The Joan P. Brock Institute for Nutrition Science and Health at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University has reached another major milestone with the appointment of Karen Studer, MD, MBA, M.P.H., as its inaugural executive director, effective October 5, 2026.
Since announcing the establishment of the institute last year through Joan Brock’s transformational $15 million gift, the University has been building the foundation for a bold new approach to nutrition science, lifestyle medicine and chronic disease prevention.
"The appointment of Dr. Studer represents an exciting new chapter for the Joan P. Brock Institute for Nutrition Science and Health," said Old Dominion University President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. "Due to Joan Brock’s extraordinary vision and generosity, we have established a remarkable foundation for an institute that will advance scientific discovery, improve health and prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. Dr. Studer is the ideal leader to build on that foundation and elevate the institute as a national model for integrating nutrition and lifestyle medicine into education, research and community impact."
Dr. Studer joins Old Dominion University from Loma Linda University, where she currently serves as chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated leadership in preventive and lifestyle medicine, graduate medical education and academic program development. She has led academic and clinical initiatives, secured competitive federal funding and developed innovative educational programs that prepare physicians to address chronic disease through evidence-based prevention and lifestyle interventions.
Her education and professional training reflect the interdisciplinary approach central to the institute’s mission. She earned a Master of Public Health, a Doctor of Medicine and a Master of Business Administration in Health Administration; completed her residency in public health and general preventive medicine; and is board certified in public health and general preventive medicine, lifestyle medicine, lifestyle medicine intensivist, obesity medicine and integrative holistic medicine.
Dr. Studer is also recognized nationally for her leadership in the field. She serves on the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education's Milestones Committee for Nutrition and Review Committee for Preventive Medicine; is a director of the American Board of Preventive Medicine, where she chairs the Focused Practice Designation in Lifestyle Medicine Committee; and is a board member of the California Academy of Preventive Medicine. She is also co-creator and copyright holder of the Lifestyle Medicine Residency Curriculum, developed in partnership with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
The Joan P. Brock Institute for Nutrition Science and Health serves as a multidisciplinary hub that integrates nutrition and lifestyle medicine into medical and health professions education, research, clinical innovation and community health. Its mission aligns with Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University’s commitment to preparing healthcare professionals who understand the essential role nutrition and healthy lifestyles play in preventing and managing chronic disease.
“Dr. Studer's expertise and collaborative approach make her exceptionally well suited to lead this important initiative," said Alfred Abuhamad, MD, executive vice president for health sciences at Old Dominion University. "I am confident that her leadership will strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, expand opportunities for research and education, while advancing the institute's vision to prevent disease, improve health and enhance the well-being of the communities we serve.”
Read more about the Joan P. Brock Institute for Nutrition Science and Health.
Learn more about new online Master of Science in Nutrition (M.S.).
