AMSA National Convention SYD25
- Rebecca Stonor, CEO
- 05 Sep 2025
Inspiring future doctors with Lifestyle Medicine
Nearly 900 passionate medical students attended the Australian Medical Students Association (AMSA) National Convention, SYD25. The event brought together the brightest minds and most enthusiastic future doctors from across Australia, all eager to learn, connect, and shape the future of healthcare
Doctors For Nutrition: leading the way in Lifestyle Medicine
The Doctors For Nutrition (DFN) exhibit was a hub of activity, drawing in hundreds of students curious about the power of food and lifestyle in preventing and treating chronic disease.
DFN’s team engaged with students, sharing the latest evidence on how plant-based diets can dramatically improve health outcomes. The conversations were lively, with students eager to ask questions and discuss how they could integrate these principles into their future practice.
Many medical students were eager to speak with us as they stated that they do not learn enough about nutrition during their medical degree and many were keen to learn about eating well for their own health.
One student commented:
“We don’t get taught nutrition in med school, so how am I meant to advise my future patients about it?”
Empowering students: The six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine
DFN took their impact a step further by hosting an interactive workshop, focusing on the six pillars of lifestyle medicine:
- Whole food plant-based nutrition
- Physical activity
- Stress management
- Sleep
- Social connection
- Avoidance of risky substances
The workshop emphasised how nutrition is the common thread that weaves these pillars together, serving as the foundation for optimal health. Students learned practical strategies for motivating patients to embrace lifestyle changes, with DFN guiding them through a mock patient consultation. This hands-on experience gave students valuable skills in communication and patient empowerment—skills that are often overlooked in traditional medical training.
Lifestyle Medicine is the future of disease prevention!
5th year student, University of Adelaide
Culinary Medicine in action: The Buddha Bowl Challenge
The excitement didn’t stop there! DFN brought the concept of “culinary medicine” to life with a live cooking demonstration. Delegates gathered around as DFN demonstrated just how quick and easy it is to prepare a delicious, nutrient-packed Buddha bowl. The DFN team highlighted the various ingredients and their impact on our health.
Five lucky students were invited up to the stage to build their own bowls, choosing from a rainbow of fresh, whole food ingredients. The demonstration was more than just a cooking lesson—it was a powerful reminder that healthy eating can be simple, affordable, and enjoyable. The students left not only with full stomachs but also with the confidence to share these practical skills with their future patients.
The future of healthcare: Powered by Lifestyle Medicine
The response from students was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed that the workshop and cooking demonstration were among the most memorable and valuable experiences of the convention. It was clear that the principles of lifestyle medicine resonated deeply, with students convinced that this approach is the future of healthcare.
You guys are doing awesome work!
3rd year student, Uni Western Sydney
As the AMSA National Convention SYD25 drew to a close, the message was clear: the next generation of doctors is ready to lead the charge in preventive, patient-centred care. Thanks to organisations like Doctors For Nutrition, these future doctors are equipped with the knowledge and inspiration to transform lives—one plant-powered meal at a time.
