Our Mission
NourishMed exists to advance the well-being, sustainability, and connection of physicians serving underserved communities.
Through evidence-based education across Lifestyle Medicine principles, guided reflection, and opportunities for peer connection, we support physicians in reconnecting with purpose, strengthening personal well-being, and building sustainable careers in medicine. By investing in the health of physicians who care for vulnerable populations, NourishMed seeks to support not only individual clinicians, but also the long-term resilience of the communities they serve.
The Need
Healthcare providers are the backbone of our healthcare system, providing essential care to those who need it most. Yet, physician burnout is at an all-time high. Studies show that nearly 50% of healthcare workers experience symptoms of burnout, marked by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of meaning in work. These challenges affect not only physicians themselves, but also the quality, continuity, and compassion of care patients receive.
Those who serve in underserved and vulnerable communities are particularly at risk. High patient volumes, clinical complexity, limited resources, and workforce shortages place sustained demands on time and energy. Opportunities for peer connection and professional support are often scarce, contributing to isolation and reduced capacity for renewal.
Burnout doesn’t just affect the doctors themselves - it impacts the patients they care for. Research consistently shows that burnout leads to increased medical errors, lower patient satisfaction, and reduced overall quality of care. Supporting physician well-being is therefore not only a personal imperative, but a critical component of healthcare system sustainability and community health.
Our Approach
Supporting Sustainable Physician Wellbeing
NourishMed designs immersive, retreat-style programs that integrate evidence-based education, guided reflective practices and small group learning. Our work focuses on domains such as predominantly plant-based nutrition, regular physical activity, sleep, stress management, intentional living, social connection, and optimizing time management skills - tools that help physicians realistically integrate wellness into demanding professional lives.
Fostering Connection and Belonging
We intentionally create small-group experiences that prioritize trust, shared learning, and peer support. By bringing physicians together across diverse practice settings, NourishMed helps counter professional isolation and strengthens a sense of belonging within a community of clinicians committed to service.
Strengthening Care for Underserved Communities
By supporting physicians in sustaining their wellbeing and sense of purpose, NourishMed contributes to more compassionate, effective, and enduring care for patients in underserved communities. Healthy, supported physicians are better equipped to remain engaged in their work and serve with clarity, presence, and resilience over time.
Meet the Team
-

Linnea Hur, MD, MPH, DipABLM
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
-

Alison Cooke, MD
BOARD MEMBER, PRESIDENT
-

KAREN WANG, MD
BOARD MEMBER, SECRETARY
-

RAK JOTWANI, MD, DipABLM
BOARD MEMBER, TREASURER