Culinary Oncology with Laura Pole (Superstar!)

Laura Pole, Director of Smith Center’s Nourishment Education Programs, has served as the head retreat chef and nurse consultant since 1997. Ms. Pole is an Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist and Integrative Oncology Navigator with more than 45 years experience in caring for people with serious illness. She is a certified Health Supportive Chef and a culinary translator, who learned to cook at the apron strings of Creole and Cajun cooks in her southwest Louisiana town.

Ms. L. is a professional musician and tends to “fold” music and movement into her programs. Her popular cooking classes are centered on culinary translation: i.e., helping individuals translate a diet prescription into a plate of nourishing, delicious food.

Laura spearheaded the Smith Center’s project to create Soul Savory, a cookbook of healthy African American and African heritage foods. She co-created and presented Smith Center’s workshop for oncology dieticians and chefs on Culinary Translation in Cancer Care.

Ms. P is the founder of Eating for a Lifetime, a consulting business dedicated to teaching individuals and professionals about healthy supportive eating and food preparation.

Laura’s also is the co-coordinator of Smith Center’s Patient Navigation Training in Integrative Cancer Care and is a Senior Clinical Consultant for CancerChoices.org, a free, evidence-based website providing information and guidance to people with cancer, their caregivers, and health professionals on integrative cancer care.