Title : The future of medicine: Embracing traditional and natural approaches through the eyes of a registered dietitian nutritionist(RDN)
Abstract:
Through the perspective of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and other health professionals, we can reimagine the future of medicine by embracing both traditional and natural approaches. While Western medicine remains central to healthcare, thoughtful integration with practices such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, complementary therapies, and nutritional interventions can create a more inclusive, compassionate, and effective model of care. Healthcare must be accessible to all — regardless of age, income, gender, race, education, religion, or political affiliation. These social determinants of health directly shape how care is delivered and experienced. Our challenge is to create systems that are affordable, culturally respectful, and adaptable to individual needs. The future of medicine is now and it requires collaboration and compassion. While more research is needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of many traditional approaches, patients are already turning to practices such as yoga, music therapy, ethnomedicine, and nutritional therapies. Personally, I believe in the principle of “food as medicine,” while also emphasizing the importance of movement in its mental, physical, and spiritual forms. The goal of this presentation is to encourage open-mindedness toward diverse beliefs, values, and traditions in healthcare. Choice is both a right and a privilege, and when people are given fair, clear, and reasonable options, they are empowered to design their own health plan. Using lecture, metaphor, storytelling, real-life experiences, and role play, this session will invite participants to reflect on how traditional and natural approaches can inform the future of medicine. As dietitians, our heritage emphasizes quality and standards — values that uniquely position us to bridge science and tradition in ways that truly support health and well-being.
