Kofi Essel

Background

About Kofi Essel

Kofi Essel, MD, MPH, FAAP is the inaugural Food as Medicine Program Director at Elevance Health. As a core member of the Health Outcomes Organization team, he works to coordinate with the broader social impact strategy, health equity, and medical policy initiatives throughout the enterprise. He leads efforts in designing innovative approaches to address diet related chronic diseases and social risk using novel food interventions. Experienced Healthcare Executive, Community Pediatrician, Speaker, and Academic with expertise and national recognition in the areas of addressing gaps in nutrition education medical training, obesity stigma, and food/nutrition insecurity. Dedicated career to advocacy and research around healthcare training, health disparities, and community engagement. Dr. Essel sits on the National Academy of Sciences Roundtable on Obesity Solutions Lived Experience Innovation Collaborative and co-authored a national toolkit for pediatric providers to address food insecurity in their clinical settings with the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Food Research & Action Center. Dr. Essel previously served as the Director of Culinary Medicine at George Washington University and Principal Investigator of a large multidisciplinary population health initiative using produce prescription programs and novel navigation systems that aims to strengthen community-clinical ties to address diet related chronic diseases in historically marginalized settings in Washington, D.C. A proud graduate of the infamous Little Rock Central High School with a 5A State Basketball championship in his back pocket. A 2018 American Academy of Pediatrics Special Achievement Award Recipient. Named a 2019 40 Under 40 Leaders in Health Award by the National Minority Quality Forum. A 2021 Leonard Tow Humanism Award Recipient. Skilled in Public Speaking, Curricular & Program Development, Health Education, Nutrition Education, and Community Collaboration & Outreach.