As an interventional cardiologist, Dr. Heather Shenkman can bring someone back from the brink of death by cutting open an artery and clearing out a clot. But when it comes to caring for her patients, she prefers they take a preventative approach to heart health with plant-based diets. “I see patients from all walks of life, not just those who seek me out because I’m a vegan,” Shenkman said. “I do what I can to lead them in that direction, not only because it saves animals but more importantly because it’s going to save their health.” With a just-launched private practice, a new book and a busy calendar of speaking engagements, Shenkman is turning her plant-based take on medicine into a business. The competitive triathlete and longtime vegan was inspired by the work of physicians such as Dr. Dean Ornish, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn and Dr. Joel Fuhrman to make nutrition a central component of her treatment strategies while working at Lakeside Community Healthcare in Burbank. She plans to channel their ideas and her own observations into caring for patients at her 1,800-square-foot cardiology clinic at 18663 Ventura Blvd. in Tarzana, which opened in mid-January. “I really want to share my own philosophy and my own unique take on medicine, and being on my own gives me the opportunity to do that,” Shenkman said. “I want to be more than just a doctor – I want to help people make those lifestyle changes.” Her book, “The Vegan Heart Doctor’s Guide to Preventing Heart Disease, Losing Weight and Reclaiming Your Life,” began selling on Amazon on Jan. 12 for $21.95. The book’s focus is using nutrition to reverse heart disease, and includes a protocol for transitioning from a meat-centric diet to one based on vegetables. Shenkman is leveraging her expertise to promote her book and raise awareness of the benefits of a plant-based diet as a guest speaker at health events. On Jan. 22 in Woodland Hills, she shared her personal and professional experience with a vegan diet at the monthly meeting of Carnivores Anonymous, a 12-step nutrition program designed by Calabasas-based psychiatrist Dr. Marilyn Kroplick. She will be part of a panel at the Shamayim V’Aretz Institute national retreat in early February and will travel to Hawaii in March to speak before the Vegetarian Society of Hawaii, according to her website. Meanwhile, through her new practice, she plans to offer evening courses on nutrition and weight management. Culinary skills will also feature prominently in her offerings, she added. At her open house on Jan. 25, she offered guests a taste of what’s to come with a demonstration by cooking instructor Lisa Karlan. “Knowing how to cook is so important for your health,” Shenkman said. – Helen Floersh
