Alumni

2023 Alumni

A photo of Mia Antinone.
Mia Antinone, M.D.
West Virginia University
Current Position
Resident, Family Medicine Residency Program, Ohio State University Medical Center

"The Culinary and Lifestyle Medicine Track has been a unique opportunity for me to expand upon my love for nutrition, food and medicine to benefit my approaches to healthcare. Through the track, I have encountered incredible friends and colleagues who are also passionate about improving the health and wellness of not only their patients but also themselves. I’m thankful that I’ve been provided a rewarding and educational opportunity that I’m excited to implement in my future career."

A photo of Megan Cavrak.
Megan Cavrak, M.D.
West Virginia University
Current Position
Resident, Family Medicine Residency Program, Ohio State University Medical Center

“The Culinary and Lifestyle Medicine Track has been instrumental in developing my passion for preventative medicine. By being involved in this track I have learned valuable skills that will allow me to make a large and lasting impact on the lives of my future patients. I’m incredibly thankful for all the opportunities this track has provided me and can proudly say it has been one of my favorite parts about being a medical student at WVU.”

Britt Dolly, M.D.
West Virginia University
Current Position
Resident, Internal Medicine Residency Program, West Virginia University

“During a rural rotation in my final year of medical school, I was able to apply what I learned in the Culinary and Lifestyle Medicine Track to help patients who wanted to learn more about lifestyle modification but didn’t know exactly where to start. There often aren’t as many resources available in rural areas to help patients achieve their health goals, so it is even more important for physicians to have extensive knowledge of culinary and lifestyle medicine.”

A photo of Kat Hageboeck.
Kat Hageboeck, M.D.
West Virginia University
Current Position
Resident, Internal Medicine Residency Program

“In addition to the lifelong friendships I have made through the Culinary and Lifestyle Medicine Track, I have also gained valuable knowledge and experience through the modules, teaching kitchens and journal clubs. I feel equipped and confident in introducing the topic of weight and diet to my patients, which is something not all medical students are able to comfortably do. As I continue my career in internal medicine in West Virginia, I know this information will be beneficial to my practice every day.”

A photo of Katie Quillen.
Katie Quillen, M.D.
West Virginia University
Current Position
Resident, Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program, West Virginia University

“The Culinary and Lifestyle Medicine Track has played a large role in helping prepare me for my career as an obstetrician. Thanks to the track, I’ve learned a lot about nutrition, food prep and how to counsel patients on managing their chronic diseases through healthy lifestyle modifications. I look forward to using this knowledge to help my future patients with diseases such as gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension, with the goal of decreasing the need for medical intervention.”

A photo of Billy Woodall.
Billy Woodall, M.D., MPH
West Virginia University
Current Position
Resident, Neurosurgery Residency Program, Medical College of Georgia

“In medicine, patients don’t always necessarily want to be told what to do. Using what I’ve learned during my time in the Culinary and Lifestyle Medicine Track and thanks to the guidance of our passionate providers, I’ve learned how to become an agent for change through motivation, understanding and mindfulness.”

2022 Alumni

A photo of Jessica Arvon.
Jessica Arvon, M.D.
West Virginia University
Current Position
Resident, Internal Medicine Residency Program, West Virginia University

“I use what I learned through the Culinary and Lifestyle Medicine Track nearly every day as an internal medicine resident. I am currently working on a quality improvement research project for my residency program to optimize the nutritional content of our noon lunches in order to improve resident wellness and satisfaction. Additionally, I also provide daily dietary counseling to patients within our primary care clinic on conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, hypertension and diabetes.”

A photo of Lauren Bauer.
Lauren Bauer, M.D.
West Virginia University
Current Position
Resident, Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program, Marshall University

“Joining the Culinary and Lifestyle Medicine Track was one of the best decisions I made during my time in medical school. We started before the first day of class, and it felt like I had joined a family. Dr. Lorenzetti and Dr. Humerick were always available for mentorship and teaching. Through this track, I learned that culinary and lifestyle medicine can be applied to any medical specialty. I would highly recommend joining this track to any student who is interested in how sleep, stress, exercise and nutrition are all intertwined and affect our lives.”

2021 Alumni

A photo of Jasmine Tharakan.
Jasmine Tharakan, M.D., CCMS
West Virginia University
Current Position
Resident, Internal Medicine Residency Program, Ohio State University

"Through the Culinary and Lifestyle Medicine Track, I learned how to use nutrition as a tool to explain complex medical pathologies in simpler ways that patients can understand. Oftentimes, meeting a patient in their vulnerability is often as complex as the diagnosis and treatment plan. Because of this track, I have more tools in my toolbox to meet my patients where they are, gain their trust as their provider and help them make smart and healthy lifestyle choices."