Mike Rosen, M.D
Board Certified Internal Medicine
(613) 559-5676

Dinner with your doctor?

     An eating disorder a medical condition that can have significant medical consequences if not addressed appropriately. What makes Dr. Rosen unique is that he combines his medical training with his nutritional training to help patients develop a full nutritional program that is safe and healthy. He has the ability and knowledge to monitor thyroid function when patients have diets high in soy protein or order medical tests when complications arise that may be related to dietary habits. As a physician he can medically diagnose conditions related to nutritional status and customize nutritional plans for optimum health.  

        Dr. Rosen's approach is not just clinical. Dr. Rosen believes that once he and the patient have gotten to know each other well enough, that shared therapeutic meals, either bringing food in, or eating out together, can help the patient make significant strides in his or her recovery while processing the experience together.

   Dr. Rosen eats with patients at all times and at all meals—from breakfast, to snacks, to lunch and dinner.  It might be a breakfast at the local bagel place, lunch at a diner, dinner at a restaurant, or snacks in the office. When appropriate and the patient is ready, challenges at McDonald’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, or Cinnabon with Dr. Rosen may be included as a part of the program.  Dr. Rosen works to re frame the patients’ viewpoint on food and eating, to show how to regain control over food rather than having food control the patient, to show how ALL types of food should not be feared and are not a threat to one’s health or well-being when eaten in an empowered way. 

     Dr. Rosen enjoys teaching the patient the truths and myths surrounding food, such as whole grains vs. white bread, fat vs. lean meat, high protein vs. high carb, and so on.  He shows patients how food can and should be enjoyable, and works through the patient’s body dysmorphia (altered body image), if it is present, to help the patient return to healthy, balanced nutrition.

     Beginning January 2009, Dr. Rosen will be offering nutrition group therapy for those dealing with eating disorder issues.  He will be initiating several groups, including those for anorexia/bulimia/EDnos (eating disorder not otherwise specified), and a binge eating disorder group.   He will also initiate a group for those who might not have a specific eating disorder diagnosis but rather wants to learn how to simply gain better eating/nutrition/exercise knowledge and information.   In all group settings, the participants will have the opportunity to share meals in a nurturing environment, go food shopping, and re-learn how to “intuitively” eat.  The shared experience is highly valuable either as therapy alone or as additional therapy to one’s individual treatment.