wellbeing of farmers and consumers.

Bio: Erin O'Dwyer, PhD, MScN is an interdisciplinary, public health scholar and advocate for sustainable, equitable food systems. She recently completed her PhD in Population Health Sciences at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and received her Master’s in Nutrition from the National University of Natural Medicine. Her research focuses on food systems transformation for planetary health and social equity, with emphasis on agroecology, food sovereignty, and alternative food networks. Erin was previously an inaugural Harvard Climate Fellow and a Rose Service Learning Fellow and has collaborated with notable institutions such as the USDA Office of the Chief Economist, the Columbia Center for Sustainable Investment, and the EAT Foundation to advance food systems transformation. Her work has also been featured at a number of major conventions including the U.N. Food Systems Summit and the Radcliffe Institute’s Food Sustainability Symposium. Erin firmly believes the way in which we grow, distribute, and consume food is one of the most powerful tools we have to create a healthier, more resilient world and is dedicated to a future of food that synergistically protects human health, community well-being, and nature.

Kimberly Queen, DACBN, DC, MS, CNS, LD

"Food Access and Food Sustainability: Broken Promises of America’s Food System"

The American food system does not fulfill its promises of abundant, affordable foods to alleviate hunger and malnutrition, producing, instead, an environmentally and economically unsustainable homogenous food supply full of unhealthful, ultra-processed, hyper-palatable foods associated with the epidemic of chronic nutrition-related diseases and premature mortality. This presentation surveys viable small-scale remedies to repair the broken promises of environmental, economic and social sustainability in America’s food system, focusing on individual and community-based food production and distribution practices that increase access to local, affordable, and diverse fresh, healthful foods that can reduce hunger, improve food security, enhance food justice, reduce economic inequality, and promote health equity by alleviating malnutrition, especially overnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies associated with the intake of ultra-processed and other hyper-palatable foods.

Bio: Dr. Kimberly Queen, DC, DACBN, MS, CNS, LD, CN, is a Doctor of Chiropractic (University of Western States, OR) and Diplomate with the American Clinical Board of Nutrition. She received her Master of Science in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport (CT) and her Certified Nutrition Specialist credential (CNS) from the American Nutrition Association. She is a Licensed Dietitian (OR) and Certified Nutritionist (WA).

She practiced clinical nutrition for 23 years before transitioning to full-time teaching. She is currently an Associate Professor teaching multiple courses in the BScN/MScN Nutrition Programs at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in Portland, OR, and Clinical Nutrition Curriculum Director in the School of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies. Her professional duties include developing the clinical nutrition curriculum, authoring the Standards of Clinical Performance and Postgraduate Clinical Internship Guidelines, and supervising CNS candidates. She was recently appointed to the Accreditation Council for Nutrition Professional Education (ACNPE) task force to develop accreditation guidelines for the Supervised Clinical Nutrition Practice Experience.

Dr. Queen, by nature, is a bridge builder, endeavoring to promote mutual understanding and cohesiveness among individuals and groups with contrasting points of view. At NUNM, she actively participates in multiple committees, including the Clinical Standards Committee. She is valued for her consistent focus on maintaining inclusivity and positive communication among administration, faculty, the student body, and staff. Her peers elected her as Chair of the Faculty Senate, where she worked with faculty and the Chief Academic Officer to coordinate academic activities and write institutional policies.

Dr. Queen approaches all of her personal and professional activities with a spirit of charity, expressed through cultural humility and driven by concerns for health equity and social justice.

Kate Patterson, ND 

"Nourishing Health Equity: Asset-Based Approaches to Address Food Insecurity and Climate Justice"

Nourishing Health Equity examines the concept of community and highlights the scientific evidence showing that caring for others provides health benefits not only to individuals but also to the broader ecosystem— humans, plants, and animals. The discussion emphasizes the impact of food, food preparation, and meal-sharing on personal and community health, illustrating why these activities are key determinants of well-being today. The session will conclude with strategies for prescribing food communities as therapeutic tools for patients and clients, alongside showcasing local community partners who help to expand these opportunities.

