Imagine if the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) could save billions of pounds simply by changing what patients eat. Dr. Shireen Kassam, a renowned consultant hematologist, is on a mission to make this a reality. As a featured guest on the NHA Health Science Podcast, hosted by Dr. Frank Sabatino, she discusses her ongoing efforts to revolutionize healthcare in the UK by advocating for plant-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine. Pushing for Change in the NHS: A Tough Road Ahead In 2022, Dr. Kassam made headlines when she argued for integrating plant-based lifestyle medicine into the NHS. The potential impact? A massive reduction in healthcare costs and a healthier population. But influencing a system as large and complex as the NHS is no small feat. “We try to get the message out, but it’s tough to reach the people in power,” Dr. Kassam explains. “It’s about starting grassroots movements, building awareness, and slowly turning the tide.” Despite the challenges, her nonprofit organization, Plant-Based Health Professionals UK, is pushing forward, spreading the message of how plant-based diets can prevent and reverse chronic diseases. A Bold New Campaign: Plants First Healthcare One of the most exciting initiatives Dr. Kassam is leading the Plants First Healthcare campaign that launched to coincide with World Food Day. This groundbreaking campaign aims to make plant-based meals the default in UK healthcare institutions. It’s inspired by the success of New York City hospitals, which have already adopted greener, plant-based menus. The campaign includes a detailed policy report from the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change and an open letter to all healthcare institutions in the UK. Dr. Kassam hopes to spark meaningful changes that will improve patient outcomes and reduce the environmental impact of the healthcare system. Full post: www.HealthScience.org/106-Dr-Shireen-Kassam