About the Woman’s World Test Kitchen

Laura Isaacson (MS, RDN, CDCES, CSOWM, FAND, CD) is a seasoned clinician and health leader with over two decades of experience driving clinical excellence in chronic disease management. As Senior Director of Dietetics at Vida Health, she leads a high-performing team of Registered Dietitians dedicated to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care. Laura is passionate about partnering with individuals to inspire lasting behavior change and achieve best-in-class health outcomes.

Dr. Sirisha Vadali is a board-certified cardiologist, advanced lipidologist, and leading voice in cardiometabolic health, prevention, and women’s heart health. As Program Director of HonorHealth’s Cardiometabolic Program, she specializes in helping patients reduce cardiovascular risk before life-threatening events occur through a blend of advanced medicine, metabolic health, lifestyle changes, and prevention-focused care. Known for making complex health topics approachable, Dr. Vadali is passionate about reshaping conversations around GLP-1s, women’s cardiovascular health, stress reduction, and longevity. Having treated over 100,000 patients, she believes prevention is the future of medicine and that sustainable lifestyle changes can transform long-term heart health.

Krishna Surapaneni, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist and cataract, cornea, and refractive surgeon at SuraVision in Houston, Texas. He performs advanced cataract and laser vision correction procedures and treats conditions of the cornea and ocular surface, including dry eye disease. More at suravision.com. I will send a jpg headshot right after this message.

Sarah Ballantyne, PhD is a New York Times bestselling author and the founder of Nutrivore.com, where Dr. Sarah teaches you about what nutrients do in the body, what foods contain them, and how to easily increase your nutrient intake to improve your health no matter what diet or anti-diet you follow.

Dr. Anna Cabeca of DrAnna.com is a triple board-certified OB-GYN with more than 30 years of clinical experience helping women navigate menopause, hormone health, and healthy aging. A bestselling author and internationally recognized expert in women’s health, she is known for translating complex medical research into practical, evidence-based guidance women can use every day. Dr. Cabeca continues to care for patients while serving women around the world through her books, courses, and products. 

Dr. Neelima Reddy is a board-certified gastroenterologist with GI Alliance in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. With extensive experience in digestive health and therapeutic endoscopy, she is known for delivering compassionate, patient-centered care supported by clinical expertise and evidence-based practice.

Kristen Kuminski, RDN, CDN, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist specializing in metabolic health, weight management, and nutrition support for individuals using GLP-1 medications. She provides clinical nutrition counseling focused on meal structure, protein optimization, and managing side effects during weight-related interventions. Kristen contributes to The RX Index as a nutrition advisor and content reviewer, helping translate evidence-based nutrition science into practical, real-world guidance.

Toni Isabella, RN, BSN, CDCES, is the Manager of the Molly Diabetes Education Center/Diabetes Team at Hackensack University Medical Center. In her role, she works closely with a dedicated team of endocrinologists, nurses, and dietitians to provide comprehensive care to patients from all walks of life, each with their own unique journey with diabetes.

Ms. Isabella is involved in many aspects of patient care, from ensuring the center’s programs meet the highest standards to being a supportive and listening ear for patients. She considers it a privilege to witness the determination of her patients and to be a part of their support system.

Under her leadership, the Molly Diabetes Education/Management Center has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association for its excellence in diabetes self-management education and support. The center is a vital part of the Inserra Family Diabetes Institute at Hackensack University Medical Center and offers a full range of services for both adult and pediatric patients.

A respected voice in her field, Ms. Isabella has commented on emerging treatments for type 1 diabetes, always with a focus on improving the lives of those with the condition. She is dedicated to empowering patients with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to manage their diabetes and live life to the fullest.

Ashley Koff, RD, is the USA Today bestselling author of Your Best Shot (HarperOne), founder of The Better Nutrition Program (BNP), and a pioneering voice behind the emerging weight health movement.

A practitioner and thought-leader with more than 25 years of experience, Ashley has helped redefine how we approach weight, shifting the conversation from weight loss to weight health, a science-based framework focused on metabolic function, hormonal regulation, and sustainable outcomes. Through her work with patients, clinicians, leading brands and companies, and health organizations, Ashley has developed practical systems that translate complex nutrition science into personalized strategies people can actually implement.

A trusted expert featured across major media and a sought-after educator for health professionals, Ashley has been recognized as one of CNN’s Top 100 Health Makers and named “Hollywood’s Leading Dietitian” by InStyle. Through her clinical work, educational programs, and writing, Ashley continues to lead a growing movement toward better, not perfect, nutrition that supports long-term metabolic and weight health.

Dr. Jonathan Bruner is an osteopathic physician board-certified in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. He uses his almost 20 years of clinical experience to provide patient care at Osteopathic Medicine Tampa (www.OMTampa.com). He is also dedicated to medical education and has served as an Associate Professor and Residency Director.

Dr. Shamsa Kanwal is a board-certified dermatologist and practicing medical doctor. She leads Aesthetic Evolution Skin and Laser Clinic, where she provides medical and cosmetic dermatology treatments. Dr. Kanwal has contributed to peer-reviewed research and has experience as a medical writer. Her clinical focus is on evidence-based care for medical and aesthetic skin concerns. She is currently working as consultant dermatologist.

Dr. Reshma Kapadia Patel, PharmD, is a deprescribing pharmacist and founder of WiseMedRx, a service dedicated to helping older adults safely manage and reduce medications. With more than 15 years of experience, she specializes in medication safety, preventing drug interactions, and simplifying complex medication regimens. Dr. Patel is passionate about helping patients and families understand that more medication isn’t always better, and that a thoughtful, personalized approach can lead to safer, healthier aging.

Jordan is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Precision Medicine and the Optimal Aging Institute at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, where his research addresses a central question in medicine: why some individuals maintain health and function across the life course while others experience premature decline. The author of more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, he collaborates with a global network of investigators to advance the science of healthy aging. He is a member of the advisory board of Bevel Health.

Wael Asaad, MD, PhD received his undergraduate degree from Amherst College in 1993, then earned a PhD in systems neuroscience from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2001, and his MD from Yale University in 2003. Asaad completed a general surgery internship and neurosurgical residency at the Massachusetts General Hospital. During his residency, he undertook additional training in functional neurosurgery. In 2011, he joined the department of neurosurgery at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

Asaad’s clinical interests include functional neurosurgery for movement disorders and psychiatric disease, traumatic brain injury, and general neurosurgery of the brain and spine.

His basic science interests focus on the ways in which neuronal circuits in the frontal cortex and basal ganglia underlie visual-motor learning, memory and decision-making, and how a better understanding of these might lead to strategies to alleviate the cognitive aspects of psychiatric and neurological diseases, including traumatic brain injury and stroke.

