Old Dominion University Announces Establishment of the Joan P. Brock Institute for Nutrition Science and Health

Core Insights - Old Dominion University has established the Joan P. Brock Institute for Nutrition Science and Health to integrate nutrition and lifestyle medicine into medical education and community health [1][2][3] Group 1: Institute Establishment and Purpose - The Joan P. Brock Institute aims to lead in reimagining medical education by making nutrition a foundational element of healthcare [2] - Joan Brock's $15 million donation is inspired by her personal health journey, emphasizing the importance of nutrition in recovery [2][3] - The institute is part of a broader initiative to transform health and wellness in Coastal Virginia, connecting resources for community betterment [3] Group 2: Health Challenges and Educational Gaps - Chronic diseases account for 90% of the $4.5 trillion spent on healthcare in the U.S., with poor nutrition being the leading cause of death [4] - Hampton Roads faces a high burden of chronic diseases, highlighting the need for improved nutrition education in medical training [5] Group 3: Educational Initiatives and Future Plans - A Master of Science in Nutrition will be offered at the Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences, with the first students starting in fall 2026 [6] - The initial focus of the institute will be on recruiting leadership, integrating nutrition into medical curricula, and establishing community outreach [7][8] - Future plans include building community initiatives and a metabolic kitchen to support education and research [8] Group 4: Legacy and Community Impact - Joan Brock's ongoing support has led to the establishment of multiple health-related initiatives at Old Dominion University, reinforcing her commitment to the region [9][11] - The university's health sciences center is the largest of its kind in Virginia, enhancing its role in healthcare education and community health [10][13]