In the Olive Grove: Health and Olive Oil
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In anticipation of the 7th Yale International Symposium on Olive Oil and Health, to be hosted at Yale from December 4–7, Yale Global Health Insights podcast host Dr. Sharon Chekijian sits down with Dr. Tassos Kyriakides, Assistant Professor of Biostatistics at the Yale School of Public Health and Director of the VA Cooperative Studies Program Coordinating Center. A scientist, researcher, and certified olive oil sommelier, Dr. Kyriakides brings a unique combination of data-driven research and cultural perspective to his work. From his upbringing in Cyprus to his leadership in international collaborations on HIV, PTSD, and clinical trial design, he reflects on how lifelong curiosity and a deep respect for food as medicine have shaped his career. He also discusses the origins of his olive oil research, the scientific evidence behind the Mediterranean diet’s health benefits, and how this work is expanding into studies on Alzheimer’s disease, metabolic health, and the gut microbiome.