In this powerful episode of MEDA’s Professional Member Spotlight, we sit down with Lisa Pearl, pioneering dietitian, educator, researcher, and founder of CNC360 in Lexington, MA.
With over four decades in the field, Lisa shares a deeply personal and professional look at the evolution of eating disorder care—from being the only dietitian speaking out against diet culture in the 1980s, to building a thriving, values-aligned team, to calling out the systemic barriers that still hold providers back.
Whether you’re a longtime clinician or just entering the field, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, energized, and reminded why this work matters.
✨ Topics We Cover
Lisa’s early advocacy for weight-inclusive, anti-diet care
The evolution of community: from isolation to interdependence
Burnout, systemic barriers, and how insurance policies undermine ethical care
Ageism in the field and why seasoned providers still matter
The difference between hierarchy and collaboration—and why curiosity must lead
How we can unlearn oppressive care models and build more inclusive systems
What it means to do “heart labor” in a field that often underpays and overworks
🧠 Lisa’s Recommended Resources
CNC360.com – Lisa’s group practice
IFED – International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians
EDRD Pro – Trainings and community for weight-inclusive RDs
WIRED – Weight-Inclusive Research and Education
BIPOC ED Conference – For intersectional perspectives
Association for Weight Inclusive Medicine – A new org to watch
Medical Students for Size Inclusivity – A hopeful sign of change
Boston ED Dietitian Listserv – Started by Vanessa K
Marci Evans & Fiona Sutherland – Thought leaders and resource creators
✉️ Want to Be Featured?
Are you a MEDA Professional Member doing powerful work in the eating disorder field? We’d love to feature you in a future episode!
📧 Email: membership@medainc.org
🌐 Learn more: medainc.org → Check the “Professional Trainings and Community” dropdown
💜 Thank You for Listening
We’re so grateful for our vibrant, passionate, evolving community. Stay tuned for more stories that celebrate our work, challenge the status quo, and connect us in shared purpose.