Dr. Tom Walter is a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist and the founder of Rehab Science, which has helped millions of people better understand the science of injury rehabilitation, pain management and human movement. He is the author of Rehab Science: How to Overcome Pain and Heal from Injury and body region-specific series Rehab Science: Rehab Protocols and Exercise Programs for Overcoming Pain and Healing from Injury.

Dr. Ritu Nahar is a board-certified Gastroenterologist practicing out of Somerset, NJ. At Gyan Gastroenterology, she treats patients for all general gastroenterology conditions, including colorectal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), liver disease, celiac disease, and more. She is also a mother of two boys!

Michelle Seguin, MD, FAAFP, DipABLM is a board-certified Family Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine physician and certified functional medicine practitioner (FMCP-M) with over a decade of experience integrating food-as-medicine into clinical care, community health, and medical education. She currently practices at Root Functional Medicine.

Dr. Seguin designed and implemented the first produce prescription program in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with outcomes research published in Health Promotion Practice. She has held academic appointments at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and the Medical College of Georgia, where she co-developed curriculum in culinary and lifestyle medicine. She frequently serves as an expert source for national health and wellness media.

Dr. Rekha Kumar is an internationally recognized leader in Obesity Medicine, passionately committed to addressing the U.S. obesity epidemic by making high-quality care affordable and accessible. As Senior Medical Advisor at Found since 2021, Dr. Kumar has combined her medical expertise with innovative technology to deliver personalized weight management solutions. Beyond her role at Found, Dr. Kumar practices endocrinology at NewYork-Presbyterian in New York City, merging traditional medical practice with digital health innovations. 

Dr. Diane Alexander, MD, FACS, is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon based in Atlanta with over 20 years of experience. She co-founded Artisan Plastic Surgery, the city’s first all-woman physician plastic surgery practice, and has since expanded her work to include skincare and wellness through Artisan Beauté, delivering a comprehensive, 360-degree approach to beauty and health. A Member Surgeon of Olympus Cosmetic Group, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Alexander has served as Chief of Surgery at Northside Hospital and has been consistently recognized as a Top Doctor by Atlanta Magazine since 2014, along with numerous national accolades.

A Yale University graduate and Alpha Omega Alpha honoree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Dr. Alexander completed her surgical training at Emory University, where she also conducted NIH-supported research. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, lectured internationally, and contributed to advancing women’s health throughout her career. Known for her artistic approach and surgical precision, she has cared for over 70,000 patients and remains a trusted expert and leader in her field.

Dr. Rab Nawaz is a specialist in general internal medicine and stroke medicine based in South Wales. His clinical practice includes acute stroke care, neurology, and neurorehabilitation. He has worked at Royal Gwent Hospital and Grange University Hospital and previously served as a clinical fellow in acute and geriatric medicine at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. Dr. Nawaz has also held roles in stroke and neurorehabilitation at King’s College Hospital and King’s Health Partners St. George’s Hospital. Dr. Nawaz teaches medical and physician associate students and has participated in departmental teaching, grand rounds, and journal publications. 

Tara Fiano, a Registered Dietitian (RD) with over 20 years of experience in the nutrition and cardio-metabolic healthcare sector, is also certified as a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) and an Obesity and Weight Management Specialist (CSOWM). She is currently a leader within the clinical team at Vida Health, where she supports a team of Registered Dietitians and contributes to operations and quality initiatives. She resides in Charlotte, NC

Dr. Alex Martin is the Chief Medical Officer of Eyebot, the leader in vision testing technology. Dr. Martin is dedicated to eliminating barriers to eye care by leveraging innovative technology to enhance patient outcomes and address the growing demand for convenient eye care services.

Committed to equitable eye care, Dr. Martin prioritizes ensuring everyone has access to medical eye exams in their native language. As one of the first providers in New England to offer IPL and LLLT treatments for dry eye disease, Dr. Martin brings advanced solutions to patient care. He is a dry eye specialist and sees many referrals for dry eye care. His clinical techniques include the placement of amniotic membranes and the production of serum tears for patients with advanced ocular surface disease.

In addition, Dr. Martin serves as the Medical Director of Lawrence for Boston Vision, specializing in ocular disease co-management, specialty contact lens fittings, low vision exams, myopia control and post-surgical and refractive care.

Dr. Gina Maccarone is a fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeon offering a full range of procedures for the face, breast, and body. She holds triple board certifications in general surgery, surgical critical care, and cosmetic surgery. Dr. Maccarone has always had a passion for both art and science. Her love of science brought her through medical school and surgical training, while her joy in art has led her to pursue cosmetic surgery. Dr. Maccarone truly enjoys helping patients be able to present their best selves. Her main goal with every patient is to build confidence by enhancing features instead of radically changing them. Dr. Maccarone helps her patients showcase their best selves through meticulous surgical techniques and exceptional outcomes.

Kardie Tobb, DO, MS, CPE, FASPC, FACC, FACOI is a board-certified cardiologist with specialized expertise in cardiometabolic disease prevention and women’s cardiovascular health, and improving maternal health outcomes. Her global research interests focus on understanding the impact of social drivers of health on clinical outcomes and developing effective strategies to address these factors in clinical practice.

Dr. Tobb has dedicated her career to reducing disparities in healthcare access among medically underserved populations. Driven by her passion for advocacy, education, and patient empowerment, she frequently serves as an expert source for national news and media outlets. She has authored and co-authored multiple scholarly publications addressing women’s cardiovascular health, health equity, reduction of healthcare disparities, access to social drivers of health, and strategies to enhance clinician–patient communication.

Dr. Tobb is the Founder and Medical Director of the Cone Health Heart & Vascular Cardio-Obstetrics and Women’s Heart Health Program.

My goal is to provide quality care to patients of all ages, and to empower my patients to take charge of their own health. As an osteopathic family practice physician, I strive to treat the patient as a whole person. I thoroughly enjoy my profession, and truly hope to make a difference in the lives of my patients.

Dr. Chatham is a Medical Director at Wisp and a board-certified family medicine physician who has built her career at the forefront of virtual care and digital health innovation. She earned her medical degree from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, and completed her residency at Cornerstone Care, serving rural communities.

Dr. Maral Malekzadeh, DO, is a fellowship-trained Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon, Co-Owner, and Director of Clinical Operations who joins the team following her tenure at MedStar Health in Maryland, where she specialized in complex gynecologic care. She earned her Master of Science in Anatomy from Case Western Reserve University before obtaining her medical degree from Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City, and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Michigan State University–Sparrow Hospital. She went on to complete an American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at The Cleveland Clinic in Florida, where she refined her expertise in advanced laparoscopic techniques focused on reducing recovery time and improving long-term outcomes. Dr. Malekzadeh is known for her evidence-based, patient-centered approach, combining surgical precision with thoughtful, individualized care.

