UAMS Culinary Medicine

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UAMS Culinary Medicine

The official page for UAMS Culinary Medicine. UAMS began a culinary medicine elective Fall 2019 under course director Drs. Gina Drobena and Gloria Richard-Davis.

Culinary medicine is a new evidence-based field in medicine that blends the art of food and cooking with the science of medicine. Culinary medicine’s goal is to help people make good personal medical decisions about accessing and eating high-quality meals that help prevents and treats disease and restore well-being. Through a partnership with Culinary Medicine Specialist Board under the directorship of Dr. Tim Harlan, the program was launched. Dr. Harlan is a board-certified internist and chef who started the program in 2012. They established the first dedicated teaching kitchen to be implemented at a medical school. The curriculum is a flipped classroom model with online learning and quizzes followed by a case-based discussion of patients with chronic medical diseases. The basic course covers eight modules including food safety, knife skills, portion control, macronutrients and some micronutrients involved in the management of all the common chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease. Menus align with the module lesson to facilitate discussion about nutrient-dense food choices, caloric intake, and expenditure to support a healthy lifestyle. The University of Arkansas Pulaski Tech Culinary Institute provides a state of the art culinary cooking demonstration kitchen that allows 20+ students with four per station to work in groups and prepare meals. The pre-preparation and planning for meals are directed by Margaret Pauly, RD. Much of the needed food is donated by US Foods. A practical discipline, culinary medicine addresses the patient’s immediate need, who asks, ‘‘What do I eat for my condition?’’ Helping to educate students to educate patients that food is medicine and can restore health when chosen correctly. As the food is condition-specific, different clinical conditions require different meals, foods, and beverages. Culinary medicine attempts to improve the patient’s condition with what she or he regularly eats and drinks. Special attention is given to how food works in the body as well as to the sociocultural and pleasurable aspects of eating and cooking. The objective of culinary medicine is to empower the patient to care for herself or himself safely, effectively, and happily with food and beverage as a primary care technique. Community classes integrating service learning for students will help the community become healthier. Arkansas is 47thof 50 in health statistics. Almost 40% of residents are obese with corresponding co-morbidities of diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, strokes.

13/02/2026

Alyssa Frisby, our registered dietitian, talks to a group of faculty, students, and staff about heart health in today’s teaching kitchen.

12/02/2026

Happy happy birthday to our project coordinator, Tess! 🎉 Thank you for the calm energy, kindness, and care you bring to the kitchen every day. Your thoughtful approach and friendly spirit make everything easier and more enjoyable. We’re so lucky to have you!

10/02/2026

Behind the scenes of the HOPE Produce Prescription Program 🥕

This is what things look like before the produce arrives and before packing begins. Soon, this space will be filled with fresh fruits and veggies prescribed to support nutrition, health, and access to quality foods.

09/02/2026

February is Heart Health Month ❤️

And one of the most powerful ways to care for your heart happens on your plate.

What we eat plays a huge role in supporting heart health. Think fiber-rich fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and heart-healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, and seeds. These foods can help support healthy cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and overall cardiovascular wellness.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple swaps and consistent choices can make a meaningful difference over time.

What’s one heart healthy food you’re adding to your meals this week?

07/02/2026

Grateful for such a good week in the kitchen. Happy Friday!

06/02/2026

The holidays aren’t just a season, they’re part of real life, all year long. 🎉

On the latest episode of UAMS Health Talk, UAMS Culinary Medicine registered dietitian Alyssa Frisby talks about staying on track with your health through birthdays, Super Bowls, vacations, holidays, and everything in between.

Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2w89Yl7OborcIUyWPO8QCC?si=Smcm4C1sRn2ElYBnnKHcZQ

UAMS - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

UAMS Health Talk · Episode

05/02/2026

Happy to be back in the kitchen this week with our students after the snow ⛄️

03/02/2026

Meet dewdrop cabbage 🥬

Small but mighty, this tender cabbage variety is packed with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support gut and immune health. It’s also less sulfurous than traditional cabbage, giving it a mild, slightly sweet flavor that’s easier on digestion.

With its easy-to-peel leaves, dewdrop cabbage is ideal for raw salads, slaws, wraps, or simple roasting.

02/02/2026

Yesterday’s presentation for the ’s Heart to Heart meeting was especially timely. ❤️ This cooking demo with National Charity League Little Rock’s mothers and daughters was all about awareness, empowerment, and practical ways to care for our hearts through food. With cardiovascular disease still the #1 killer of women, these conversations (and skills!) matter. Grateful for this group who gave UAMS culinary medicine the chance to put our hearts into what we do!

30/01/2026

Why olive oil is a winter staple 🫒

Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, olive oil supports heart health, helps with absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and adds satiety to meals, which can be especially helpful during colder months.

Use it to:
• drizzle over roasted veggies
• finish soups and stews
• sauté aromatics for warming meals

Simple ingredient, powerful impact.

29/01/2026

Snow days mean we’re missing our students this week. Sharing a snapshot of a few of their smiling faces to warm things up ❄️❄️❄️

27/01/2026

A cozy snow day recipe ❄️🥶

Address

629 Jack Stephens Drive

72205

Website

https://culinarymedicine.uams.edu/

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