Testimonials
"Project ECHO Dementia is an educational program attended by primary and allied healthcare providers who are interested in improving their ability to detect, diagnose and support people with dementia and their families. We meet twice a month, and kicked off our 2023 programming with a presentation by Dr. Beth Frates who delivered a lecture titled, Lifestyle Medicine and Dementia. Dr. Frates’ incredibly clear and informative presentation provided our attendees with actionable information that will allow them to better support their patients and their families. We know that clinicians who attend our programs bring back their learning to their clinics improving not just outcomes for their own patients, but for their entire community of providers and patients. We would welcome Dr. Frates back ANY time as her sharing helps move the needle towards better health outcomes here in Washington state."
Wed, Jan 25, 2023 at 12:59 PM
Allyson Schrier
Program Manager
UW Project ECHO Dementia
"Beth developed one of the lectures on the Harvard Surgical Leadership Program I enrolled in for 2021/22. I found the topic and delivery quite transformational. Beth was able to talk not only conceptually but on a Biochemical and a Physiologically level. This ability to ground sound concepts around a good lifestyle approach in basic and applied sciences translates very well to Surgeons and Physicians. I live and work in the UK where currently we do not have a physician based on this topic beyond that of occupational health services. I strongly believe this is something we should address.
I have invited Beth to speak at our Grand Round to all of our Doctors and encouraged other members of the hospital team to attend this lecture.
I would encourage anyone, physician/surgeon or lay person to listen to or read her thoughts and ideas. This will benefit not just you but your wider family and loved ones."
Mr Dimpu Bhagawati MA (Oxon) MBBS MSc FRCS
Medical and Dental Staff Governor
Clinical Lead for Spinal Surgery
Consultant Orthopaedic & Spinal Surgeon
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
"I found the coaching sessions from Beth invaluable. She has a wide breadth of skills and she tailored our sessions to what I specifically needed. Prior to her coaching I was overscheduled, missing meetings, and drowning in emails. Beth perfectly understands busy people and she helped me develop systems to prioritize the projects I was working on. She also had practical advice for how to tackle large projects and helped me develop a plan to submit an academic paper I had been working on for months!"
Britlyn Orgill
MD, HMS Instructor, MGH Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine
"I can’t even begin to start describing how powerful Dr. Frates is, as a Lifestyle Medicine pioneer & educator. It’s for a very very good reason that she’s globally renowned in the field, & has authored perhaps the most important book on the subject: the award winning Lifestyle Medicine Handbook, which is hands down one of my absolute favorite books in ALL of medicine. This handbook is a must read for literally every single person of science.
Listening to a Lifestyle Medicine session by Dr. Frates at Harvard literally changed my life. She is one of those very rare people, who can seriously change people in one meeting! She’s gifted with this incredible charisma, & is one of the most powerful motivators I’ve ever met personally. She has an exceptional grasp of the science, easily among the foremost thought leaders in the field worldwide. Not only is she an astute scientist, she is also a seasoned master who practices personally what she preaches. She has an incredibly positive energy, is able to truly “see” people & meet them where they are as they embark on their lifestyle journeys."
Mahima Gulati, MD
Endocronologist, Middlesex Hospital MultiSpecialty Group
Middletown, CT
"Dr. Beth Frates has been instrumental in supporting EBS's mission in providing evidence-based wellness programs to our clients. Her presentations have attracted many employees and it has supported us in bringing Lifestyle Medicine into the workplace. Her Paving The Path to Wellness program is amazing and life-changing. I am so grateful to have known Dr. Beth Frates for many years and have learned so much from her.
Her passion for the Lifestyle Medicine field is contagious and so important for the improvement of health and well-being in corporate American and the U.S. in general. Most importantly, she is a humble leader who treats all with respect and kindness. Her tweets are very inspiring and are part of my morning mindfulness routine.
Dr. Frates's Lifestyle Medicine book has been a source of great information for my daily work as a wellness professional. Her presentation skills are amazing! I look forward to continuing utilizing her valuable resources and witnessing her contagious energy to help move my purpose forward. Thanks for all you do, Beth!"
Valeria Tivnan
Director, Population Health & Well-Being
"I met Beth Frates, MD during continuing medical education (CME) training promoted by Harvard Medical School (HMS) and I can assure you that your presentations made a difference in the way I train and raise medical students and other health professionals on health issues, self-care and Lifestyle Medicine in Brazil.
