What? Two herbal experts (MaryBeth Mitcham, running George Mason’s rural public health master’s degree, and MaryBeth Babos, a pharmacist and herbalist) will teach herbal and foraged foods as medicine for prescribers. The workshop is free to everyone! If you work 16+ hours as a prescribing provider in Planning Districts 1-3 and need an overnight motel, please include this information when registering.
Where? Norton Internal Medicine residency kitchen and conference room, Norton Community Hospital
When? May 3rd and 4th, 2025
Register now by emailing director@gmec.com !
View schedule below
Saturday, May 3rd:
12:45 PM – Meet at location
1:00 – 5:00 PM
Greeting, overview of facilities and plan, pre-test
Knowledge-based session: Overview of botanical and traditional herbal terminology and applications (50 min)
- Define key botanical, phytochemical, and traditional herbal medicine terms, including decoction, infusion, tincture, alterative, and adaptogen.
- Identify common “energetic” classification systems used in herbal medicine, such as Western herbal energetics, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Ayurveda.
- Outline the regulatory frameworks governing herbal products, including DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act) and FDA regulations.
- Describe principles of herbal formulation commonly embraced by western herbalists, including the roles of primary, supportive, and synergistic herbs.
Workshop: Organoleptic assessment of common botanical infusions (15 min)
- Analyze and compare the organoleptic properties (taste, aroma, texture, and appearance) of six botanicals commonly ingested as infusions, and describe personal sensory evaluations using descriptive terminology commonly used by herbalists.
- Interpret descriptions of herbal infusions’ sensory properties and “energetics” to integrate this understanding into patient-provider discussions, demonstrating respect for patient choices while aligning care with conventional practice guidelines.
- List six botanicals commonly-used as infusions in patient self-care and describe their traditional applications.
Knowledge-based activity: Forage for food/herb walk (50 min)
- Demonstrate the identification of at least six wild edible or medicinal plants by recognizing key morphological characteristics.
- Demonstrate identification of at least five toxic plants by recognizing key morphological characteristics.
- Classify five potentially toxic plants based on their toxic chemical constituents.
- Examine the role of local and foraged botanicals in enhancing food security by assessing their availability, sustainability, and cultural relevance in different communities.
Workshop: Organoleptic assessment of common botanical infusions (15 min)
Knowledge-based session: Basics of medical botany “show and tell” (50 min)
- Apply knowledge of botany and toxicology of 5 potentially toxic plants to recognize early signs and symptoms of toxicity in clinical or community settings.
- Integrate understanding of current molecular pathophysiology of “diseases of civilization” with evidence suggesting potential mechanisms for the benefits of a diverse diet.
- Present a personal or community cultural history with plants in a structured discussion and analyze at least two ways these traditions influence patient beliefs, preferences, or healthcare decision-making.
Workshop: Organoleptic assessment of common botanical infusions (15 min)
Some foraged food snacks will be available for casual tasting and networking.
Sunday, May 4th
* (CMEs/CEUs available) *
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Workshop: Organoleptic assessment of common botanical infusions (15 min)
Knowledge-based session: Translating information for patients (50 min)
- Define key terminology related to foraged foods and chronic illnesses, including antioxidant phytochemicals, dietary diversity, and “diseases of civilization,” focusing on how to translate that information to patients.
- Identify common foraged foods that are relevant to addressing chronic illnesses such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.
- Describe the historical and cultural significance of foraged foods in maintaining dietary diversity and promoting health in various populations.
- Recognize common challenges and barriers to patient understanding of the benefits and risks of incorporating foraged foods into their diets.
Workshop: Organoleptic assessment of common botanical infusions (15 min)
Use technology to evaluate content of foraged foods (50 min)
- Use freely available, reliable digital sources to evaluate micro and macro nutrient composition of foraged plants.
- Analyze the nutritional profiles of foraged plants to evaluate their potential role in addressing nutrient deficiencies or food insecurity.
- Integrate technology-driven nutritional analysis into patient education by developing a brief, evidence-based summary on the potential benefits and risks of incorporating foraged foods into the diet to mitigate effects from “diseases of civilization” such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes..
Workshop: Organoleptic assessment of common botanical infusions (15 min)
Translation to patient use
- Analyze the nutritional benefits and risks of commonly foraged foods to determine their relevance for various patient dietary needs.
- Create patient-friendly educational materials that translate complex medical knowledge about foraged foods into accessible language for non-medical audiences.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies in conveying dietary recommendations involving foraged foods to patients with different levels of health literacy.
Lunch, post test, evaluation, and goodbyes
Southwest Virginia Graduate Medical Education Consortium 