Caryn Dugan, CHWC and Plant-based Chef
- Founder
After losing her dad to cancer in 2008 and then, just ten weeks later, she also receiving a cancer diagnosis, Caryn knew something had to be done. Many attempts at a healthier lifestyle finally led her to a plant-based diet. After studying under Dr. Neal Barnard at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) in 2011 and earning her certificate in plant-based nutrition from Cornell University, she began counseling and teaching others. Caryn began STL Veg Girl traveling all around St. Louis (and eventually nationally!) speaking and presenting on the topic of plant-based cooking and meal prep to prevent and reverse our all too common chronic illnesses. In 2019 she opened the Center for Plant-based Living to offer support, resources and community to those who are looking to add more plants to their plates.
James F. Loomis, MD, MBA, DipABLM, FACLM
- Medical Director
Dr. Loomis is board certified in internal medicine, has completed the certification program in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University, and is a Diplomat of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine.
Dr. Loomis has served as team internist for the St. Louis Rams football team and the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, as well as tour physician for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. He practiced internal medicine at St. Luke’s Hospital in St. Louis, where he was also the director of prevention and wellness. He was also on the clinical faculty of the department of internal medicine at Washington University School of Medicine. Currently he practices medicine and serves as Medical Director at PCRM.
When not practicing medicine, Dr. Loomis enjoys reading history books, cooking, and teaching plant-based cooking classes. He also enjoys running, biking, and swimming, and has completed numerous half marathons, marathons, and triathlons. You also might have seen him in his breakout role in the movie, The Game Changers!