Dr. Frates teachings are vital, as she speaks with depth and wisdom on how to take the pillars of Lifestyle Medicine into clinical practice, but mainly on how to live according to the principles of Lifestyle Medicine on a daily basis. She is internationally recognized as an important leader in teaching, researching and extending the most valuable purposes of Lifestyle Medicine, and her role is essential in bringing this knowledge to the world."
Armando Ribeiro
"Dr. Beth Frates has been an inspiration, role model, and mentor to me ever since I met her at an Institute of Lifestyle Medicine conference at Harvard Medical School in 2012. As an oncologist, I was excited to attend that conference and learn more about the field of Lifestyle Medicine, and how lessons from Lifestyle Medicine can make a direct impact in the lives of cancer survivors, by improving quality of life, health, and outcome.
I have been fortunate to learn from Dr. Frates through her engaging lectures and by having the opportunity to attend her PAVING the Path to Wellness™ group for stroke survivors. During the early months of the pandemic, Dr. Frates led daily small group coaching sessions for physicians at Massachusetts General Hospital in order to promote our health and resiliency. These sessions were valuable in building social connection and community during a very challenging time.
Dr. Frates’s enthusiasm and dedication to Lifestyle Medicine is truly demonstrated in everything she does! Inspired by Dr. Frates’ work, I am excited to collaborate with her to develop the PAVING the Path to Wellness™ Program for Breast Cancer Survivors, an innovative cancer survivorship program which is focused on using tools from Lifestyle Medicine to empower breast cancer survivors to thrive after cancer treatment. An award-winning teacher at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Frates is truly passionate about teaching, mentoring, coaching, and developing programs focused on Lifestyle Medicine and wellness."
Amy Comander, MD
Director of Breast Oncology and Survivorship, Mass General Cancer Center at Waltham and at Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Co-Medical Director, Mass General Cancer Center at Waltham
"When I first started my work with Dr. Frates I was obese and amidst a diabetes scare. It served as a major wake up call. I couldn’t believe how my health had spiraled out of control and that my habits did not support my vision of myself. She worked with me week by week through many challenges, and obstacles. She always held me in the highest regard, and believed in me at times more than I believed in myself.
Over the past 7 months I have had a dramatic change in my personal habits through my work with Dr. Frates. Given my busy schedule, I never thought it would be possible to become a regular exerciser but now I can say that I make it to the gym faithfully 4 days per week. Her energy and enthusiasm for her work helped me change my attitude. Soon over time, I realized that change was possible even in the most difficult situations. Using the coach approach we have tackled many hurdles in order to realize my dreams of being fit and healthy. My palate has changed dramatically, in that I no longer enjoy any of those unhealthy foods I used to eat on a regular basis. Now my diet consists of healthy foods that “fuel” me. As a result I have lost 25 pounds!! I am much more confident than I have ever been in my life. I feel good in my body, and my brain “fog” has disappeared. Now more than ever, I believe that it is all possible."
Dr. A. L.
"In February of this year I agreed to be a guest on Dr. Beth Frates's new cable television program entitled “Change Your Habits, Change Your Life.” The experience has proven to be extremely rewarding. When I began this journey, I was relatively inactive as far as regular exercising is concerned. In addition, my eating habits were poor… eating too much of the wrong types of foods often late at night. My BMI number placed me in the obese category… high risk for heart disease, diabetes and stroke. I felt stuck in my bad habits and was preparing mentally for a change when this opportunity presented itself.
Today I feel like a different person physically and mentally. I have lost about 12 pounds (in 8 weeks) and am exercising on a regular basis. My shopping cart at the grocery store now consists of non-processed, nutrient-rich foods with an emphasis on reduction in added sugars. I don’t count calories but I am much more aware of the quality and quantity of what I eat. Clearly, this has changed my habits for the better.
Dr. Frates has been amazing to work with. She is a constant source of knowledge and support, always staying focused on setting realistic goals and expectations. Her follow up is outstanding, and she provides awesome support in what can be a difficult journey at times."
James J.
"When one gets to be a senior citizen, he/she usually knows the basics of promoting fitness and health. However, doing it is another story. In three months of working with Beth, I am exercising more, eating healthier, and more aware of choices that I am making. I have lost weight, feel better, and sleep better. Beth’s guidance, support, and encouragement was invaluable throughout this process. Her help in setting weekly, monthly, and three month goals set the foundation. Her nonjudgmental listening and comments bolstered my determination. But best of all, she has set me on a track towards a healthier lifestyle that I believe is sustainable and will serve as my guideline in future years."
