Our Chapter Leaders
Physicians' Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), a nonprofit organization, sponsor the chapter network empowering individuals everywhere to start independent local groups (Chapters) promoting the benefits of a whole food, plant-based (WFPB) lifestyle.
Our Chapter covers southeastern Massachusetts, but we have members from many distant communities within the United States.
Joan Marie Gagnon
Chapter Leader
A retired CPA/CFP, Joan has a passion for journaling and has written two books, Journal Your Way to Retirement and Journal Your Way to a Peaceful World. In 2020 she became passionate about a whole food, plant-based lifestyle and co-founded the Chapter with Debra and Shikha . In 2023 she was certified as a Plant-Based Coach through Food Revolution Network. She received her certificate from eCornell in Plant Based Nutrition in 2020. She recently received her Grassroots Plant-based Ambassador Certificate.
Dr. Shikha Singhal Merchia
Chapter Leader
Double Board certified in Internal Medicine & Lifestyle Medicine 🌱
Mom, cook, and whole food plant based enthusiast, and recipe developer. She has received her certificate from eCornell in Plant Based Nutrition.
Debra Diamond
Chapter Leader
Debra has received certificates on Diet & Lifestyle Intervention from the Wellness Forum Institute For Health Studies, and Plant-Based Nutrition from eCornell. Debra is currently studying to become a Nutrition Educator.
Dr. Janet Limke
Chapter Leader
Janet Limke, MD, is a board-certified spine physiatrist and a diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. As a member of Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS), she serves on the MMS Committee on Occupational and Environmental Health and the Committee on Exercise and Nutrition.
Dr. Limke became plant-based in early 2022, has a renewed interest in cooking from scratch, and loves to share how it improved her mood and energy level. She loves to observe how diet transforms her patients' health and performance.