Lauren Powell, M.D., a board-certified Family Medicine physician and culinary medicine specialist, has been on a mission to end generational health issues in the African-American community since her 2014 graduation from the Wayne State University School of Medicine.

The author, who makes healthy eating accessible and enjoyable via her social media quick tips, online cooking school and book, “Food Essentials for the Busy Professional,” will speak about her professional journey at the School of Medicine on Aug. 2.

Sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Powell will speak at 4 p.m. in the Margherio Family Conference Center in the Mazurek Medical Education Commons. She will have copies of her book for sale following her presentation.

Born and raised in the Detroit area, Dr. Lauren graduated cum laude from the University of Detroit Mercy with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a minor in business administration. She obtained her medical degree from WSU and completed her Family Medicine residency at Halifax Health in Daytona Beach, Fla., where she served as chief resident.

During her residency, Dr. Powell’s father suffered a stroke that doctors attributed to a poor diet, high cholesterol and diabetes. That incident convinced her of what she describes as her personal responsibility to help her father and others take control of their health and improve their relationship with food. She enrolled at the Tulane University School of Medicine, where she received specialized training in culinary medicine, nutrition and culinary art.

Dr. Powell, a graduate of the School of Medicine’s Post Baccalaureate Program, now travels the nation speaking to audiences about disease prevention and the healing properties of food. She co-founded a not-for-profit organization, Young Lady Watching, to empower and encourage young minority females to pursue careers in health care. She also is working on her own line of products, including a marinara sauce.

Her talk is open to all students, faculty and staff.