A native of New Jersey, Dr. Lavine graduated summa cum laude from Pomona College, where he received distinction in his combined major of chemistry and zoology and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He received his M.D. degree from the School of Medicine of the University of California, San Diego. He served his residency in St. Louis at the Washington University Affiliated Hospitals, which included Barnes Hospital, The Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, and St. Louis Children's Hospital, among others.
After completing his training, Dr. Lavine established his medical practice, which was built the old-fashioned way, based solely upon reputation through word of mouth and referrals. He has maintained an active interest in preventive nutrition with regard to all medical problems. He has authored a book and has contributed many articles to the medical literature, publishing in such journals as The New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Archives of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology, American Journal of Ophthalmology, and Annals of Ophthalmology. He has served as a reviewer for The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
In recent years, Dr. Lavine has devoted considerable time to teaching, speaking, and writing in the areas of nutrition and medical ethics, with audiences ranging from doctors and other health care personnel to the general public.