Dr Nearl Barnard + PCRM
Dr. Neal Barnard founded the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) to advance research and education around preventive medicine, with a particular focus on the role nutrition can play in preventing and treating chronic disease. In 2016, PCRM expanded that work by launching Barnard Medical Center, combining primary medical care with nutrition guidance.
And its home is right here in Friendship Heights.
“We’ve been in the Friendship Heights area for many years,” Dr. Barnard says. “We love this area and are pleased to provide medical care for people in the neighborhood, as well as people in distant states who visit us by telemedicine.”
For Dr. Barnard, one of the most rewarding parts of the work is seeing changes extend beyond an individual patient. “It is wonderful to see patients recover their health and to share what they have learned with their families, so everyone can get healthy together.”
Today, Barnard Medical Center offers in-person and telemedicine care along with programs focused on areas including diabetes, weight management, emotional eating and nutrition for athletes.
A Few Quick Questions with Dr. Barnard
- Coffee or tea? San Pellegrino.
- Favorite healthy comfort food? Blueberries.
- One nutrition myth you’d love to retire? That plant-based foods lack protein, soy isn’t good for you, or a vegan diet can’t be healthy.
- What are you reading? His own book, The Power Foods Diet. (Hey, it was a fair answer!)
- One simple piece of health advice? Make vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans a bigger part of your routine. And don’t forget vitamin B12.
- Favorite neighborhood business? Rodman’s gets the vote. Dr. Barnard gave it several shout-outs, including as a place his patients can find healthy foods, supplies and prescriptions (and their vitamin B12).
Location: Barnard Medical Center, 5100 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 401, DC