Speakers

Dr. Edward Walker is a scientist and lecturer, who believes that developing a healthy relationship with food is key for long-term wellness.

History

He completed his PhD at the University of Auckland on the antioxidant effects of berry fruits, and has continued to research how dietary plant compounds can improve health and wellness.

He works at The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research, undertaking commercially focused research of nutraceutical products for human health applications, with a focus on clinical validation of lab-based results. He is also a guest lecturer at the University of Auckland on the topic of nutraceuticals and functional foods.

How he came to Calocurb

Over the last 15 years Edward’s primary research focus has been the investigation of plant-based, appetite suppressants that reduce hunger and support healthy food choices. This work led to the development of Amarasate, a novel NZ hops-based appetite suppressant that stimulates the bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) in the gut to super-stimulate a triple satiety cascade - GLP-1, CCK and PYY.

He is passionate about plant-based nutraceuticals and believes that with the appropriate scientific research, they have the potential to improve health and wellness, and even prevent or delay the development of chronic disease.

Dr. Kracht was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America at age 15 and currently serves as Assistant Scout Master of Troop 215 in Dublin, PA. He received his B.S. in Pre-Medicine with High Distinction and Honors in Religious Studies at the Pennsylvania State University. He received his Doctor of Osteopathy at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. While attending Penn State, he was the recipient of the Paul/David Wentroble Award for the Outstanding Premedical Student. He completed his family practice residency at Eglin Air Force Base and was named chief resident his third year. He subsequently served four years as an active duty family physician in the United States Air Force.

While serving in the Air Force, he held numerous positions to include Medical Director of Emergency Services, Medical Director of the Allergy Clinic, and co-founder and co-manager of the Women Survivors of Sexual Abuse Group. He was cited in the 11th edition of Who's Who in the World. While at Tyndall Air Force Base, he was deployed to Cuba to provide medical aid to the Cuban refugees at Guantanamo Bay. Dr. Kracht was Tyndall's nominee for the Air Force Physician of the Year, 1994. He separated from the Air Force with three Commendation Medals, an Achievement Medal, a Humanitarian Medal and Honorable Discharge with the rank of Major.

Dr. Kracht is affiliated with the following hospitals: Grandview Hospital in Sellersville, Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, and Quakertown St. Luke's Hospital in Quakertown. He serves as a community preceptor for the family medicine residents at Lehigh Valley Hospital. He was the past chairperson of the Family Medicine Department at Grandview Hospital.

In addition to his conventional family medical training, Dr. Kracht has received additional advanced post doctorate training in Environmental Medicine and Allergy, Osteopathic Cranial Sacral Therapy, Homeopathic Medicine, Functional and Nutritional Medicine. Using the best of many medical modalities, he is able to provide an integrative, patient centered medical care that specializes in the individual patient; whether it be a common or complex problem. His comprehensive family medical care includes preconception care, newborn and child care, adolescent, adult and geriatric care all with the warmth and sensitivity of a family physician.

Dr. Kracht resides in East Rockhill Township with his wife, Terri and their children Taylor Marie, Zachariah William and Laurel Nicole.

PS: Dr. Kracht is pronounced like Kr-"ocked" as in "locked" the door.