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Charles Platkin, PhD, JD, MPH

Dr. Charles Platkin is the founder and Executive Director of the Center For Food As Medicine & Longevity (FoodMedCenter.org), a not-for-profit organization working to bridge the gap between traditional allopathic medicine and the use of food as medicine in the prevention, treatment, and management of disease. The Center conducts extensive research on longevity and healthspan, exploring how nutrition and lifestyle interventions can extend both lifespan and the number of years lived in good health. Core to its work is the dissemination of reliable, peer-reviewed information on nutrition, longevity science, and healthy aging, as well as ensuring universal access to healthy, affordable food, and creating a more equitable, smart food system that will improve health outcomes. A distinguished scholar and influential figure in the fields of public health, nutrition, and food policy, Dr. Platkin is a Distinguished Lecturer (Emeritus) at City University of New York at Hunter College. He has both a Masters Degree and a Ph.D. in Public Health, specializing in nutrition. He also has a law degree, and throughout his career has been dedicated to a multidisciplinary approach to academic research, community health interventions and complex health and policy issues, encompassing law, public health, and nutrition. Dr. Platkin has occupied influential roles in public health, notably serving as the Executive Director of the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center from 2012 to 2023. During this time, he played a pivotal role in shaping food-related policies in New York City. His entrepreneurial leadership extends across multiple sectors: he is the co-founder and strategic advisor to Diversion Books (DiversionBooks.com), a book publishing company; Chief Strategy Officer at PopCom Health (PopComHealth.com); founder and managing director of Magoo Properties (MagooProperties.com); and co-founder and director of MedicalBx (MedicalBx.com), which develops boutique hospitals and mobile medical clinics to enhance healthcare access in underserved areas. His leadership also extended to co-founding and operating organizations like Integrated Wellness Solutions, where he leveraged innovative approaches and technology to enhance health and wellness. He is a powerful advocate for healthier communities and for shaping the field of nutrition and food policy in lasting ways. Dr. Platkin has made significant contributions to the field of public health and nutrition issues through his research. He has published in several peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals, including the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, the Journal of Obesity and Weight Loss, the International Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics, BioMed Central (BMC) Obesity; and the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. He is the author of eight books. His forthcoming book, Eat to Cheat Death: Using Food as Medicine to Live Better, Live Stronger, Live Healthier, and Live Longer (Simon & Schuster, 2027), synthesizes cutting-edge research on nutrition and longevity. His first book, Breaking the Pattern (Red Mill Press 2002, Plume 2004), was a bestseller in hardcover; it has been used by addiction clinics to assist patients with resolving drug and alcohol-related issues, and more than 20 universities around the country use it as a text to teach behavioral change techniques to nutrition and dietetic counseling interns. His other titles include The Diet Detective's Count Down (Simon and Schuster, 2007), The Diet Detective's Calorie Bargain Bible (Simon and Schuster, 2008), The Diet Detective's Diet Starter Kit (Diversion, 2011), and The Diet Detective's All-American Diet (Rodale, 2012). Charles Platkin's contributions to the fields of health, nutrition, and public policy have earned him recognition and numerous accolades. He was cited by the New York State Governor for his contributions to the development of nutrition materials for NYS Mentoring in March 2019, showcasing his dedication to public health and education. He was also honored as a Politics of Food honoree by City & State in November 2018 for his commitment to promoting healthy eating and food policy reform. Additionally, Dr. Platkin's success as a principal investigator and grant recipient reflects his impact in the field, as he has secured multiple grants to support research and initiatives related to food policy and nutrition. Beyond his academic and research pursuits, Charles Platkin has engaged with the public through various media outlets. He was the host and executive producer of WE TV's series I Want To Save Your Life, where he helped individuals transform their health through nutrition and lifestyle interventions. His syndicated health, nutrition, and fitness column, the Diet Detective, appeared in more than 150 daily newspapers and media outlets for nearly 20 years. His appearances on thousands of radio shows, in newspapers, magazines, and online platforms have reached a broad audience. His commitment to educating the public underscores his dedication to public health. He received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University, a law degree from Fordham University, a Master of Public Health and a Ph.D. in Public Health from Florida International University in Miami Florida.