Visit us at: 157 E. 72nd St, New York 10021
The Journey Behind The Healing
How personal experience shaped a revolutionary approach to Medicine
Dr. Dara Huang is a double Board Certified physician specializing in Nephrology and Internal Medicine with a remarkable journey that has shaped her revolutionary approach to healthcare.
Education & Professional Background
Educational Background:
Combined BA/MD Degree
Brown University’s (PLME program)
Master’s in Medical Science
Brown University
Culinary Arts Degree
California Sushi Academy
Professional Distinctions:
NYC’s first medical cannabis physician
Leader in culinary medicine
Healthcare entrepreneur and Co-Founder of PerkyPet
Hospital affiliations with Mount Sinai and Lenox Hill Hospital
A Personal Journey That Transformed Medicine
Dr. Huang’s path to innovative medicine was forged through profound personal experiences:
“My life’s work is a direct result of personal family traumas and challenges. Yet I am probably among the few non-burned-out doctors you’ll find teaching the value of moments strung together, is life.”
Key Moments in Dr. Huang's journey
1992
Personal Loss
Lost her mother to suicide as a teenager.
1990s-2004
Early Career
Brown University PLME Program (BA/MD).
2002-2004
Healing Through Cooking
Worked as professional sushi chef at Haruki Restaurant while completing Masters.
Mid-2000s
Medical Training
Radiation Oncology residency at UPMC.
Mid-2000s
Second Loss
Sister diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer at age 32.
2015-2016
New Direction
Became NYC’s first medical cannabis physician.
2023-Present
Entrepreneurship
Co-founded PerkyPet, bringing medical expertise to pet health.
The Culinary Medicine Approach
Dr. Huang’s culinary journey began out of necessity cooking for her family after her mother’s passing and evolved into a revolutionary approach to preventive medicine.
“Food is a storyteller of the human condition. Challenging the often quoted ‘Food as Medicine’, these bite-sized lessons in Culinary Medicine call into action: ‘Food Prevents Medicine’ – good nutrition can help prevent the need for medical intervention.”
Featured
Videos
5 Healthy Tips for Family Meals & Up-close knife demo
How to Create Your Culinary Med Rx
The Power of a Plant Based Diet – Living a Long & Healthy Life
Dr. Huang's Culinary Medicine Philosophy
Rooted In Tradition
Combines Western medicine with ancient Chinese food wisdom.
Evidence-based
Incorporates the latest nutritional science.
Practical approach
Focuses on simple, sustainable dietary changes.
Patient empowerment
Teaches cooking techniques and food knowledge.
Innovative Medical Cannabis Care
Dr. Huang’s approach to medical cannabis was born from witnessing her sister’s battle with cancer. Today, she’s one of New York’s foremost experts in cannabinoid medicine.
Dr. Huang’s Comprehensive Cannabis Care System:
Universal pain scale/symptom logs pre-post cannabis use.
Patient education on NYS cannabis laws.
Clear guidance on prescription processes and medication regimen.
Communication with referring physicians
“For personal and professional reasons, I am dedicated to not only care for suffering patients compassionately, but also lawfully and responsibly.”
PerkyPet: Extending Healing to Our Furry Companions
Dr. Huang’s latest venture as co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of PerkyPet represents her commitment to extending healing to all family members—including pets. This innovative platform combines AI-assisted technology with behavioral science to deliver personalized care that evolves with each pet’s unique needs.
The PerkyPet Difference:
Personalized care plans tailored to breed, age, and health conditions.
Behavioral science integration for lasting positive routines.
Digital twin technology for early disease prediction and longevity.
Science-backed wellness recommendations.
Interactive health tracking and monitoring.
“At PerkyPet, we stand at the intersection of technology and the human-animal bond, leveraging digital solutions to create deeper connections between pet parents and their beloved companions.”
Speaking Engagements & Media Appearances
Dr. Huang regularly shares her expertise through speaking engagements, media appearances, and educational programs. A dynamic and engaging speaker, she delivers insights on nephrology, culinary medicine, cannabis care, and healthcare innovation.
2024: National Kidney Foundation – “Cannabis and Kidney Health: Is it OK to be High?” (Debate)
2023: Plant-Powered Wellness: The Clinical Advantages of a Plant-Based Diet
2022: CAMS Annual Scientific Conference: “Creating Your Culinary Medicine Rx”
Begin Your Journey with Dr. Huang
Whether you’re seeking specialized kidney care, exploring complementary treatments like medical cannabis, looking to transform your relationship with food through culinary medicine, or interested in Dr. Huang’s entrepreneurial ventures, we invite you to connect and discover how her unique approach might support your health and wellness goals.
157 E. 72nd St, Ground Floor, Suite J
New York, NY 10021
Tel: 917-364-4885 , Fax: 608-305-8830
Follow on Social
© 2026 Dr. Dara Huang, MD Medical PLLC