Speakers at Vegfest 2012

Author Neal Barnard, M.D., is one of America’s leading advocates for good nutrition. A pioneering clinical researcher, Dr. Barnard has conducted various studies on the ability of nutritional interventions to treat high-cholesterol diets, hormone imbal¬ances, diabetes, and other conditions. He is the founder and president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), a nonprofit organization of doctors and laypersons that promotes preventive medicine, especially good nutrition, and addresses controversies in medicine, including ethical issues in research. He is also an adjunct professor of medicine at George Washington University as well as the president of The Cancer Project, a PCRM subsidiary that advances cancer prevention and survival through nutrition education and research.

Dr. Barnard is the author of 14 books, including Dr. Neal Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes, Breaking the Food Seduction, Foods that Fight Pain, and Eat Right, Live Longer. He is also the editor-in-chief of Good Medicine and the author of hundreds of articles and opinion pieces. Dr. Barnard is a regular guest on network talk and news shows and a busy public speaker.

Helmuth Fritz, M.D. is board certified in Internal Medicine and is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. Prior to his Loma Linda University appointment, he served as a staff physician and researcher at the NEWSTART Medical Clinic at Weimar Institute, a health and education organization that focuses on lifestyle to treat and prevent many common degenerative diseases. He has over 20 years experience practicing general internal medicine in Washington State.

Chan Hwang,, M.D. obtained his medical degree at Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 1994 and completed a four-year residency program in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 1998 at the McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University Medical School. Dr. Hwang has been in practice in the Seattle area focusing on the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders since 1998. He has also been the pain clinic physician consultant for the Puyallup location of UBC, Inc. since May of 2001. His passion is to provide lifestyle and physical medicine as well as rehabilitation resources to the under-served not only in Western Washington but internationally as well. Dr. Hwang will speak on the role that a vegetarian diet plays in the prevention and treatment of chronic pain and illness.

At 59, Ellen Jaffe Jones is "The Veg Coach," aka "The Broccoli Rep," because as she says, "Who else IS the broccoli rep?" She is an inspiring motivational speaker, personal trainer, running coach, author, and teaches healthy cooking classes designed by respected doctors and registered dieticians.

Ellen was a popular TV investigative reporter and anchor for 18 years in Miami and St. Louis. She became known as the "Earth Mother in a Suit" when she left TV and became a successful financial consultant at Smith Barney for 5 years. Combining both backgrounds, she wrote her best-selling book, “Eat Vegan on $4 a Day” after seeing too many news stories saying eating healthfully was impossible on a budget. The book rapidly became her publisher's #1 seller.

Many have sought her expertise in modeling a healthy lifestyle. Her gifted public speaking ability, humor, easy tips, motivational ideas, and stark reality, make her an inspirational speaker.

Dr. George Lee, M.D., is a graduate of Loma Linda University Medical School, is board certified in Family Medicine and has been practicing Family Medicine for 15 years. He believes in preventative medicine and emphasizes the value of a vegetarian diet in preventing the most common diseases threatening us today. Dr Lee currently has a private practice at Lake Hills Medical Associates in Bellevue.

Dr. Eiji Minami M.D. practices critical care surgery, internal medicine and general surgery at Overlake hospital in Bellevue, Washington. He trained as a resident in general surgery and internal medicine at Loma Linda University Medicine Center, where he learned the importance of good nutrition for health. He is a board certified internist and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, with 37 years of experience. He has had a private practice in Bellevue, WA, since 1989.

Dr. Park-Hwang is a board certified obstetrician and gynecologist. She received her undergraduate degree at the University of Washington, medical education at Loma Linda University, School of Medicine, and graduate training in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has joined the Tacoma Family Medicine Residency program in 1998 as faculty, and has been actively involved in training the obstetrics and gynecology portion of resident training. Her special interests include managing commonly occurring women’s health problems through healthy lifestyle changes.

Dr. Tim Riesenberger, M.D., MPH is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician trained at Stanford University. He currently serves the Franciscan Hospitals in Federal Way, Tacoma and Lakewood, Washington. Dr. Riesenberger love and passion for others during their times of emergent need is balanced by his strong commitment to empowering patients to use diet and lifestyle to avoid illness. This desire is reflected in his obtaining a Masters in Public Health in Preventive Medicine, training under professors at Loma Linda University, with a commitment to treat mind, body and spirit.

Speaking to audiences of one to over one thousand, dozens of times every year, Dr. Riesenberger presents clear, simple and proven information that will enable you and your loved ones to regain their health and enjoy the abundant life you were designed to.