Catherine Hagan Vargo, PT, DPT, OCS, SCSBoard Certified Orthopaedic Clinical SpecialistBoard Certified Sports Clinical Specialist

Catherine Hagan Vargo, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS is a graduate of Duquesne University for both her undergraduate degrees (Biology and Health Sciences 2005) and her graduate degree (Doctorate in Physical Therapy 2007). She is a board-certified specialist in Orthopedics (2011, 2021) and Sports Medicine (2015, 2025) physical therapy through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. She currently provides PT services for ATI Physical Therapy as a Telerehab Physical Therapist. Catherine has presented at the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) national conference, Performing Arts Medical Association (PAMA) annual conference, International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) annual conference and numerous local events on orthopedic, sports, and dance related topics. She is an adjunct associate professor for the University of Pittsburgh Physical Therapy Department throughout the musculoskeletal curriculum and patient management series. Catherine has previously provided PT services on the professional level to Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and on the collegiate level to the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University in addition to the many local dance studios in the Pittsburgh community.

Dr. Bhagwandin is the Medical Director of the Gastrointestinal (GI) Surgical Oncology Program and Program Director of the National Pancreas Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Center of Excellence at Jupiter Medical Center.

Dr. Bhagwandin is a fellowship trained surgical oncologist and board certified general surgeon. His clinical and research interests include the diagnosis and treatment of complex malignancies of the liver, pancreas, and biliary tract, in addition to gastric and esophageal cancer, colon and rectal cancer, sarcoma, and melanoma. He delivers compassionate care with the goal of restoring patient well-being.

He specializes in the management of advanced peritoneal carcinomatosis through the application of Hyperthermic IntraPeritoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) and cytoreductive surgery; a technique that combines surgery with chemotherapy delivered directly into the abdomen.

Dr. Spearman was raised in Grand Rapids, MI. She received her BS and BA from Hope College in Holland, MI where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. She attended the University of Michigan Medical School where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. Dr. Spearman continued her training at University of Michigan for Dermatology Residency. She practiced dermatology in private practice in Grand Rapids, MI for a few years before her family moved to Fort Wayne. Dr. Spearman was recruited to Parkview Health to start their dermatology department in 2016. She started a multidisciplinary skin cancer tumor board for high-risk skin cancer patients to improve care. She collaborates with other specialists including oncologists, plastic surgeons, surgical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists and radiation oncologists to ensure high quality care is given to cancer patients in northeastern Indiana. Dr. Spearman is also very active in her state and national medical societies. She is currently the president of the Indiana Academy of Dermatology and has served on committees for the American Academy of Dermatology and the Indiana State Medical Society. She is a peer reviewer for the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. She is a frequent contributor to media, both print and visual, to help educate patients regarding dermatological concerns.

Dr. Spearman is excited to start a new dermatology practice in Fort Wayne. She will offer excellent care and will work to improve access for the patients here. She enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 boys as well as her extended family and friends. She is active in her church and grateful to serve God through caring for the health of others. She also enjoys running and other forms of physical fitness. She loves dermatology and cannot wait to serve patients within her new practice.

Kezia Joy is a distinguished medical professional whose career embodies a lifelong dedication to advancing public health through education, research, and evidence-based practice. From contributing articles to university magazines and authoring an academic book to developing medical content for reputable online platforms, her journey reflects a deep commitment to improving health literacy and promoting accessible, trustworthy medical information.

Dr. Steven Quay is a physician-scientist, entrepreneur, and recognized authority on the convergence ofbiotechnology and artificial intelligence. He is the founder and CEO of Atossa Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:ATOS), developing novel treatments for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. In 2025, he wasappointed Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, where he leads policy research on the national securityrisks of AI-enabled biotechnology.Dr. Quay earned his M.D., Ph.D., and M.S. from the University of Michigan, trained at MIT with NobelLaureate H. Gobind Khorana, completed residency at Harvard–Massachusetts General Hospital, and servedon the faculties of Harvard Medical School and Stanford University.He has authored 400 scientific publications and been cited over 12,300 times, ranking him in the top 1% ofscientists worldwide. His inventions include seven FDA-approved medicines that have helped over 80million patients, supported by 95 U.S. patents and more than 1,000 global filings. He is a two-time Ernst &Young Entrepreneur of the Year.Dr. Quay has written two Amazon bestsellers on COVID-19, contributed Wall Street Journal op-eds, andtestified before the U.S. Congress. His TEDx talk on breast cancer prevention has been viewed more than229,000 times.

Hello, I’m Dr. Jennifer Chung, a board-certified internist and former primary care physician with over a decade of clinical experience. Now, I specialize in functional and lifestyle medicine and help adult men and women address chronic health concerns through a personalized, root-cause–focused approach. I have a special interest in longevity and identifying under-recognized cardiometabolic risk, particularly in Asian American patients, where traditional screening tools may underestimate risk. My approach is inclusive, culturally informed, and evidence-based, helping patients optimize their whole health and increase their health span.

Dr. Nida Fatima, MD, is Chief Executive Officer of both Filos Healthcare Network and Filos Health Laboratory. She trained at Stanford University School of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and UT Southwestern. In 2025, she was honored as part of Dallas 40 Under 40. She has contributed to more than 250 research papers and global presentations on predictive analytics and AI in healthcare, and she has received worldwide recognition through opportunities such as the “Translation Innovator Award,” “Charles Kuntz Scholar Award,” and the “Global Health Research Award” from Harvard Medical School, among several others.

Dr. Julian Cereghini is a urologist specialized in andrology and women’s pelvic health. He completed fellowships at Northwell Health in New York and currently supports clinical development and physician education for FEMSelect’s EnPlace system. His work focuses on advancing minimally invasive treatments and strengthening collaboration between clinicians and industry partners.

Dr. Sarah Crawford is the founder of Anchor Wellness Center and WAVE Physical Therapy & Pilates in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a licensed Physical Therapist with over a decade of clinical and healthcare administration experience. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Miami in 2011 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from The Ohio State University, and is an active member of the APTA and OPTA. Her approach to care is rooted in hands-on orthopedic manual therapy and functional rehabilitation, with advanced training as a Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist, Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist in dry needling, and Certified Pilates Instructor. Dr. Crawford specializes in treating chronic pain, musculoskeletal and sports-related injuries, TMJ dysfunction, and complex conditions using an integrated, whole-body approach informed by her background in neurological rehabilitation.

Dr. Gurpreet Jaswal, MD, MHSc, FRCPC General Internal Medicine & Stroke Prevention Specialist

Dr. Gurpreet Jaswal is a General Internal Medicine and Stroke Prevention Specialist at Joseph Brant Hospital in Ontario, where she serves as the Stroke Lead and President of the Professional Staff Association. Leading over 300 physicians and dentists, she applies her clinical expertise in vascular disease to improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality rates while advocating for the highest standards of safety and care. Her practice focuses on bridging the gap between complex medical research and practical clinical application to better serve her patients.

