Real Food. Real Medicine. Real Change.
VITAL SIGNS 2026
June 16-18th, 2026
Case Western Reserve University || Cleveland, Ohio
Hosted by Rip Esselstyn — featuring the nation’s leading experts in Food as Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine.
Providers earn continuing education credits (pending) while learning how real food can transform clinical outcomes.
For Providers
CME-accredited education and clinical application
For Individuals
Real-world guidance and practical resources
For Everyone
Connect with pioneers in lifestyle and nutrition science
Where Healthcare Meets Real Food.
June 16-18th, 2026
For too long, nutrition has been the missing link in medicine.
Vital Signs 2026 brings together healthcare providers, researchers, and the public to explore how evidence-based nutrition can prevent and reverse chronic disease — and change the future of healthcare.
Whether you’re a physician, dietitian, nurse, or someone ready to reclaim your health, this event offers the education, community, and inspiration to make lasting change.
Discover the Power of Real Food as Medicine
June 16-18th, 2026
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Learn from top physicians and researchers advancing the science of plant-based nutrition
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Gain practical tools to apply Food as Medicine in your clinic, workplace, or home
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Hear inspiring patient and provider success stories
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Experience immersive cooking demos and taste delicious, whole-food, plant-based meals
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Connect with like-minded professionals and changemakers
We now have decades of evidence showing that heart disease is largely preventable and even reversible with lifestyle change. Vital Signs is where science meets practice, giving clinicians and patients alike the confidence to use real food as real medicine.
- Dr. Brian Asbill
From the Team Behind PLANTSTRONG
Built on decades of clinical evidence and real-world transformation, Vital Signs 2026 is hosted by Rip Esselstyn and the PLANTSTRONG team — in collaboration with leading physicians and institutions advancing the Food as Medicine movement.
Program Agenda (Speakers Announced Soon!)
Tuesday, June 16th
3:00 - 4:00 PM Registration
4:00 - 6:00 PM Welcome & Opening Lectures
6:00 - 7:00 PM Plant Strong Dinner Buffet
7:00 - 8:00 PM Evening Keynote
Wednesday, June 17th
8:00 - 9:00 AM Plant Strong Breakfast
9:00 - 12:00 PM Morning Lectures
12:00 - 1:00 PM Plant Strong Lunch
1:00 - 5:00 PM Afternoon Lectures, Q & A Panels
After hours optional add-on (to be announced!).
Thursday, June 18th
8:00 - 9:00 AM Plant Strong Breakfast
9:00 - 11:30 AM Morning Lectures
11:30 AM Closing Remarks
I’ve seen what happens when patients discover the power of real food — lives change. Vital Signs is about bringing that transformation into the mainstream of medicine, where it belongs.
-Dr. Laurie Marbas
MEET YOUR HOST
RIP ESSELSTYN
NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING AUTHOR
FOUNDER OF PLANTSTRONG
Rip Esselstyn spent a decade as one of the premier triathletes in the world. He then joined the Austin Fire Department where he introduced his passion for a whole-food, plant-based diet to Austin’s Engine 2 Firehouse in order to rescue a firefighting brother’s health. To document his success he wrote the national bestselling book, The Engine 2 Diet, which shows the irrefutable connection between a plant-based diet and good health. He is featured prominently in the documentary Forks Over Knives and The Game Changers.
As the founder of PLANTSTRONG, Rip develops and implements a range of programs and events geared toward education, inspiring and nurturing PLANTSTRONG living for individuals, families, and organizations across the globe.
The conference will be held in the heart of University Circle—steps away from world-class museums, botanical gardens, and restaurants. Discounted hotel blocks will be shared upon registration.
*Your event ticket is fully refundable up to March 16, 2026, less a $50 non-refundable fee.
Join us in Cleveland for three transformative days of evidence, education, and empowerment.
Vital Signs 2026—Real Food. Real Medicine. Real Change.
Questions? Call us at (512) 815-3322 or email at: events@plantstrong.com