New Course Launch: Introduction to Lifestyle Medicine

IHN is proud to announce the launch of Introduction to Lifestyle Medicine, an interdisciplinary and highly interactive course created for health professions students at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. The course was developed by Dr. Moneek Madra, Associate Director of the MS Program in the Institute of Human Nutrition and Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, through an Apgar Academy Research Grant supporting innovative educational collaborations across CUIMC.

Introduced to the CUIMC community in Spring 2025, the course was met with enthusiasm and high praise for its engaging and practical, evidence-based approach. It will return in Spring 2026 with the same interactive format, and IHN is exploring opportunities to expand its reach in future semesters.

About the Course

Lifestyle medicine emphasizes the use of lifestyle changes to prevent and treat chronic disease. The course’s interactive design helps students translate scientific knowledge into practice, focusing on six key pillars of health:

• Nutrition – including a hands-on Culinary Medicine workshop
• Physical Activity – with applied sessions led by exercise science experts
• Sleep – examining the science of rest and recovery through case discussions
• Stress Management – experiential learning in relaxation and coping strategies
• Social Connection – exploring storytelling and communication in health care
• Risk Avoidance – identifying behaviors that reduce disease risk

Each module integrates asynchronous pre-class preparation, live lectures, and small-group workshops, encouraging active participation and self-reflection. Students conclude the course by applying the six pillars to a real-life case study or personal example.

Course Highlights

Culinary Medicine Workshop

Led by Kyle Murray, RDN, this hands-on session taught students how to prepare quick, nutritious, and accessible meals—like a vibrant carrot, beet, and ginger salad. 

See a video highlight from the session.

Physical Activity Workshop

Kathryn Whyte, RD, PhD, introduced students to tools such as goniometers to measure flexibility, followed by an energizing Zumba session. She emphasized how breaking up sedentary time can improve blood pressure and reduce chronic disease risk.

See a video highlight from this session.

Sleep & Stress Management

Dr. Ari Shechter delivered an evidence-based lecture on sleep hygiene and optimization, while Dr. Faris Zuraikat led a hands-on session on progressive muscle relaxation and blue light mitigation. Students even sampled Cocoa Nib Granola from Eat Better, Sleep Better, the new cookbook by Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge.

See a video highlight from this session.

By the end of the semester, students gained a strong foundation in lifestyle medicine and practical tools to support health and wellness in clinical settings.

Looking Ahead

Following its successful debut, Introduction to Lifestyle Medicine will continue this spring with its interactive and interdisciplinary format. IHN looks forward to expanding this innovative course to serve an even broader audience of health professionals and students in the future.