A medical doctor (MD) who also holds a Master of Health Science in Translational Research from the University of Toronto, Dr. Jaswal brings a unique dual perspective to her work. She specializes in developing educational interventions for stroke symptoms and risk factors and is an award-winning researcher passionate about empowering patients with evidence-based knowledge to support their active role in healing and prevention.

With a natural propensity for excellence, Dr. Brandon Richland has held himself to the highest standards. Meet Dr. Brandon Richland, MD, a warm and dedicated Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon based in the heart of Orange County, Southern California. As a highly sought-after Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon who graduated in the Top 1% of his class in Medical School, he brings artistry and care to every cosmetic and reconstructive procedure, helping his patients look and feel their very best.

Dr. Richland’s love for medicine has been the driving force behind his impressive journey. He earned his Medical Doctorate (M.D.) from the renowned Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Medicine in 2013, where his brilliance shone through with the McGraw Hill / Lange Medical Student Academic Achievement Award and top honors at graduation. Before that, he graduated with Honors from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2009, laying a strong foundation for his career.

To hone his craft as a plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, Dr. Richland completed an intensive Plastic Surgery Residency at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) from 2013 to 2019. During this time, he earned the Academic Achievement Award twice, a testament to his skill and commitment. The Medical Board of California issued his Physician and Surgeon medical license in 2014. All in all, he’s devoted 14 years to his education and training, ensuring he brings both expertise and empathy to every patient.

Beyond the operating room, Dr. Richland stays deeply connected to the medical community. He’s a proud Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, and the California Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the local Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. These ties keep him at the forefront of his field, delivering cutting-edge care as a Newport Beach plastic surgeon.

Lennox Hoyte, MD, MSEECS is a Stanford-educated,  Harvard-trained, board certified OB/Gyn physician, and a fellowship-trained, Board-Certified specialist in Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery (UPRS). Dr. Hoyte is the founder and managing partner at The Pelvic Floor Institute with offices in Tampa-Bay, Clearwater, and Sarasota, Florida. He is a highly sought after physician and surgeon and he specializes in advanced robotic surgery to correct pelvic organ prolapse, and bladder control problems. He treats women with all types of pelvic floor dysfunction, including prolapse, urinary incontinence, bowel control problems, pelvic pain, and complications of pelvic surgeries. He has performed many thousands of surgeries to treat women with all types of pelvic floor disorders.

Cristina Del Toro Badessa, MD, is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician and the Medical Doctor at Artisan. In her work at Artisan, she combines medical precision with a holistic approach to health, longevity, and beauty. She helps patients restore balance, vitality, and confidence from the inside out through personalized, evidence-based care.

After earning her undergraduate and medical degrees and an MBA from the University of Miami, Dr. Del Toro Badessa completed her residency at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, affiliated with Columbia and Cornell Universities. Formally introduced to Functional Medicine in 2011 by Dr. Mark Hyman, she has since devoted her career to bridging modern medicine with a whole-body approach to wellness. Her philosophy is simple: when the body’s systems are optimized, everything — from energy and mood to metabolism and skin — radiates wellness.

With advanced training in hormone optimization, peptide therapy, and medical weight loss, Dr. Del Toro Badessa specializes in guiding women through every stage of life with confidence, clarity, and strength. She empowers her patients to navigate perimenopause and menopause, overcome hormonal imbalances, and achieve sustainable weight loss through comprehensive, restorative care.

Dr. Cantor is a family physician in the primary care division at the OHSU Center for Women’s Health and senior investigator at the Pacific Northwest Evidence-based Practice center. She is a Professor of Medicine, Family Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology at OHSU, fellowship trained in women’s health and certified by the Menopause Society. Dr. Cantor has extensive clinical and research expertise in women’s health across the lifespan and has led and supported several systematic evidence reviews on women’s health, health equity, preventive services, and maternity care topics on behalf of the USPSTF, PCORI, NIH, AHRQ, VA, and the HRSA-sponsored Women’s Preventive Services Initiative (WPSI). Her research has been used to determine national clinical practice guidelines, health policy, and health care coverage decisions affecting millions of Americans. In addition to research, she is currently the Medical Director of Evidence Based Guidelines for the OHSU Evidence Based Practice program and previously served as the Medical Director of the Health Evidence Review Commission for the Oregon Health Authority.

Megan Wroe, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian and Manager of St. Jude Wellness Center, an integrated service line of Providence St. Jude Medical Center. She leads a multidisciplinary team providing nutrition, medical fitness, mind-body therapies, and preventive wellness services that support the hospital’s mission of whole-person care. 

Bella Swiecicki-Allen is a registered dietitian nutritionist at WellTheory and a board-certified health and wellness coach with a master’s degree in nutritional sciences. She’s passionate about women’s hormone health and gut health, and helping people understand what actually works when it comes to nutrition and wellness.

Seth M. Kipnis, M.D., FACS, FASMBS, is a board certified general surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive and robotic surgery and has been caring for the Monmouth County community for over 15 years. Dr. Kipnis currently serves as the Medical Director of Bariatric and Robotic Surgery at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center and has recently joined Hackensack Meridian Medical Group. Dr. Kipnis, along with his entire care team, strives to provide not only the best surgical care, but also a great patient experience so patients and their families can feel comfortable and confident from their first appointment through post-operative care.

As the Medical Director for Robotic Surgery, Dr. Kipnis utilizes minimally invasive methods which decreases hospital stay, promotes early recovery, and decreases complication risks related to open surgery. Dr. Kipnis is part of the faculty practice and has access to state of the art technology and a full range of support services for patients and their families. Additionally, Dr. Kipnis remains involved with professional organizations such as the American College of Surgery, Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons, American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons, Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, and the American Medical Association.

Jennifer started Fredericksburg Fitness Studio in 2008 after graduating from UMW with a degree in Biology and an unrelenting passion for health and fitness. Jennifer believes the key to a healthy and long life is making daily movement a priority and establishing a healthy relationship with food. For Jennifer, “healthy” means finding balance physically, emotionally, mentally, socially and spiritually. She is committed to walking alongside her clients as they discover what “healthy” means for them. Jennifer wants to help her clients find the same appreciation, respect and pure amazement with their body that she has. Jennifer’s mantra is “Love yourself enough to lead a healthy lifestyle.” Jennifer believes it is important to show your body the respect it deserves by taking care of it through daily movement, eating whole foods, sleeping well and laughing each and every day.