Bio: After graduating from NCNM (now NUNM) in 2010 with a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, Dr. Kate Patterson developed a primary care, private practice in Portland, Oregon. There, she enjoys working with patients who seek a holistic approach to optimizing health and holds a special interest in working with those living with difficult to treat, chronic conditions.

In 2011, Dr. Patterson returned to NUNM in a teaching capacity. She is presently an associate professor, instructing students in the art of laboratory medicine. She balances these complementary careers while enjoying time with her family and creating delicious, healthful meals.

Russell Marz, ND, MAcOM

"Eating a Diversified "Blue Zones Diet" for Your Microbiome and Your Budget"

Increasing your microbiome is becoming more appreciated for its effects on mood and mental health. There are 10x more bacteria, viruses and yeasts in your GI tract than there are cells in your body. These organisms are in a delicate balance in your body and are dependent upon what you eat. More than 90% of the serotonin that is produced in the body is produced in the GI tract. We know that this microbiome that we possess is dependent upon the amounts and the diversity of plant fiber that we consume on a daily basis. It is known that many of the cancers that we create in our bodies are created because of an imbalance of our microflora. Elevated levels of sugars in our blood (50% of the U.S. population has either prediabetes or diabetes outright) stimulate a number of undesirable microbes in our gut. In addition, chronic use of antibiotics intentionally or unintentionally through the consumption of animal protein (80% of the 35 million lbs. of antibiotics that we use in the U.S. in used to feed livestock). These antibiotics are both consumed in the animal products that we consume or outright in our water supply as runoff. In addition, we spray around the planet over 4.5 billion lbs. of glyphosate (Roundup Ready) herbicide which gets into our food and water supply because it is water soluble. The combination of all of these factors has created a tremendous imbalance in our microflora. Our intake of both amounts and variations of fiber are so egregiously low that it is creating the perfect storm in our GI tracts and is contributing to the epidemic of depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, mood disorders and a host of hormonal imbalances. In this lecture a thorough examination of this situation will be discussed and what we all need to do to correct this imbalance.

Bio: Dr. Russell B. Marz received his naturopathic doctorate from the "National College of Naturopathic Medicine" in Portland, Oregon in 1983. Upon graduating from naturopathic school, he completed a 10,000-mile bicycle tour, around North America with a group of naturopathic physicians, where he appeared numerous times on radio and TV giving over 120 lectures on nutrition and naturopathic medicine. In 1985 he founded Omnivite Nutrition Inc (now Marz Nutrition LLC, a company that formulates unique nutritional formulas.

Dr. Marz has taught clinical nutrition at various medical schools as an associate professor for over 40 years. His teaching schools have included "The National College of Naturopathic Medicine", “Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine”, Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine” in Bridgeport, CT and at the “Oregon College of Oriental Medicine”. He is the author of a 600 page clinically oriented textbook in clinical nutrition, Medical Nutrition from Marz. 2nd edition. He earned a master's degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in 1992. Since 1990 he has been in private practice at the “Tabor Hill Clinic” in Portland, OR where he is the medical director. In 2015, Dr. Marz was inducted into the Naturopathic Hall of Fame. Aside from his private practice, formulation designing and teaching, Dr. Marz is an active athlete involved in numerous sports including surfing, cycling, swimming, basketball, and tennis to name a few. He has competed on a competitive level as a triathlete for 40 years in almost 400 triathlons, winning a handful of competitions plus numerous age group medals. Dr. Marz has a keen interest in nutrition and the environment and particularly in sustainable nutrition. He has devoted almost 50 years into the study of the optimal diet with regards to health and longevity. He has traveled to 3 of the 5 “Blue Zones” of the world studying the diets of the longest-lived people and has been to several world-famous fasting clinics where he both participated and observed patients. He has done over 100 fasts in his lifetime and using fasting extensively in the treatment of his patients. He is in the process of setting up a fasting retreat in Costa Rica, one of the 5 Blue Zones of the world.

