Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine operates under the guidance of Neal D. Barnard, a psychiatrist and researcher focused on the intersection of nutrition and chronic illness. Raised in Fargo, North Dakota, Barnard has dedicated his professional career to advocating for plant-based dietary interventions to manage conditions including diabetes and obesity.
Medical Foundation and Clinical Research
Barnard earned his medical degree from George Washington University School of Medicine. He holds certifications from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and maintains a position as an adjunct professor at his alma mater. His research includes serving as the principal investigator for the Women's Study for the Alleviation of Vasomotor Symptoms, which investigated dietary impacts on menopausal hot flashes. Additionally, he conducted National Institutes of Health-funded trials examining how specific diets influence blood sugar control in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
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As the president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Barnard oversees an organization that promotes preventive medicine. Based in Washington, D.C., the committee grew to include 150,000 members by 2016. In 2016, he established the Barnard Medical Center in the same city to provide primary care with an emphasis on nutritional guidance. Throughout his career, he has authored numerous books including Power Foods for the Brain and The Cheese Trap, and participated in documentary films such as Super Size Me and Forks Over Knives.
Musical Pursuits and Recognition
Beyond his medical practice, Barnard is a musician who plays guitar, cello, and keyboards. He has contributed to musical groups including Pop Maru, Verdun, and Carbonworks. His professional contributions to medicine have been recognized with various honors, including the Lifestyle Medicine Trailblazer Award from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine in 2016, the Distinguished Service Award from the Medical Society of the District of Columbia in 2018, and the Charles E. Ragus Award from the American Nutrition Association in 2023.
Fast facts
- Born: 1953, Fargo, North Dakota
- Education: George Washington University Medical School
- Primary Employer: Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
- Notable Documentary Appearances: Super Size Me, Forks Over Knives
- Professional Credentials: Psychiatrist, Researcher, Nutritionist
- Musical Bands: Pop Maru, Verdun, Carbonworks
Questions readers ask
What is the focus of the Barnard Medical Center?
The center provides primary care with a specific emphasis on providing nutrition guidance to patients.
Has Neal D. Barnard received professional recognition for his research?
Yes, he has received multiple awards, including the 2023 Charles E. Ragus Award for an outstanding research paper.
Achievements
- Held posts at Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
