The official page for UAMS Culinary Medicine. UAMS began a culinary medicine elective Fall 2019 under course director Drs. Gina Drobena and Gloria Richard-Davis.
Culinary medicine is a new evidence-based field in medicine that blends the art of food and cooking with the science of medicine. Culinary medicine’s goal is to help people make good personal medical decisions about accessing and eating high-quality meals that help prevents and treats disease and restore well-being. Through a partnership with Culinary Medicine Specialist Board under the directorsh
08/06/2026
Fresh tools, fresh healing ❤️🩹
There is truly nothing quite like the energy of a brand new kitchen setup! We just restocked our space with fresh cutting boards, professional-grade pans, precision knives, and sleek organizational bins—and we are beyond ready to cook up some science-backed nourishment.
08/04/2026
Crispy, crunchy, and packed with plant-based power!
In this photo, a student plates up a batch of perfectly roasted chickpeas. Beyond being an addictive, satisfying snack or salad topper, chickpeas are an absolute nutritional powerhouse.
Here is why we love incorporating them:
• Plant-based protein and fiber
• Help maintain healthy cholesterol levels
• Packed with essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and folate
How to get that perfect crunch at home:
Toss drained, thoroughly dried chickpeas in a little olive oil and add your favorite spices. Roast them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until wonderfully golden and crispy!
08/04/2026
From farm to sink to table! 💦
Proper produce handling is one of the most important first steps in the kitchen. Washing your fruits and vegetables thoroughly helps remove harmful bacteria, dirt, and lingering pesticide residues from the journey from farm to store to kitchen.
Beyond food safety, taking this extra step ensures you are prepping your ingredients in the cleanest, healthiest way possible so you can get the most out of your nutrient-packed meals. Our students are mastering these essential, hand-on skills that connect everyday kitchen prep with lifelong wellness.
07/31/2026
The before picture 📸
Before the magic happens in our teaching kitchen, the counter looks a little something like this—a vibrant spread of fresh produce, quality chicken, wholesome grains, and all the raw ingredients waiting to be transformed.
There is something so satisfying about seeing everything laid out before the real work begins. Getting you “mis en place” ready makes the cooking process smooth, stress-free, and a whole lot more fun.
How do you usually prep your ingredients before diving into a recipe?
07/30/2026
Future doctors in the kitchen!
We had an absolute blast hosting incoming UAMS College of Medicine students this morning for a hands-on culinary session. On the menu? Custom grain bowls loaded with fresh veggies and high-quality protein (tofu and chickpeas) to fuel a busy orientation day.
Excited to see how these future clinicians integrate nutrition into their practice! 🥕
Ever wondered how to use different measuring cups? Chef Alyssa explains it in under a minute as part of Arkansas Taste Kitchen on Arkansas TV!
What happens when you cross PM&R residents with a Chopped-style teaching kitchen? Pure magic (and a lot of delicious food)!
Today we hosted a unique, high-stakes cooking challenge where each team received a specific case study and a mystery box of ingredients. Their mission? Transform them into a complete meal tailored for their patient.
Between the quick thinking, clever ingredient swaps, and plenty of laughs, it’s safe to say these docs aced both medicine and culinary arts.
07/28/2026
Medicine starts in the kitchen 🩺🧑🍳
Our teaching kitchen fridge is fully stocked and ready for a brand new week of hands-on learning! There is profound power in vibrant, whole-food ingredients— not just for nourishing our bodies, but for preventing and managing chronic disease.
This week, our participants will be transforming this gorgeous produce into delicious, healing meals that prove healthy eating is never restrictive.
What’s your favorite piece of produce to cook with this week? Let us know below!
07/28/2026
Tomorrow, 7/28!
We're back at Pine Bluff / Jefferson County Library System tomorrow, July 28th, with a FREE mobile market! You know we've got fresh produce and Arkansas-raised beef. But that's not all... There will also be other free resources during the event you HAVE TO check out! So, if you live in the area, don't miss out on this amazing opportunity and tell a friend, too!
Arkansas Minority Health Commission City of Pine Bluff, AR - Government LaTisha Brunson
07/27/2026
A little look behind the scenes from today’s filming!
Alyssa Frisby was joined by two fantastic UAMS PRI interns to dive deep into the powerful connection between nutrition and brain health. From fueling cognitive function to supporting long-term mental clarity, we explored how everyday food choices play a massive role in how our mind feel and function.
Drop a comment below with your favorite food to eat for a mental boost!👇