Testimonials
What People Are Saying: Real Stories, Real Results
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“I think it’s refreshing to see doctors in preventative medicine. I have a degree in Kinesiology and worked alongside many physical therapists for years before coming to medical school. Seems like that’s all that was preached - prevent, prevent, prevent. And while it’s important for us to learn pathology and how to treat things with medication, it’s like we’re learning how to be American doctors, not doctors to treat people wherever we go (I’m looking into travel medicine). I like lifestyle medicine because it feels like bringing other healthier cultures to our patients here. Just feels like the cheapest, cleanest, and simplest way to do things. If nothing else, your talk further enforced that people are receptive to lifestyle change if it means their QOL and life can be improved/extended, and it’s cool to see a DO do it."
Jaime Freiburger, OMS II, OU-HCOM Cleveland Class of 2021 President
“All the usual adjectives apply...smart, capable, knowledgable, etc... He's a fine clinician, practices good, evidence based medicine. But Colin stood out. There's something different about him. He's a pleasure to be with, warm, personable and energetic. His experience as a chef, world traveler, and his athletic and social skills render him quite the Renaissance man. He also showed fine leadership qualities during the time I worked with him at the IHS in Las Vegas. I would recommend him for a clinical or academic position anywhere in the world. I think he would fit just as easily in a Park Avenue high society practice as he did working with me at the IHS. In summary, he's a real mensch.”
Ed Shanik, MD Family Practice
“Dr. Zhu is an amazing doctor. Very knowledgeable, kind and professional. This is the first time I meet a doctor willing to make time out of his busy life to meet with his patients for a walk in the park and talk about health! I 100% recommend his service!”
— Fabi C.
“Met Dr.Zhu at the SoCal Vegfest. His speaking/cooking Demo was great and very informative. Very knowledgeable and dedicated, as well as prompt with responding to any questions after the event. Highly recommended!”
— Kikey Pluma
“Dr. Zhu, thank you for all the work that you do! You provide a wonderful mix of medicine, cooking, health, and wellness for patients. I enjoy your podcast, full of great information, your energy, all the tips, and your cooking demos! I admire your dedication to helping people improve their health and lifestyle through plant-based nutrition.”
— Brenda Mahecha
“Dr. Zhu is incredible. Not only has he taken great care of my health, but also he is fun to speak with at every appointment. It’s rare to find a doctor that combines such personal touches and care for a patient as a person with outstanding quality of medical care. Dr. Zhu combines expertise and a willingness to listen and discuss. Also, the staff is very friendly and professional.”
— Gulzar Amaan
“Dr. Z was such an awesome physician when he was with my provider Axminster Medical Group. Eventhough I was with MediCal, he would send me to specialists that were top rated and not facilities where you had to sit and wait for an hour to be seen by a doctor. He was very knowledgeable about medications & the best course of treatment for any condition I was experiencing. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Dr. Z. He’s actually a physician THAT CARES ABOUT YOUR LIFE & YOUR HEALTH!”
—Steven Saffold Jr
“Dr Colin Zhu is paving the way for plant-based diet and plant based way of living. He is knowledgeable and passionate. He practices his truth, whether it is in medicine or culinary. I have learned a lot from him as a practitioner myself, applying his knowledge in my own office. Dr Zhu is always striving to improve your physical and mental health in some way just through conversation. You can tell he cares about each person he meets. I am glad to have met him and continue to seek and follow his message.”
— Khani Nguyen
“Dr. Colin Zhu's practice in Lake Forest is a refreshing change in the health and wellness field. As a board-certified professional in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, he brings a unique perspective by combining medical expertise with culinary skills. His dedication to integrating medicine with nutrition and lifestyle is inspiring. It's great to see a doctor who emphasizes the role of food in our health. For those looking for a holistic approach to wellness, Dr. Zhu's TheChefDoc offers a perfect blend of medical knowledge and nutritional insight.”
— Nino Gjivoje
“Dr. Colin Zhu is a much needed trailblazer in the field of healthful nutrition. He makes learning incredibly fun while expertly combining his passions for traditional medicine and culinary medicine so you can live your healthiest life. Don't miss an educational opportunity to learn from this dynamic Chef Doc!”
— Robyn Tiger, MD
“As a physician, and a proponent of lifestyle change to acheive optimal health, I am really impressed with the work Dr. Colin Zhu is doing to provide direct solutions for patients right here in Orange County and virtually wherever he can help.”
— John McHugh
“This man is passionate, invested, and genuine. He is ready, willing, and able to help, guide, and inspire. No one it leading by example more than Dr. Zhu.”
