Neal Barnard

Born on July 10, 1953, in Fargo, North Dakota, Neal Barnard pursued a medical career that would significantly impact public health and ethical medical practices. He received his medical training at George Washington University School of Medicine, where he began exploring vegan diets. Barnard is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology. His early experiences led him to become a notable animal rights activist, advocating for humane treatment in research and diet.

In 1985, Barnard founded the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) with the mission to promote preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research. Under his leadership, PCRM grew into an influential organization, boasting 150,000 members, including 12,000 physicians, and revenues exceeding $20 million by 2016. He has actively engaged in clinical research, notably completing a National Institutes of Health-funded trial in 2006 to study the dietary impact on blood sugar control for individuals with type 2 diabetes. His work has been featured in documentaries such as “Super Size Me” (2004), “Forks Over Knives” (2011), “PlantPure Nation” (2015), and “What the Health” (2017).

Barnard’s career progression also includes an adjunct professorship of medicine at George Washington University School of Medicine since 2003. He further expanded his impact in January 2016 by founding the Barnard Medical Center in Washington, D.C., which specializes in primary care with a strong emphasis on nutrition guidance. He has authored 20 books by 2019, including bestsellers like “Dr Neal Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes” and “The Vegan Starter Kit.” His contributions have been recognized with awards such as the Lifestyle Medicine Trailblazer Award from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine in 2016 and the 6th Plantrician Project Luminary Award in 2019. He has also hosted four PBS television programs focused on nutrition and health.