The Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute teaches medical students, clinicians, health professionals, and community members the principles of Culinary Medicine. Inside the Mussallem Nutritional Education Kitchen (MNEK), participants gain hands-on, practical healthy cooking skills and learn evidence-informed whole food nutritional concepts that affect health. Through the Culinary Medicine Undergraduate Program (CMUP), UC Irvine undergraduate students work closely with MNEK staff to facilitate classes, events, and projects, as well as learn healthy cooking skills and nutritional concepts through CMUP group meetings. After participating in the program for a minimum of two quarters, students earn a certification of completion from the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute and enjoy unique opportunities.
Responsibilities
When participating in the CMUP, students are required to:
- Work 1-2 volunteer shifts in the MNEK per month
- Attend regularly scheduled CMUP meetings, including an orientation meeting and bi-weekly group meetings.
As part of the program, members commit to working 1-2 volunteer shifts per month at the Mussallem Nutrition Education Kitchen. During these shifts, members play a vital role in preparing the demonstration kitchen for classes and events, including setting up the space, organizing cooking stations, and ensuring that all equipment and ingredients are ready and functional. Members actively support instructors by assisting with ingredient preparation, maintaining an organized environment, and providing hands-on assistance during classes. They engage with participants, address questions related to recipes and nutritional concepts, and contribute to a seamless, educational experience for all involved. Members are also expected to participate in post-class clean-up, which involves cleaning dishes, utensils, and cookware.
Additionally, program members attend an orientation and bi-weekly meetings. These meetings serve as check-ins with program members and a platform to share program updates and opportunities for members.
Apply
To apply for the Culinary Medicine Undergraduate Program, students must:
- Complete the following application: CMUP Winter 2025 Application
- Send your completed application, resume, and class schedule for Winter Quarter 2025 in an email to cmupcoordinators@gmail.com between 12/13/24 and 1/3/25 by 11:59 P.M. Any applications submitted before or after will not be considered.
- Complete a Zoom interview with the CMUP coordinators once your application has been accepted.
CMUP coordinators will notify applicants if they’ve been accepted into the program.
Schedule
The next schedule for the CMUP begins in week 1 of the Winter quarter (1/8/2025) and concludes at the end of Spring quarter (6/6/25).
Participants must re-apply to the program the following quarter by submitting a continued expression of interest to coordinators.
Contact
Please reach out to the CMUP coordinators with any questions: cmupcoordinators@gmail.com