Kristin Vuković’s award-winning debut novel, The Cheesemaker’s Daughter, was published in August 2024. She is the founder of Adriatic Writers Conference—the first literary conference of its kind in Croatia—and has written travel and lifestyle articles for the New York Times, BBC Travel, Travel + Leisure, Virtuoso, Robb Report, AFAR, Fodor’s, and Public Books, among others. She received the 2024 Rising Star Award in Arts and Culture from the Association of Croatian American Professionals, and two Golden Pen awards for her writing about Croatia from the Croatian National Tourist Board, most recently in May 2024. She was also named a “40 Under 40” honoree by the National Federation of Croatian Americans Cultural Foundation. She holds a BA and MFA from Columbia University and lives in New York City with her husband and daughter.

Dr. Ruchika Talwar is a urologic oncologist specializing in kidney, urothelial, and prostate cancer at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Medical Director in the Episodes of Care Office, where she leads and operationalizes VUMC’s specialty value-based care programs, including Medicare models and the innovative MyHealth Bundles program. She is a residency graduate from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA, where she was affiliated with the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics at the Wharton School. She completed a Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) fellowship and Masters of Management in Healthcare at Vanderbilt University. She held the H. Logan Holtgrewe Legislative Fellowship in 2022, when she spent time working on Capitol Hill in the office of Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09). Dr. Talwar’s clinical practice includes both robotic and open approaches to urologic cancer surgery, with a focus on patient-centered care. Her academic work in health policy, value transformation, drug pricing, and costs of care has been published in several JAMA journals and the Journal of Clinical Oncology. She makes several trips a year to Washington, DC, meeting with Congressional representatives as a passionate advocate for improving the quality of care provided to patients in the US.

The Washington Post called Dr. Amen the most popular psychiatrist in America. He is a former infantry medic and board‑certified child and adult psychiatrist, who trained at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. He is the CEO and founder of Amen Clinics, with 11 locations nationwide and home to the world’s largest brain imaging database for psychiatry with nearly 300,000 SPECT scans on patients from 155 countries.  

Dr. Amen is a 12‑time New York Times bestselling author, including the books Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, Healing ADD, Memory Rescue, Raising Mentally Strong Kids, and The End of Mental Illness.  In addition, Dr. Amen has published over 90 scientific articles and has led groundbreaking brain imaging research on active and former NFL players, childhood trauma, negativity bias, reversing brain aging, obesity and the brain, and predicting treatment responses. His PBS specials and top‑ranked podcast have inspired millions. With over 10 million social media followers, his mission is bold: to end mental illness by creating a revolution in brain health. Dr. Amen is formally working with the White House Faith Office on creating a national brain health revolution.

Dr. Rani Aravamudhan is a General Medicine physician and healthcare IT leader specializing in healthcare informatics, EMR/EHR systems, population health management, and value-based care. As Senior Medical Director at Artemis (part of Nomi Health), she develops analytics, methodologies, and content that help measure and improve clinically relevant health outcomes for employers, providers, and patients.

Dr. Eve Elizabeth Pennie is a general practitioner and clinical research professional with expertise in clinical trial management and epidemiology. She earned an M.S. in Clinical Research Methods from Tulane University, an M.D. from the Latin American School of Medicine, and a B.S. in Biochemistry from SUNY Plattsburgh. As an epidemiologist with the Texas Department of State Health Services, she has supported public health programs, disease surveillance, and epidemiologic studies, including critical work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Pennie provides comprehensive, prevention-focused care and shares her global health perspective through international speaking engagements.  

Dr. Gerome Burke, Jr. is a medical toxicologist and physician-scientist with more than two decades of experience in toxicology, translational research, regulatory strategy, and preventative medicine. He has worked across pharma, federal research, and clinical settings, including roles at NIH and the Department of Defense. Dr. Burke holds a Ph.D. in Toxicology and Cancer Biology from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and an M.D. from Washington University of Health and Science, along with post-doctoral training at NIH and a healthcare management certification from Johns Hopkins. He currently serves as the Program Director for Research and Reporting at the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.    Disclaimer: Dr. Burke’s views are his own and do not represent those of the FDA.

Dr. Frank Dumont is the Executive Medical Director at Virta Health, where he focuses on medical strategy to advance  safe, scalable, and sustainable metabolic health care. Prior to joining Virta, Dr. Dumont spent nearly two decades practicing internal medicine at Estes Park Medical Center, where he also served as Medical Director of the Wellness Service Line. A Fellow of the American College of Physicians, he has held leadership roles in organized medicine, including service on the Colorado Medical Society Board of Directors and as a young physician representative to the American Medical Association. Dr. Dumont earned his MD from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center after undergraduate studies in Physics and Music. He lives in Estes Park, Colorado. 

Key topics for Frank: 

● Health & nutrition trends with a medical lens

Sadie Elisseou, MD is a practicing physician, faculty at Harvard Medical School, and leading subject matter expert in trauma-informed care who teaches clinical healthcare professionals how to provide top-quality care to trauma survivors and consults for organizations that wish to cultivate wellness and help team members engage through stressful times. 

Dr. Jonathan D. Black is a Board-Certified Gynecologic Oncologist. He earned his medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine where he also earned a Master of Science in Public Health (MPH). Dr. Black completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology and fellowship in gynecologic oncology at Yale School of Medicine/Yale New Haven Hospital.

Dr. Black is expertly trained to perform minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgeries, treat gynecologic cancers, complex gynecologic conditions including endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic pain, vulvar/vaginal issues and prescribe conventional and personalized chemotherapy and palliative care. He has a special interest in cancer genetics, early ovarian cancer detection and Sexuality, Intimacy and Menopause Symptoms (SIMS) in cancer survivorship. 

His patients praise him not only for his level of dedicated professionalism but also for his exceptionally caring attitude, unlimited patience, warm bedside manner and personalized approach to treatment.

A dedicated researcher, Dr. Black has published more than 50 publications in the field and has won many awards for his clinical and laboratory research. He was also recognized for his stellar teaching of residents and medical students at Yale University School of Medicine and for his compassionate approach to care. Dr. Black continues to train healthcare professionals from Barry University, Florida International University and Nova Southeastern University in private practice. He has also traveled on medical missions to Vietnam, Colombia, Thailand, Jamaica, and Uganda and is always looking for new opportunities to share his expertise.

Dr. Jobby John is a pharmacist-turned-tech founder with over two decades of clinical and leadership experience. He served as President of the Texas Pharmacy Association and led Lake Hills Pharmacy, a NABP-accredited compounding pharmacy, before founding Nimbus Healthcare in 2021. His work began behind the pharmacy counter, where he witnessed firsthand how fragmented and reactive the “sick care system” had become.

