Ernesto Dominguez shares the transformative experience of being a student in the Food as Medicine Everyday series.

Ernesto Dominguez, a health educator for Multnomah County, had always searched for ways to supplement his career through external learning opportunities.

In 2024, he discovered the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) and its Food as Medicine Everyday (FAME) program. The three-month-long series of workshops, led by NUNM’s Food as Medicine Institute, is open to the public in an effort to support community-wide nutrition education.

Dominguez immediately enrolled in the program, which ran from September 19 to November 21, to gain a deeper understanding of nutrition and its potential benefits on overall health.

Originally from Mexico, Dominguez said his early experiences with food insecurity had reinforced the importance of accessible and nutritious meals. As a masters-level social worker, he also recognized the power of food to foster connection and well-being.

While his work has focused on preventative health within Latinx and other at-risk communities, monitoring and evaluating Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (PHP) programs to promote healthful lifestyle practices, he said there was always room for growth.

In his own words, Dominguez shared this personal account of being a student in the FAME series, and its transformative effect on both his personal and professional life:

As a member of the Multnomah County Prevention and Health Promotion team, I’m always looking for ways to enhance my knowledge and skills in areas that may benefit both myself and my community. When I learned about the Food as Medicine Everyday (FAME) program and its unique approach to nutrition education and hands-on cooking, I was immediately intrigued. 

My experience with FAME has been nothing short of transformative. Before this, I’ll admit my cooking repertoire was fairly limited and my understanding of nutrition was somewhat superficial. I often found myself relying on processed foods and convenience meals without fully grasping how they might impact my diet and overall well-being. 

“Not only did it expand my culinary skills, but it also deepened my understanding of how interconnected food, health, and well-being are.”

FAME opened my eyes to a whole new world of culinary possibilities and nutritional wisdom. The program’s emphasis on whole, unprocessed foods, primarily plant-based, resonated deeply with me. I was fascinated to learn about the anti-inflammatory properties of various foods and how they can contribute to chronic disease prevention. 

One of the most valuable aspects of FAME has been the hands-on cooking component. Learning how to prepare delicious and nutritious meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients has been incredibly empowering. Witnessing the instructors’ nutritional expertise and passion for food was truly inspiring. I was particularly excited to discover new ways to incorporate superfoods into my diet and have already started experimenting with ingredients at home.

Not only did it expand my culinary skills, but it also deepened my understanding of how interconnected food, health, and well-being are. I have a renewed sense of purpose and mindfulness around grocery shopping and meal preparation, carefully choosing ingredients that can sustain and benefit my health in the long run. 

The greatest value of FAME lies in its ability to empower individuals to take control of their health through informed food choices, as it provides the knowledge, skills, and support necessary for lasting dietary change that can have a profound impact on one’s overall well-being. 

I wholeheartedly encourage anyone considering FAME to take the leap! This is an investment in your health and well-being that will pay dividends for years to come. Be prepared to be inspired, to learn, and to embark on a culinary adventure that will transform your relationship with food. I’m excited to continue applying the knowledge and skills I’ve gained here in both my personal and professional life 

Ernesto Dominguez works with chronic disease prevention as a health educator for Multnomah County in Portland, Oregon. Originally from Mexico, Ernesto’s early experiences with food insecurity reinforced the importance of accessible and nutritious meals. As a masters-level social worker, he recognizes the power of food to foster connection and well-being and is passionate to share his knowledge of healthy cooking with others.