Doctor Méndez is a double board certified gastroenterologist and internist. She specializes in digestive disorders, which include liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and nutrition based-disorders, such as obesity and constipation. Her approach to patients and their diseases is holistic and comprehensive; her goal is not just to treat the symptoms, but to get to the root cause of an ailment and provide lasting relief. All her methods are evidence-based and she is a proponent of lifestyle changes first to promote wellness. Dr. Méndez attended Harvard University, where she obtained a B.A. in Latin American Studies, with a minor in pre-medicine. From there, she began her medical training at the ACGME accredited Universidad Central del Caribe in Puerto Rico, completed her Residency in Internal Medicine at University of Miami/ Jackson Memorial Hospital, and her Fellowship in Gastroenterology at Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans. She has also trained in Epidemiology through Florida International University, and in Plant-Based Nutrition through Cornell University. She was awarded a visiting fellowship at the Mayo Clinic through the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation where she received special training in inflammatory bowel diseases. She has also helped lead multiple fund-raising walks to raise awareness for Crohn’s and Colitis in the Miami area. She was awarded Physician Champion at the Takes Steps Walk 2019 for the GastroHealth Team.

I have seen dramatic clinical and metabolic improvements in multiple patients, friends, and family members in the 2 years since embarking on my own personal journey towards plant based eating. In that time I have become certified in plant based nutrition through the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and have become a diplomat of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine to expand my knowledge and clinical skills necessary to effectively educate, council and help transform the llives of my patients. My husband and two young sons have transitioned to a plant based diet and have embraced this new way of life. My husband and I quickly noticed a big difference in our fitness levels achieving a higher level of fitness at age 41 than we both had as collegiate athletes. In addition to improved fitness, we have noticed improved flexibility, less muscle soreness, improved energy, and improved immune function.
 
As a non-invasive cardiologist practicing at large academic centers for the past 11 years I have watched my patients progressively suffer with recurrent myocardial infarctions, strokes, atrial fibrillation, and more frequent hospitalizations for heart failure despite my attempts at optimizing goal directed medical therapy and referrals for repeat invasive procedures and surgeries.  Since I have incorporated lifestyle medicine and plant-based nutrition counseling into my practice over the past 2 years I have seen dramatic improvements in my patients health and well being while decreasing the amount of pharmaceuticals they take.  As I enter the middle part of my career I have a new passion to cure and heal my patients with a combination of lifestyle intervention and traditional medicinal and procedural approaches when necessary. I look forward to sharing the wisdom I have gained not only with my patients, but with colleagues, friends and family, through my own personal journey towards plant based eating and the formal knowledge I have gained through formal plant-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine training. 

I am a board certified physician right outside of Atlanta in Sandy Springs, GA. I am board certified in Pediatrics, Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine. After losing my parents at an early age and having my own medical concerns, I was inspired by a family friend to research a plant based diet.  Afterwards I decided to adopt a plant based diet and become board certified in Lifestyle Medicine. I use Lifestyle Medicine principles in my everyday practice of medicine. I just opened a practice, Flourish Pediatrics, which focuses on providing pediatric care from the age of birth to college and implementing a plant based/plant positve dietwith lifestyle medicine principles such as physical activity, stress management, sleep improvement strategies to prevent chronic or preventable medical conditions in my patients and families that I treat.  

I am a licensed and nationally certified Physician Assistant and a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. I have experience practicing in neurological surgery, trauma and emergency medicine, and family medicine. I am currently a professor and the Associate Program Director of the PA program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, UT. I am a passionate educator who takes great pride in thoroughly discussing medical issues with my patients and answering all their questions.
As a candidate for a PhD in Health Promotion and Wellness, I am currently working on my dissertation centered on Lifestyle Medicine. Through my doctoral studies, I have had courses and developed skills in advanced nutrition, motivational interviewing, wellness coaching, population health interventions, and integrative therapies in wellness. My medical training, personal health journey, and doctoral education help me assist others in their own health and wellness journies.

Bio/Profile Information

My goal is simple – to help you improve your health by addressing the foundations of a healthy life. By incorporating principles of lifestyle medicine my dream is to create healthier women, children, and families.
Think of this as having a personal health coach who is a physician with over 15 years of experience as a Board Certified Gynecologist helping women handle complicated issues such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, fertility, obesity, endometriosis, and menopause. I now put all of that knowledge and experience to use and combine it with my board certification in Lifestyle Medicine to help you take control of your health! Working one-on-one we will goal-set and strategize, develop personalized nutritional plans, stress management strategies, improved sleep, and physical activity plans.
 

My practice is designed to fit the busy life of my patients! Through my online platform women have the option of meeting with me in person or opt for convenient online appointments. Online appointments allow for unconventional appointment times, no hassle of leaving work to sit in a physician waiting room, or the need for a babysitter. I strive to help you improve your quality of life, achieve your wellness goals, and heal your body to live your best life possible – in the most convenient way possible!

I have been plant-based since 2009 and am dedicated to promoting the benefits of whole food plant-based nutrition to as many people as possible.

When I began his graduate nutrition studies at New York University, I had a clear goal in mind – help people like YOU integrate nutrition into their lives in a way that is easy, interesting, and enjoyable.

I believe nutrition is much more than just the science of nutrients and the human body – it is a complex interplay of choices, emotions, taste, and health.

I doesn’t simply want you to know what foods are high in vitamin C or what the technical definition of fiber is. I encourage you to step outside your food box and explore new flavors, integrate healthy foods into your life, and never feel like you are putting a morsel into your mouth only because “it’s good for you.”

I have been a Physician Assistant since 2005. Currently working in Internal Medicine. In 2012 I had my own health problems despite heavy exercise, and what I felt was a healthy lifestyle. This prompted me to study the science of Nutrition. Once I saw the evidence I began transitioning to a whole food plant based diet. I got my health back, and then began sharing it with patients. By the end of 2020 I have taught using a food as medicine approach to over 1,500 patients, both in one on one appointments in the clinic, as well as in free classes to my community. I continue to teach and share this vital information, with any and all who are interested in taking control of their own health and wellness. 

I am a board-certified Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine physician and work with people to help prevent, treat, and even (with some conditions) reverse disease.  As part of someone’s health we talk about nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, and support system and these all play critical roles in health.
In addition to the in-office/telemedicine visits, patients and community members are welcome to attend the Walk With A Doc monthly walks at the Ventura Pier (currently held as an education over Zoom due to COVID-19) or other group visits for education, support, or to ask questions.  
I am part of a larger medical group (Dignity Health) and we accept almost all insurance plans. 

Medical Director at the Health for Life Medical Centre in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.  We provide a team-based Lifestyle Medicine approach to assist our clients to achieve Optimal health.

I am an Internal Medicine Specialist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. I work in a multi-specialty clinic, Aroga Lifestyle Medicine, where care is provided in a team setting. Patients can expect to be assessed by a variety of healthcare providers to assist in empowering them to implement the 6 pillars of lifestyle medicine, including a primarily whole-foods plant-based diet in their journeys to prevent, treat, and potentially reverse chronic illness.