Nimbus Healthcare is his answer: a clinician-led, tech-enabled platform designed to connect diagnostics, guidance, and treatment into a single, continuous loop of personalized care. Jobby is a nationally recognized voice on the future of pharmacy and healthcare innovation, known for reimagining how technology can amplify human care rather than replace it.

Dr. Rahul Shah, Board Certified Orthopedic Spine & Neck Surgeon

As a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon, who specializes in complex spine conditions, minimally invasive surgeries, motor vehicle accidents, workers’ compensation cases, and revision surgeries, Dr. Shah is a partner with Premier Orthopaedic Associates in the State of New Jersey.After earning his medical degree from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Dr. Shah went on to complete his internship and residency at Yale University, where he served as Chief Resident. His intensive orthopaedic surgical training at Yale was dedicated to the advanced study of neurological functions and spinal disorders. Yale is distinguished for its contributions to the pioneering advancements of spinal and neck surgery.He then went on to complete his fellowship in complex spine and scoliosis surgery at the University of California, San Francisco. This provided him with advanced training above and beyond what a general residency in either neurosurgery or orthopaedic surgery would offer.By studying at some of the finest and most advanced institutions in the world, Dr. Shah trained with the most innovative leaders in spine and neck surgery. A Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, he pioneers trends in complex techniques and minimally invasive spinal surgery with orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons across the globe. Moreover, he is board-certified in orthopaedic surgery by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Shelley is a registered dietitian and has been in practice for nearly a decade. Shelley has had a variety of experience in nutrition including community nutrition, private practice, foodservice, and clinical nutrition. Shelley’s focus is to help people fuel their bodies optimally to feel their best, reach their nutrition goals, and sustain them long-term.

Majid Basit, MD, grew up in Houston and attended Second Baptist High School.  Following an undergraduate degree at Trinity University, he attended the prestigious UT Southwestern Medical School.  After his internal medicine residency at UT Houston Health Science Center, he completed both cardiology and interventional cardiology fellowships at St. John Medical Center.  He has done both basic science and clinical research, with publication in national journals and presentations at professional meetings.

He is board certified in both cardiology and interventional cardiology.  Dr. Basit treats adults over the age of 18 years.  His clinical interests include complex heart disease, radial (wrist) access for minimally invasive procedures, and treatment of cardiovascular disease in older adults.  He focuses on educating his patients about their health and treats his patients with compassion and respect. 

Dr. Basit is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology.  He is the medical director of cardiovascular services at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital and is also an adjunct clinical professor at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.  He has a passion for improving the quality of health care through mentorship and education of other physicians.

Dr. Basit lives in Sugar Land with his wife and two children.  He enjoys travel, volunteer work and scuba diving. 

Barbara Sparacino, MD is a triple board-certified physician in adult psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, and addiction medicine. She works at the intersection of mental health, aging, and addiction, with particular focus on the emotional and practical challenges facing adults caring for aging parents. Dr. Sparacino is the founder of The Aging Parent Coach, where she provides education and coaching to help families navigate complex medical, legal, and relational decisions with less guilt and more clarity.

Dr. Jon Stewart Hao Dy is a board-certified neurologist with special interest in neuroimmunology, neuromuscular diseases, and neuroarts. Providing both in-person and virtual neurological care, he is committed to increasing access to care in the Philippines and internationally. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Dy contributes to medical research, serves as an associate professor at two medical schools, and holds a medical license in the Philippines. His work combines scientific innovation with patient-centered care.

Srihari S. Naidu, MD, FSCAI, is an interventional cardiologist widely regarded for his clinical expertise, scholarship, and leadership in both hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and cardiogenic shock.  Dr. Naidu is a pioneer in alcohol septal ablation for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and, in recent years, has expanded the use of alcohol ablation into the structural and electrophysiology spaces.  Within cardiogenic shock, he chaired the writing group for the SCAI SHOCK Classification and is the founder of the SCAI SHOCK multi-disciplinary courses. 

He began his career as an attending at New York Presbyterian – Cornell and New York University Long Island before joining the faculty at New York Medical College and Westchester Medical Center, where he directs both the HCM National Center of Excellence and the cardiac catheterization laboratories for the network. 

The HCM Center at Westchester Medical Center is one of the ten busiest in the nation, treating thousands of patients with this disease.  Dr. Naidu edits the only comprehensive textbook, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (Springer, Inc.), launching its third edition in 2025, and also runs an annual live proctoring alcohol septal ablation course for others interested in learning the technique.  In 2024, he co-authored Lindsay’s Big Heart, a children’s book about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and the risks of sudden cardiac arrest in the young, which has been featured on NBC News and is an Amazon best-seller.  Dr. Naidu has published over 250 original manuscripts and lectures widely and is a professor of medicine at New York Medical College.  As an academic interventional cardiologist, he has trained over 200 cardiologists who have gone on to successful careers and has received five teaching awards.  For SCAI, Dr. Naidu is a former trustee and chaired the Development and Industry Relations Committee, launching their Think Tanks, Town Halls, and Advisory Boards.  He founded the SCAI Emerging Leader Mentorship Program (ELM), which has been the pre-eminent leadership pipeline in interventional cardiology.  He has chaired several consensus documents, including three iterations of the SCAI Best Practices in the Cardiac Cath Lab and two iterations of the SCAI SHOCK Classification, and is an author of the HCM guidelines in both 2011 and 2024.   Dr. Naidu holds other roles, including membership of the NY State Cardiac Advisory Council, past president of the NY American College of Cardiology, past president of the Brown University Medical School Board of Directors, and Trustee Emeritus of Brown University.  In 2021, he was named a Top 100 Healthcare Innovator in Crain’s NY. 

Dr. Jessica Shepherd is Chief Medical Officer at Hers. She is a board-certified OB/GYN, a women’s health, sexual wellness, and menopausal expert, the founder of Sanctum Med and Wellness, and the author of Generation M: Living Well in Perimenopause and Menopause.

She regularly appears on Good Morning America, The Today Show, CNN, MSNBC, CBS News, educating viewers on topics including endometriosis, fibroids, sexual health, menopausal health, and healthcare disparities. She is on the Advisory Board for Women’s Health Magazine, Women’s Health.org. and the Society for Women’s Research. Dr. Shepherd earned her MD from Ross University School of Medicine and her MBA from University of Louisville. She was also previously the Director of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

As a healthcare expert, she strives to educate people on their bodies and how to address their physical, sexual, emotional health in addition to the incorporation of wellness. Her passion for women’s health has allowed her to be an advocate for conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, sexual health, menopausal health and healthcare disparities.

Steven Goldberg, MD, serves as the Chief Medical Officer at HealthTrackRx, guiding the organization’s collaboration with clinical leaders and building a robust foundation of peer-reviewed evidence supporting its diagnostic innovations. Recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare in 2020, Dr. Goldberg played a pivotal role in addressing employee health and well-being during the pandemic. He is a practicing primary care and urgent care physician.

