AHF members are at the forefront of the healthcare foodservice industry, leading the charge in innovative and transformative initiatives that improve patient care and community health. One shining example of this leadership is AHF member Chef Nazim Khan, CEC, WCEC, who is pioneering the “food as medicine” movement at Bryan Health in Lincoln, Nebraska in collaboration with AHF member and Director of Nutrition and Dining Services Mike Dixon.
Chef Nazim is no stranger to operational excellence. As the 2024 recipient of the AHF Spotlight Award, he has been recognized for his ability to enhance operations through innovative ideas and industry trends. His leadership at Bryan Health has driven significant advancements, including the establishment of Bryan Bean coffee shop and a state-of-the-art catering and teaching kitchen designed specifically for oncology patients at the April Sampson Cancer Center.
Now, his comprehensive cookbook, “Cooking for Wellness: Recipes for Health & Healing,” co-authored with Melanie Mitchell, a dietitian at Cancer Partners of Nebraska, is yet another example of his commitment to improving patient care through nutrition. Together, they spent a year developing nearly 200 recipes that harness the healing power of food, particularly for cancer patients.
Chef Nazim’s work in the “food as medicine” movement is bolstered by the strong support of Bryan Health, a proud AHF member organization that is setting the standard for integrating nutrition into healthcare. Recognizing that healthcare foodservice professionals play a vital role in patient outcomes, Bryan Health has invested in culinary education, community engagement, and sustainability efforts to ensure lasting impact.
The collaboration between Chef Nazim, Mike Dixon, and clinical dietitian Kena Ludemann, RD, LMNT, CNSC of Bryan Health exemplifies the powerful synergy between culinary expertise, clinical nutrition, and strong leadership. Their partnership showcases how interdisciplinary teamwork can drive meaningful, results-driven initiatives that benefit patients, healthcare organizations, and the broader community.
As AHF members, we know that foodservice is more than just meal preparation; it is a critical component of healthcare. Leaders like Chef Nazim and organizations like Bryan Health exemplify the power of our industry to make a lasting impact. Their commitment to the “food as medicine” movement is a model for others to follow, proving that with the right support, food can truly be a cornerstone of healing.
AHF celebrates Members Chef Nazim Khan, Mike Dixon, and Bryan Health as well as Melanie Mitchell and Kena Ludemann for their dedication and leadership. Their work inspires us all to continue pushing the boundaries of what healthcare foodservice can achieve. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the Foodservice Director Magazine article highlighting the team at Bryan Health and Melanie Mitchell at Cancer Partners of Nebraska.
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FSD Foodservice Director Magazine: “Run, don’t walk to download a fantastic new food-as-medicine focused e-cookbook from healthcare chef extraordinaire Nazim Khan”
