The UltraWellness Center team is passionate to the core about Functional Medicine, and we are excited to share this new interview series to highlight why this work means so much to them. We also wanted to share a glimpse into what lights them up and brings them joy in their personal lives. We hope you will enjoy this opportunity to get to know our UltraTeam on another level!

What sparked your initial desire to pursue and practice Functional Medicine?

I’ve always been interested in wellness and health, and I studied nutrition when I was in college. I was a yoga teacher before I was a doctor, I was a vegetarian for years, I ran…ate well. Then when I was 36 I lived in China and got sick. I had mercury poisoning, and was sick for years before I could figure out how to fix myself. And all of the other doctors and people I saw had no clue, and I literally had to figure it out- that’s when I came upon Functional Medicine, and that’s what lead me to really deeply understand it for myself, and also for my patients.

How would you define living an UltraLife?

It’s one that brings you joy, that allows you to do what you want to do in the world, to be present for yourself and your family, for your children, your friends… your community. To be present and fully engaged in life!

What is your morning routine?

Wake up, meditate for 20 minutes, make coffee with my wife- we do this little exercise together, a conversation that’s called “What’s Up Below?” which is a deeper conversation around where we are both at for the day, and then I usually make a little food, maybe a shake, or some pasture raised eggs with tomatoes and olive oil. And then I get to work!

Favorites + Firsts:

• Favorite movie? The Unbearable Lightness of Being
• First concert? Stevie Wonder in Toronto when I was 13
• Favorite Indulgence? Hu Kitchen Dark Chocolate Almonds
• Favorite way to relax? To be in nature and play, take walks, hikes. For me exercise is something I find very relaxing, I love cross country skiing, biking, playing tennis.
• Favorite Podcast? Malcom Gladwell’s: Revisionist History and Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your position at UWC?

Having the time and support to dive deep with people into their story, and helping people heal and recover from chronic problems that no one else can figure out.

Tell us about your most rewarding case study:

There is a lot!! One of the most rewarding was when I worked with a 10-year-old girl who was very sick with autoimmune disease, she was on multiple medications, and was really headed down a road of really serious complications. We were able to get her completely better and it’s ten years later and she’s doing amazing- and is on no medication. So that is really satisfying.

Your biggest goal for 2019?

To be still more, not travel as much and to practice savoring life more.

If you had to choose one life mantra that consistently strikes a chord with you, what would it be?

Have fun!! Change the world!!