Dr. Goldberg lives in Louisville with his family. His clinical practice is affiliated with the University of Louisville Health. He has previously served in senior physician executive roles at Quest Diagnostics, WellCare, Humana, and Aetna.

Chelsea Rae (CR) Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD is a registered dietitian and owner of Eat Well Gulf Coast. With over 10 years of experience in the clinical setting, CR is passionate about helping readers feel informed, empowered, and nourished—body and soul.

CR brings real-life advice with a warm, approachable vibe—when she’s not dishing out expert guidance, you’ll find her dancing to Dolly Parton in the kitchen or playing outside with her kids!

Dr. Meena Malhotra is a double board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine, and the founder of Heal n Cure Medical Wellness Center. With more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Meena specializes in integrative and functional medicine, focusing on hormone optimization, metabolic health, and disease prevention. She’s helped thousands of patients reverse chronic conditions and rebalance their hormones using evidence-based, personalized care. Her mission is to empower women and men with the tools and knowledge to take control of their health, naturally and sustainably.

As a registered dietitian, medical advisor for FuturHealth, a personalized weight-loss platform, and a leading voice in the nutrition and wellness industry over the last 20 years, Jessica is passionate about helping people navigate the nutritional maze toward a healthier life. As the founder of Vital RD, she leads a team of expert dietitians in fulfilling the diverse nutritional needs of the community through counseling, media-based messaging, and hospital and clinical-based services.

As an RDN, she is acutely passionate about providing onsite counseling and wellness programs to help clients navigate the nutritional maze towards a healthier life. Additionally, she is a Certified Diabetes Educator, a Personal Trainer and an AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America)-certified group fitness instructor.

Jessica holds a Bachelor’s degree at Colorado State University, completed post graduate work in Oneonta, New York, and is accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She has developed programs in and has expertise in a vast number of areas: weight loss, diabetes, bariatrics, cardiac rehab, oncology, pediatrics, feeding disturbances, digestive diseases, food allergies, and intolerances as well as performance based nutrition.

A common voice in the media, she has been featured in weekly segments on Fox News and Channel 9 NBC. She is recognized as a leading, expert resource for demystifying the science behind nutrition and health for media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, Oprah, WebMD, Prevention, Shape, Weight Watchers, Men’s Fitness, Reader’s Digest, and Martha Stewart Whole Living Magazine.

Dawn Menning, MS, RD, CDCES, is the Program Director for Digital Health at Nutu. As a registered dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, Dawn works closely with adults managing chronic conditions, prediabetes, and diabetes. She’s passionate about helping individuals build sustainable habits that support blood sugar balance, improved energy, and overall well-being.

Dr. Jeffrey Chester is a Board-Certified Addiction Medicine specialist and the Medical Director at The Ohana, a leading addiction treatment center based in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. With more than two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Chester combines evidence-based medicine with comprehensive, compassionate care.

Dr. Chester is dual board-certified by both the American Board of Preventive Medicine and the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

After earning his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Chester completed his residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, where he served as Chief Resident.

Dr. Chester is a Lifetime Diplomate of the American Board of Addiction Medicine. He has a special focus on substance use disorders, addiction, neuromuscular conditions, and chronic pain disorders.

Janelle Bober is a registered dietitian and team lead at Dietitian Live who serves as a medical reviewer and source for health publications. Specializing in sports nutrition, women’s health, and gut health, she cuts through nutrition noise with evidence-based insights that make complex science both trustworthy and accessible.

Kerri Louati, MS, RD, LDN, CDE, is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator specializing in nutrition, integrative medicine, functional laboratory interpretations, and functional medicine. She is also the Director of Women’s Health Clinical Operations at LifeMD. She previously served as the Director of Nutrition and Coaching with the telehealth platform Optimal Human Health MD.

Dr. Lily Johnston is a double board-certified vascular and general surgeon with advanced training in public health. She earned her medical degree from the University of California, San Diego, her Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins, and completed her general surgery residency at the University of Virginia followed by a vascular surgery fellowship at the Mayo Clinic.

Her surgical practice at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, CA, focuses on treating the end stages of atherosclerosis—limb- and life-threatening expressions of cardiovascular disease that expose the downstream cost of metabolic dysfunction. As founder of CorSight Health, Dr. Johnston leads a preventive cardiometabolic clinic dedicated to early detection and reversal of disease through advanced imaging, metabolic assessment, and lifestyle-first interventions.

She is an active author and national speaker whose work explores both the science and the culture of medicine—how clinicians’ environments, incentives, and disconnection shape the care they deliver. Her mission is to restore medicine’s roots in meaning, connection, and prevention.

Dr. Johnston’s work bridges disciplines—cardiology, endocrinology, obesity medicine, women’s health—to advance preventive cardiometabolic care and reimagine how medicine addresses chronic disease.

Alix Turoff MS, RD, CDN, CPT is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, NASM Certified Personal Trainer and entrepreneur. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in ‘Media, Culture and Communications’ and ‘Nutrition’ from New York University and a Master’s Degree in ‘Clinical Nutrition’ from New York University.   Alix is the founder of Alix Turoff Nutrition, where she helps clients to manage their weight and heal their relationship with food through nutrition therapy.  Her private practice is 100% virtual. She meets with clients through a HIPAA compliant telehealth platform which allows her to see clients all over the world. She also offers courses, group programs and in-person events.   Alix’s approach to nutrition and fitness is all about finding balance. She teaches clients how to manage their weight while still enjoying a life of delicious food and drinks by using a “flexible dieting” approach.

 She is also the author of the “Lose Your Belly Fat Cookbook: A Jump-Start Plan and 75 Delicious Recipes for Weight Loss” and has been featured by various media platforms including The Wall Street Journal, Insider, The New York Times, Women’s Health, Today, Shape, Bravo, HuffPost and more.

To learn more or work with Alix, visit www.alixturoffnutrition.com

Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist and a member of the U.S. News & World Report Best Diets expert panel. She is the founder of Nutrition Starring YOU, LLC,where she has specialized in weight management and prediabetes for over 25 years. Lauren is a nationally recognized media expert, speaker, spokesperson, and two-time cookbook author.

 Amy Woodman is a registered dietitian and owner of Farmington Valley Nutrition and Wellness in Simsbury, CT.  Amy is also a dedicated media dietitian specializing in preventive nutrition with a strong focus on heart health. With a passion for promoting wellness through balanced and nutritious eating, Amy empowers individuals to make informed dietary choices that support cardiovascular health. Through engaging media appearances, informative articles, and personalized consultations, Amy provides practical advice and evidence-based strategies to help people lead healthier lives. Committed to making a positive impact, Amy combines expertise in nutrition with a friendly and approachable demeanor, making complex nutritional concepts easy to understand and apply.