Ethel Richards, MSCN, MBA, MPH, CPH

"Choose Healthy Life"

Bio: Ethel Richards is a Food as Medicine Clinical Community Nutritionist. She goes by The Plant Based Nutritionista™ as the founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of iEeatMorePlants©. She is also the creator of In the Kitchen w/The Plant Based Nutritionista™ podcast, a community in health inspiring you with practical tools, tips, and information to take your health back one meal at a time by eating more plants©, moving your body, and drinking plenty of water. She recently launched the iEatMorePlants© Food as Medicine Fridays! Blog & Vlog.

Ethel is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Ursinus College, a Master of Public Health in Health Care Administration from West Chester University, a Master of Business Administration from Philadelphia University, and her Master of Science in Nutrition from the National University of Natural Medicine. She also holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute, the PROSCHI© Certified Change Management Professional Examiners. Additionally, Ethel earned her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt from Villanova University, her Forks Over Knives Plant-Based Culinary Certification from Rouxbe Culinary School to become a Plant Based Chef, a certificate in Plant Nutrition from Cornell University’s T. Colin Campbell School of Nutrition and is a Certified Education in the Food as Medicine Everyday cooking series from the Food As Medicine Institute.

Ethel published her first eBook in January 2024 entitled Cooking with The Plant Based Nutritionista™ “Daniel Fast” Meal Plan & Recipe Success Resource Guide filled with nutrient dense-recipes and well-rounded information designed to support the season of fasting and health and fitness goals typically from New Year’s Day through Lent. The expanded eBook will be released Christmas Day 2024.

Ethel practices food as medicine nutrition therapy and health coaching and invites you to join Team iEatMorePlants© to take your health back one meal at a time by eating more plants today!

Carla Portugal, PhD

"From Soil to Soul: How Healthy Soils Nurture Plants, Boost Nutrition, and Support Human Health"

Healthy soils are the lifeblood of our planet, teeming with microbial activity that forms the foundation of a robust soil food web. This presentation delves into the intricate relationship between soil health, plant nutrition, and human health, emphasizing the crucial role of the soil food web. By exploring the diverse community of organisms within the soil, we will uncover how they contribute to nutrient cycling, soil structure, and plant resilience. Our journey then will discuss the impact of soil health on the nutritional quality of crops and the subsequent benefits for human health. Ultimately, this presentation aims to inspire a deeper appreciation for the vital role of soil health in sustaining our planet and promoting human well-being.

Bio: Dr. Carla R. M. Portugal is a distinguished environmental scientist and educator with over two decades of experience in research, education, and community engagement. She currently serves as the Co-Founder and Research & Development Director at Soil Domains LLC, a consultancy focused on regenerative agriculture techniques and product and development on environmental sciences. Dr. Portugal is also the Lead Scientist and mentor at Dr. Elaine's Soil Food Web School, where she has played a pivotal role in developing and implementing online courses, mentoring programs, and structuring the research branch at the school.

Dr. Portugal holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from Oregon State University and has a robust background in environmental engineering and biological sciences. Her expertise spans project management, curriculum development, and community engagement, with a strong commitment to advancing equity in research and education. She has secured multiple grants and pioneered innovative models for online consultancy and training in soil analysis.

In addition to her professional roles, Dr. Portugal is a dedicated mentor and volunteer. She serves as a peer-reviewer for scientific journals and a judge for clean tech competitions. Her passion for interdisciplinary work and organizational leadership has led to significant contributions in the fields of regenerative agriculture and environmental sustainability.

At the 2025 Food as Medicine Symposium, Dr. Portugal will share her insights on the critical relationship between soil health, plant nutrition, and human health, highlighting the potential of regenerative agriculture in enhancing food as medicine.