The FARM BuzzFamily members of Dr. John McDougall released a statement to report that the renowned doctor died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, June 22, at the age of 77. On The McDougall Program’s Instagram his loved ones described him as “a visionary physician and author, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend.”
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Early Life of Dr. John McDougall
Dr. McDougall is highly acclaimed for his revolutionary approach to modern healthcare and dietary therapy. He suffered a stroke at 18 and was left paralyzed for weeks. The doctors who cared for him at the time, some of the finest medical specialists in Detroit, were unable to answer questions about why he experienced a stroke at such a young age and what could be done to make him better. After this two-week ordeal, which left him with a disability, Dr. McDougall turned his passions toward the transformation of the healthcare system.
Dr. McDougall’s Revolutionary Plant-Based Program
During his tenure as a medical doctor for a Hawaiian sugar plantation, Dr. McDougall began to uncover the profound link between diet and health. This revelation led to the creation of The McDougall Program, a groundbreaking weight-loss program that was the first of its kind to focus solely on wholefood, plant-based recipes. The program’s vegan-friendly diet, a unique blend of 90% starchy plant foods like whole grains and 10% vegetables and fruit, was a testament to McDougall’s innovative thinking and his commitment to a holistic approach to healthcare. His contributions to modern healthcare and dietary therapy were truly revolutionary.
The Starch Solution and Beyond
Over the span of his career, Dr. McDougall authored 13 best-selling Books, including The McDougall Plan and The Starch Solution. He worked as a clinical instructor at four medical schools and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. During that time, he was also a member of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nonprofit health organization focused on preventative medicine that advocates plant-based diets. Dr. McDougall also previously served as an advisor to Farm Animal Rights Movement and the National Council for the Great American MeatOut.
Continuing Dr. John McDougall’s Whole Food Plant Based Legacy
Dr. John McDougall may have retired in 2017, but his legacy and the impact of his work continue to resonate. His wife and family, who are dedicated to upholding his vision, continue to run The McDougall Program. Their Instagram account serves as a tribute to McDougall and his achievements, and as a call to action for the audience. “In honoring Dr. McDougall’s memory, we ask you to continue to live healthfully, love each other and be kind to the environment and the animals who share it.” This plea not only honors his memory but also serves as a reminder of the importance of his mission, inspiring the audience to carry on his work.
The FARM Buzz
Eric C. Lindstrom
