NAME: COLIN ZHU, D.O. 

EDUCATION–

UNDERGRADUATE: RUTGERS UNIVERSITY 

MED SCHOOL: WEST VIRGINIA SCHOOL OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE

RESIDENCY: CENTRASTATE MEDICAL CENTER, NEW JERSEY;

MANCHESTER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, CONNECTICUT

Zhu did both physician and culinary practice and trained as a chef and health coach at the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health & Culinary Arts and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition following completion of his medical degree. He speaks internationally and authored “Thrive Medicine: How to Cultivate Your Desires and Elevate Your Life.” He also is the podcast host of Thrive Bites and the creator/director of a masterclass series called The THR5 Formula. Zhu launched TheChefDoc in 2017, an online wellness and lifestyle education platform. He is currently based in Southern California and has a virtual lifestyle medical practice. He enjoys cooking with family, friends and patients; running; scuba diving; Latin partner dancing; globe-trotting and hiking.

What do you like about being both a physician and a chef?

I specialize in culinary medicine, a fusion of nutritional science and culinary arts that optimizes health. I employ food as a tool to aid people in reclaiming their health. I teach a whole-food, plant-based approach rooted in nature’s provisions, effectively preventing, treating and even reversing chronic lifestyle diseases like hypertension, diabetes, cancer and high cholesterol.

What’s the most challenging part of your role?

I love every aspect of being a physician chef. Yet it’s disheartening that many remain unaware of this path. My mission is to spread awareness, empowering people to reclaim their health. I educate both the public and health care professionals, enabling them to integrate these principles into their lives and communities. My goal is to spark a powerful ripple of positive change.

I recently launched TheChefDoc app this year as a wellness platform to reach as many people as possible to provide information, education and services on abroader scale. I launched TheChefDoc way back in 2017, followed by my book, the podcast, a masterclass series and then the app. The ChefDoc app is designed as a one-stop shop to help people thrive. In addition to the programming, there are coaching services for people who need more guidance and a different way to engage. I do see patients as well.

Anything about your role that has surprised you?

The impact is immense. The heartening feedback I receive shows that I’m igniting new perspectives. My authenticity resonates, fostering genuine connections. This platform allows me to creatively express myself while practicing medicine on my terms. I’m empowered to inspire individuality and self-driven actions in others.

What is your advice to other physicians who may want to follow a similar path?

I pursued culinary school alongside medical training, a unique path. Committing solely to medicine is demanding. To innovate, address gaps in patient care and health care. Today, resources abound. Vet and adapt what aligns you. My diverse approach benefited me. Forge your path, authentic to you, not mirroring mine, but staying true to yourself.

How would a physician get started in culinary training?

Before seeking certification or more education, grasp the link between food and health. Without this foundation, further education lacks purpose. Understanding how food impacts health is pivotal. Once you comprehend the why, the how follows.

Anything you’d like to add?

Health is true wealth. Often, we focus on financial prosperity only to later use it to regain health. Begin learning, living and taking action for yourself now. Make health a priority from the start. Invest in your well- being today to prevent costly hospital visits tomorrow. •