Dr. Amar Rewari is a renowned radiation oncologist and healthcare strategist known as a leader in radiation oncology, health policy, and payment reform. He serves as the Chief of Radiation Oncology at Luminis Health and on the Board of Directors for the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) as Vice-Chair of the Health Policy Council. The Adjunct Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Dr. Rewari treats all disease sites at Anne Arundel Medical Center utilizing the latest radiation techniques while practicing compassionate, personalized, evidence-based medicine. He is also co-host of the Value Health Voices podcast where he discusses impactful shifts in health policy and healthcare finance shaping the US healthcare system.

Dr. Jennifer Brown is dual board-certified in family medicine and obesity medicine. She currently provides care at a federally qualified health center in a rural community in West Virginia. Her clinical focus includes chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. She has extensive experience in telemedicine and also works as a freelance medical writer for MyObesityTeam.com. Dr. Brown’s approach to care emphasizes accessibility, prevention, and long-term health outcomes.

Dr. Fernando Ovalle Jr. is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and obesity medicine specialist committed to personalized, comprehensive patient care. He graduated magna cum laude from Rice University before earning his medical degree as a Dean’s Merit Scholar at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Dr. Ovalle completed his integrated plastic surgery residency at the University of Cincinnati and pursued advanced training in obesity medicine at Columbia University to offer cutting-edge, evidence-based medical weight loss and body contouring solutions.   Currently practicing in Orlando, Florida, Dr. Ovalle combines surgical expertise with medical weight management to help patients improve both form and function. He is actively involved in medical research, having completed an applied epidemiology fellowship at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and textbooks. A respected speaker at medical conferences, he is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Aesthetic Society.

Dr. David Clarke is the President of the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms (ATNS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ending the chronic pain epidemic. Dr. Clarke holds an MD from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, and is Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. He is host of the podcast “The Story Behind the Symptoms.” His organization’s mission is to advance the awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of stress-related, brain-generated medical conditions. Learn more at Symptomatic.Me.

Julia Dennison is the Digital Director of Woman’s World magazine’s website and host of its Happy Money podcast.

An award-winning editorial director, content strategist, podcaster and journalist, Julia brings more than 20 years of experience in women’s health and lifestyle media.

Before joining Woman’s World as editorial lead, she served as Head of Content at the health tech company Conceive, and spent over seven years as Senior Digital Director of Parents magazine’s website. Earlier in her career, she was managing editor of Natural Health and Fit Pregnancy magazines and their digital platforms, as well as editor in chief of health magazines in the UK.

Julia also hosts the Happy Money podcast at Woman’s World and previously co-hosted We Are Family and Pregnancy Confidential for Parents. She has appeared as a parenting and lifestyle expert on CBS Mornings, Good Morning America, CNN/HLN and People TV.

She holds a BA from Vassar College (2004) and an MA in Journalism from the University of London (2012).

Based in New York City, Julia is a single mother who co-parents her 9-year-old daughter. She brings authenticity, empathy and a sense of joy to the content she oversees—striving to deliver honesty, integrity and real solutions for Woman’s World’s readers every day.

Milica McDowell, DPT, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with over 20 years of experience. She currently serves as the VP of Operations at Gait Happens, an education brand helping folks all over the world improve their foot health and gait mechanics. She’s the co-author of an upcoming book about the health benefits of walking.

Julie Miltenberger, food director, oversees the food content for Woman’s World, Celebrate with Woman’s World! and a slew of other special projects. She works with cookbook authors and celebrity chefs ranging from Paula Deen and Carnie Wilson to Guy Fieri and Carla Hall plus tastes as many of the recipes whipped up in the test kitchen as she possibly can. Before joining the a360Media team in 2020, Julie spent 20+ years in the food magazine industry, earning her chops in food photography, recipe testing, food styling and recipe development and editing for Family Circle, Sports Illustrated for Women and Shape. Julie has a bachelor’s degree from DePauw University.

Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, is one of the most frequently quoted post viral CFS, fibromyalgia, energy, sleep and pain medical authorities in the world. He is the author of 12 books including You Can Heal from Long Covid (June 10, 2024), the best-selling From Fatigued to Fantastic!(Penguin/Avery 2021) , Pain Free, 1,2,3!, the Complete Guide to Beating Sugar Addiction, Real Cause Real Cure, The Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Solution, The Perfect Multivitamin, and the popular free Smart Phone app Cures A-Z. He is the lead author of 8 studies and three medical textbook chapters on effective treatment for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Dr. Teitelbaum appears often as a guest on news and talk shows nationwide including Good Morning America, The Dr. Oz Show, Oprah & Friends, CNN, and FoxNewsHealth.

Greg Hammer, MD is a recently retired physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, wellness and mindfulness lecturer, and the author of “GAIN without Pain: The Happiness Handbook for Health Care Professionals” and co-author of the recently released book “A Mindful Teen: Helping Today’s Teenagers Thrive through Gratitude, Acceptance, Intention, and Nonjudgement” (release date, Sept. 4, Bloomsbury Academic)

Dr. Hammer was the Chair of the Physician Wellness Task Force for the California Society of Anesthesiologists as well as a former member of the Stanford WellMD initiative. He has been a visiting professor and lecturer on wellness at institutions worldwide and has taught the GAIN method to medical students, residents, and fellows at Stanford.

Dr. Hammer is a health enthusiast and meditator, utilizing a non-duality and mindfulness-based approach, including the GAIN method.

Emily Boyette is an Associate Food Editor at First For Women, Woman’s World and Celebrate Magazines. She has been covering food recipes, trends and news for nearly 5 years. Formerly, she has worked as Editorial Content Producer for Food Network and Food.com. She has also written and produced content for Allrecipes, Savory Online, Tasting Table, and Eat This Not That. Boyette graduated from North Carolina State University, where she studied Agribusiness Management and started a food column in the features section of the college newspaper, The Technician. She gained her passion for cooking at a young age, and after college, started her career in the culinary world as a line cook before venturing into food media upon moving to New York City. 

Test Kitchen Manager Susan Chiusano’s love of food started from growing up Italian American with home cooked meals prepared every day by her Mom Lucy. After graduating from Fairleigh Dickinson University with an Accounting degree, Susan decided to pursue her passion for food and went to the New York Restaurant School. Her first job was in a classical French pastry shop. She worked in professional kitchens in the NY area cooking and baking for 19 years before transitioning to test kitchen work. In 2006, Susan joined the test kitchen at Woman’s World magazine. In 2012, she became test kitchen manager and in 2018, started developing recipes for First for Women and Celebrate magazines in addition to Woman’s World.  When not donning an apron, Susan enjoys hiking and dancing.