Renee M.
"Dr. Frates has been a true leader in Lifestyle Medicine here at Harvard Medical School. In this age of increasing medical cost and complexity of care, Dr. Frates's lectures provide a much-needed reminder that we can treat diseases before they occur. Dr. Frates doesn't just tell us to treat illness; she also teaches us to remember to promote good health!
As a mentor, Dr. Frates encourages her students to practice the lifestyle habits that they wish to inspire in their patients. I wish that more of my own doctors would familiarize themselves with her coaching techniques. She is inspiring, motivating, knowledgeable, compassionate, passionate, and one of the best teachers I have had at Harvard!"
Vincent Xu, HMS II
Evaluations of Presentations:
On April 20, 2011, Dr. Beth Frates presented at Grand Rounds at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Needham, MA. Her title was "Exercise Prescription: Motivating Your Patients to Move." Below is the feedback she received from the audience.
"Excellent presentation, very dynamic speaker."
"Very engaging speaker."
"My favorite Grand Rounds speaker."
April 15-17, 2011, Dr. Beth Frates was in Phoenix, Arizona co-directing a 3 day academic course for physicians on The Exercise Prescription.
Comments from colleagues and participants---
"I have had the pleasure of working with, and learning from, Dr. Frates on two occasions as a course director and lecture attendee. Once at the AAMC Annual event in 2009 and, more recently, at the Association of Academic Physiatrist's Annual Meeting where she conducted a full-day presentation on physical activity and wellness coaching. She has a deep knowledge of her subject and is an exciting and engaging speaker. Her presentation style involves each of the participants and motivates everyone to make positive changes in their own and their patient's lifestyles. She is a true leader in a movement that will help shape the future of quality healthcare. From a course director's point-of-view she seeks to understand her audience's needs, meets necessary deadlines and is a true pleasure to work with."
John S. Harrell, MD
Assistant Professor and Residency Director
Baylor College of Medicine, PM&R
"The brief part of the course that I was able to attend was really engaging and I did get a lot out of it. I wanted to tell you that I think your teaching/lecturing style is amazing and I hope that you continue to teach in the same exciting and interactive way in future conference courses. Your residents are very lucky to have you."
A PM&R Chief-Resident
"Since her days as a leader at Harvard Medical school, Dr. Frates has impressed me with a combination of intellect, compassion and enthusiasm that is both rare and invigorating. Her venture with Wellness Synergy is a wonderful move towards a patient centered/ patient empowering wellness model that holds such great promise. I can think of no better more skilled or dedicated physician to lead us into this frontier. Her patients will surely flourish under her care."
David T Burke, MD, MA
Professor and Chairman
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
Emory University School of Medicine
Dr. Frates spoke at the Active Lives CME conference on November 12, 2011
"I had the pleasure of hearing Beth Frates speak at a recent Harvard Medical School continuing medical education course on exercise and health. She is so inspiring, knowledgeable, engaging...and funny! Beth blends personal story with state-of-the-art medical information in a really unique way. I was so impressed that I've asked her to come speak to the doctors and nurses at my medical practice."
Suzanne Koven, MD
Primary Care Internist, MGH
Medical Columnist, The Boston Globe
"Dr. Frates is a visionary and true leader in Lifestyle Medicine. I have known since 2017 through her engaging and transformative LM conference presentations, reading her Handbook of LM which is the single best evidence based resource in the field, and her overflowing pearls of wisdom on social media. She has contributed to our med school's leadership curriculum by doing the most incredible session on Meaning and purpose I have ever attended. And she has transformed the lives of my entire family by inspiring and motivating us all these years. Thank you for everything you selflessly do!!!"
Rahul Anand, MD, MBA
"I was honored to have Dr. Beth Frates to take part in a few meetings I produced. Dr. Frates took us through a program on the benefits of introducing powerful lifestyle changes into our daily routine. Lifestyle Medicine is an exciting movement and Beth’s message is simple, yet powerful and as we strive for a more sustainable health and world, I could not think of a better time to have her as a speaker. Dr. Frates is candid, highly energetic and personable making her a great addition to your meeting agenda! I highly recommend Dr. Frates as a speaker."
Andre Martins
Director US Strategic Planning - Colgate Palmolive