Neal D. Barnard

Neal D. Barnard is an American author, clinical researcher, and founding president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM).

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Neal D. Barnard was born on July 15, 1953, in Fargo, North Dakota. He received his medical degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., where he later served as an adjunct associate professor of medicine.

Career[edit | edit source]

Barnard is a leading advocate for the health benefits of vegan diets. He has written numerous books and articles on the subject and has appeared on many television programs to promote his views. His work has been influential in the field of nutrition, particularly in promoting the idea that a plant-based diet can prevent and even reverse many chronic diseases.

In 1985, Barnard founded the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nonprofit organization that promotes preventive medicine, conducts clinical research, and advocates for higher ethical standards in research. The PCRM also advocates for vegan diets and has been influential in shaping dietary guidelines in the United States.

Barnard's research has focused on the effects of diet on diabetes, body weight, and chronic pain. He has conducted several major studies on these topics, and his findings have been published in peer-reviewed medical journals.

Publications[edit | edit source]

Barnard has written more than 20 books on nutrition and health, including Dr. Neal Barnard's Program for Reversing Diabetes, The 21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart, and Power Foods for the Brain. His books have been translated into multiple languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.

Recognition[edit | edit source]

Barnard has received numerous awards for his work, including the Lifestyle Medicine Trailblazer Award and the Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience Award. He has also been named one of America's top physicians by the Consumers' Research Council of America.

Criticism[edit | edit source]

While Barnard's work has been influential, it has also been the subject of criticism. Some have questioned the scientific validity of his claims about the health benefits of vegan diets, and his organization has been criticized for its advocacy of animal rights.