In 2021, Dr. Sandra Musial left her position at Hasbro Children’s Hospital to co-found Plant Docs alongside Dr. Suyin Lee and Dr. Steven Stein. Based in Providence's Plant City cellar, this nonprofit organization is dedicated to educating individuals on how adopting a vegan lifestyle can prevent and even reverse chronic diseases. By focusing on whole, plant-based foods, Plant Docs aims to transform health outcomes for its community.

Dr. Musial, a seasoned physician specializing in nutrition, was inspired by The China Study, which highlighted the significant impact of plant-based diets in reducing the risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Observing that medication was not always the solution, she questioned why her medical peers were not advocating for plant-based options. This realization fueled her commitment to making nutritional education a cornerstone of chronic disease management.

Plant Docs offers a month-long program designed to prevent and reverse chronic diseases through a whole food, plant-based lifestyle. Participants engage in four comprehensive sessions covering plant-based nutrition education, menu planning, reading food labels, and cooking classes. The program also includes pre- and post-program assessments such as blood work, weight, and blood pressure checks, allowing individuals to track their health improvements.

Research conducted by Plant Docs demonstrates the effectiveness of its program. Participants typically lose an average of 4 pounds in one month, with those having a BMI of 30 or higher losing around 5 pounds. Additionally, total cholesterol levels decrease by an average of 25 mg/dL. These results highlight the program's ability to promote healthy weight loss and improve cardiovascular health without extreme measures.

One of the challenges Dr. Musial identifies is the lack of comprehensive nutrition education in medical schools. Many patients are advised to change their diets but receive little guidance on how to implement these changes. Plant Docs seeks to bridge this gap by providing structured, informative programs that empower individuals to take control of their health through dietary choices, reducing reliance on medication when possible.

Plant Docs faces challenges such as limited outreach to physicians and the absence of insurance coverage, which hinders broader access to their programs. Dr. Musial dedicates time to building the nonprofit and running classes, yet expanding outreach remains a priority. Achieving 501(c)(3) status will enable Plant Docs to apply for grants, facilitating program expansion and making plant-based education more accessible to the public.

With a mission to enhance public health through plant-based education, Plant Docs under Dr. Musial's leadership is making significant strides in chronic disease prevention and management. Despite facing challenges like limited physician outreach and insurance barriers, the nonprofit's impactful programs and proven results showcase the power of nutrition in transforming lives. As Plant Docs continues to grow, it aims to make healthy, sustainable living accessible to more individuals, fostering a healthier community.