— Frances Southwick
“Dr. Zhu is detailed, caring and knowledgeable. He provided me with great care and had me feeling better quick!”
— Erin Nordstrom
“Having known Dr. Zhu for many years as a colleague, he is one of the most caring, passionate, and driven physicians I know. As a chef and physician, he provides optimal care utilizing lifestyle medicine, with special attention to diet. I would highly recommend him to my friends and/or family members and would be happy to call him my physician as well.”
Jon Bonnet, MD Sport Medicine Physician
“The best part would have to be the representation of medicine in a innovative/mainstream/impactful kind of way. Often when thinking about my future, I get hung up trying to place myself into the current framework of medicine. Your talk was a great view of paving your own way, combining talents, and still being a great doctor.“
Chynna D. Smith, OMS II,
“Working with Dr. Colin Zhu is an incredibly enriching experience. He actually takes the time to truly listen and develop a collaborative solution with his full energy and dedication. I've been fortunate to work with him for several years on mission-driven initiatives to advance Lifestyle Medicine and have personally been able to experience his genuine intention, thoughtful leadership, and engaging style. I look forward to each opportunity to work together as his unique ability to integrate this depth of commitment with understanding of context infuses the process with meaning and purpose. Dr. Zhu is an exceptional physician and I hope others will have the chance have this rewarding experience working together."
Ingrid Edshteyn, DO, MPH Founder, Valia Lifestyle
“Colin is warm, welcoming and always carries a smile with him at work. He is down to earth and easy to get along with. He loves his staff and loves his work. From what I can tell from patient feedback, they are very happy with him. Yes, I would specifically recommend patients to Colin regarding dietary modification and lifestyle changes.“
Farnoush Ghaderi, DO Family Practice
“Dr. Zhu brings an open mind to patient care, willing to think outside of the box to improve the health of his patients. From food as medicine lectures to walks with the doc, he is always coming up with innovative ways to cultivate health. He is always in a positive mood and his energy is contagious! Dr. Zhu is a great listener and his patients feel heard. He takes time to research questions patients may have to provide educated answers. Even if he is busy, you never feel rushed with him.”
Ashley Burkman, ND Naturopathic Medicine
“I have to say I had an amazing experience with Dr. Colin Zhu! He was very thoughtful and thorough. He listened to every single symptom I described and asked very pertinent questions in order to help me out. I have suffered from migraines for decades so it is not often that a professional actually brings me new information about food that can be good or bad for migraines, but Dr. Zhu had many amazing information to share with me that I was glad to find out! He also talked about nutrients and took the time to answer my many questions. There was no wait time and I honestly felt as if I was seeing him in his office, and not on an online appointment. Besides being a great professional, he seemed to genuinely be interested in helping people. Very highly recommended!"
Patient R.G.
“This was a virtual appointment and it was so nice to receive the same level of care I would at the doctor's office without having to leave my home. The doctor was super helpful and friendly and was able to provide excellent care. I barely had to wait to be seen, it was minimally disruptive to my work day. I felt comfortable asking questions and that he asked ample questions to determine a diagnosis. I would highly recommend Dr. Zhu and virtual appointments with him."
Patient K.P.
“We are so thankful to Dr. Colin Zhu for his kindness and attention to detail during our telehealth session. He asked lots of thorough questions and made sure to get a clear medical history and full picture of symptoms. We are so thankful for his help!"
Patient D.M.
“My visit went very well. I was encouraged to seek out a specialist, which I had not previously considered as an option, or even necessity. I very much appreciate the time that Dr. Zhu gave me and my situation, as well as the referral for the specialist so that I can get a better idea of what may be going on with me and my situation."
Patient C.J.
“I am so glad I finally decided to jump on board to a WFPB diet! With Dr. Zhu's guidance, I expect to be 100% compliant within the next 3 months or so. In addition, I expect to reach my goal weight by year's end."
Patient S.M
“Dr. Zhu spent a lot of time getting to know me well, which I found helpful for his treatment plan. But the best part is that he didn't stop with the appointment. He kept in touch through messaging to see how I was doing and how the treatments were working, as well as offering lifestyle advice and recommendations. Great doc!"
Patient K.S.
“My appointments with Dr. Zhu have been the best experience I’ve ever had with medical professionals. He is a great listener and is very well informed on a broad range of medical topics. His appointments always start on time. He explained clearly to me my lab results and what I needed to do. He followed up with emails explaining any dietary or lifestyle changes I needed to make along with links to supplements to take. He displays a lot of empathy and follows up after each appointment. In a very short time, I feel I can trust him."
Patient M.G.