Barry Mennen, MD received his BA from New York University and his MD from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He completed his residency at Albany (NY) Medical Center and practiced in upstate NY for five years. Recovering from four back surgeries (needed for an old rugby injury) and six months of hospitalizations, he decided to leave practice and enter the pharmaceutical industry.

During Dr. Mennen's 30-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, the largest portion of his time was spent in four main areas: diabetes, cardiovascular, medications for weight loss, and nutrition. This experience helped prepare him for his practice.

In addition to his clinical and industry experience, Dr. Mennen has always been interested in human evolution. What further sparked this interest was learning about the "thrifty gene hypothesis," which tied in aspects of our previous lifestyle as hunter-gatherers and the high incidence of obesity and diabetes in modern populations. He was so intrigued by this that he began researching the 'natural' diet for humans. He was thrilled to have been given special permission by a Yale anthropology professor whom he knew to attend a three-day Gordon Research Conference in 1984 in Ventura, CA, entitled "Diet and Human Evolution." This conference was critical in the launching of the Paleo (caveman) Diet movement.

Combining this interest with his growing understanding of paleo-nutrition along with his medical knowledge in diabetes, obesity, nutrition and pharmacotherapy was the perfect foundation for his learning about the patented approach of Michael Anchors, MD, PhD. After researching Dr. Anchors' approach, Dr. Mennen met with him and was asked to join his practice.