On April 16, 2026, leaders in health care, policy, and community advocacy gathered for the annual Montgomery Health Policy Meeting, hosted by the UAB Montgomery Regional Medical Campus.
As it has in years past, the event brought together physicians, public health experts, and community stakeholders. Together, they discussed topics centered on nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and the broader drivers of health across Alabama. The theme of this year’s meeting was “Reimagining Healthy Living.”
The program opened with remarks from Regional Dean Louis R. Lambiase, M.D., MHA, the Virginia Loeb Weil Family Endowed Professor in Medical Education, who gladly welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of collaboration across sectors. He was joined by the Mayor of Pike Road, Alabama Gordon Stone, who set the tone for the day with a simple but powerful question: “Is there really anything more important than our health?” The question set the tone for the day and defined the purpose of the meeting: bringing diverse voices together to explore meaningful, actionable solutions to improve health outcomes Alabama.
Lifestyle medicine and teaching kitchens: turning knowledge into action
One central discussion was led by a panel focused on lifestyle medicine and the growing role of teaching kitchens as a tool for community health. Moderated by Juanita Heersink, M.D., the session explored how nutrition education, when paired with practical skills, can lead to lasting behavior change.
Panelists, including Robert Israel, M.D., and Bryan Strickland, M.D., emphasized that while nutrition science continues to evolve, the core principles remain consistent. As Israel noted, “there are thousands of studies that point to a whole food, plant-based diet being the ideal.”
At the same time, speakers acknowledged the importance of meeting patients where they are in their health journey. In a region where cultural food traditions are deeply rooted, the goal is not elimination, but moderation and sustainability. The discussion highlighted the concept of incremental change. Small, realistic adjustments, rather than sweeping restrictions, are more likely to lead to long-term success. As one panelist shared, “I find in my practice that little changes make a big difference.”
Teaching kitchens emerged as a promising solution to bridge the gap between knowledge and action. Israel described ongoing efforts to establish a teaching kitchen through a partnership with Baptist Health, using an underutilized industrial kitchen space to help community members build essential food preparation skills.
“People need to learn skills in order to put nutrition education into action,” he said, noting that many of these skills have been lost across generations.
The conversation ultimately reinforced lifestyle medicine’s holistic approach, grounded in pillars such as nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and social connection.
Nutrition, chronic disease, and the science behind dietary change
Joining virtually, Alison Bailey, M.D., FASPC, expanded on the scientific foundation of nutrition and its impact on chronic disease. She noted that six in 10 adults in the United States are living with at least one chronic condition, many of which are influenced by diet and lifestyle.
Her presentation emphasized that not all “plant-based” diets are created equal. A whole food, plant-based approach, rich in vegetables, fiber, and minimally processed foods, differs significantly from highly processed products marketed under the same label. She highlighted research showing improved outcomes among individuals following vegetarian or plant-forward diets, including reductions in mortality risk.
Bailey also discussed the role of sodium reduction in managing hypertension and reinforced the importance of fiber and nutrient-dense foods in long-term health.
Supplements, food, and medications: understanding the differences
A panel featuring Lambiase and Pieter Cohen, M.D., explored an area often misunderstood by patients: the distinction between supplements, food, and over-the-counter medications.
Cohen reflected on his early skepticism of supplements, noting that he once viewed them as “expensive placebos.” However, his clinical experience and research led him to take a more nuanced view, particularly as evidence continues to emerge around certain products.
The panel addressed variability in supplement regulation and labeling, including concerns about potency, especially in products marketed to children, such as melatonin gummies. Cohen emphasized the importance of educating patients so they can make informed decisions and better understand how supplements fit into their overall health strategy.
Public health in Alabama: challenges and opportunities
The afternoon session featured keynote speaker and the 2026 Distinguished Kennamer Lecturer, Scott Harris, M.D., Alabama State Health Officer. Harris provided a candid overview of the state of health in Alabama.
He outlined long-standing challenges, including poverty, access to care, and disparities tied to race, geography, and education. He emphasized that social determinants of health, such as income, area code, and access to resources, play a significant role in shaping outcomes.
He also described Alabama’s approach to addressing these challenges through continuous monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation.
“If you’ve seen one state health department, then you’ve seen one state health department,” he said, noting the variability in resources and needs across regions.
Looking Ahead
Like other years, the Montgomery Health Policy Meeting served as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration, bringing together voices from many disciplines to address some of the most pressing health challenges facing Alabama.
From practical solutions like teaching kitchens to broader policy discussions around access and equity, the event highlighted both the complexity of health care and the opportunity to drive change through partnership and education.
Thank you to all speakers, panelists, and attendees who contributed to a successful and impactful meeting. Organizers look forward to continuing the conversation and sharing details for the next Montgomery Health Policy Meeting in the future.