2023 Autumn Conference

David Best DO, MS, ABAM Related Seminars and Products

Dr. Best graduated from the Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2002.  He completed Family Medicine Residency in 2005 at Garden City Hospital.  In his final year of residency, he completed a course in office based opioid treatment and this began his work with treating patients with substance use disorder.  He has been providing this standard of care treatment for opioid use disorder patients in Northern Michigan since 2005.

Dr. Best started his post-graduate career at the Bellaire Family Health Center in Bellaire, MI where he worked from 2005-2012.  He has been in private practice since November 2012 and his office is in Traverse City.  He and his wife, Lindsay Best, DO, own Best Medical Services, which was certified as an Opioid Health Home in 2021.  Best Medical Services specializes in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine.  Dr. Best is board certified in both Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine and has spoken on the topic of opioid use disorder on a local, state-wide and national level.

Dr. Best was on the Michigan Association of Osteopathic Family Physicians (MAOFP) board from 2007-2015.  He served as President of the MAOFP from 2013-2014.  He has been on the Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) board since 2014 and was MOA President from May 2021-2022.  He also served as President of the Northern Michigan Osteopathic Association from June 2015-June 2017.  He has been a trustee for the Des Moines University Alumni board since June 2022 and has been a trustee with the Novello Health Provider Organization since December 2022.

Aarthi Chandarana DO, DipABLM Related Seminars and Products

Dr. Aarthi P. Chandarana DO, DipABLM Board-Certified Family Medicine & Lifestyle Medicine Physician
🌿 About Me Dr. Aarthi Chandarana is a dedicated and compassionate Family Medicine Osteopathic Doctor with a strong commitment to promoting holistic health and well-being. With dual board certification in Family Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Chandarana focuses on the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional health to provide comprehensive care to her patients.
👩‍⚕️ Medical Background Dr. Chandarana graduated from Nova Southeastern University and completed her Family Medicine residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. 
💡 Expertise in Lifestyle Medicine As a testament to her commitment to promoting a healthier lifestyle, Dr. Chandarana pursued board certification in Lifestyle Medicine. Her expertise in this field enables her to guide patients towards sustainable lifestyle changes that prevent and treat chronic diseases. She firmly believes that through personalized nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and other positive habits, individuals can enhance their quality of life and reduce the risk of disease.
🌱 Holistic Approach Dr. Chandarana's approach to patient care goes beyond symptom management. She takes the time to listen to her patients' concerns and tailors her treatment plans to their unique needs and goals. Her patients appreciate her warm demeanor, open communication style, and collaborative approach to decision-making.
Dr. Aarthi Chandarana is a caring and knowledgeable physician who believes that true health is achieved through a balanced integration of mind, body, and spirit. 

Kevin Foley MD Related Seminars and Products

Dr. Kevin T. Foley is a geriatrician in Grand Rapids, Michigan and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Battle Creek Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital. He received his medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years. Geriatricians specialize in the unique health needs of the elderly, including chronic diseases, nutritional problems, skin ailments, cognitive loss, memory impairment, adverse affects of medications, immobility and balances issues.

Mary Goldman DO Related Seminars and Products

Employed at Osteopathic Healthcare Associates, office of M. Shane Patteson, DO, Utica, Michigan to perfom Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment. Graduate of Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 1980 and Masters in Health Professions Education in 2014, a joint treaching effort between MSUCOM and MSU Education Department. Internship and Family Medicine Residency at Michigan Osteopathic Medical Center, Detroit Michigan in 1981. Osteopathic Manual Medicine Instructor in Department of Education at Ascension Genesys Regional Medical Center, Grand Blanc, Michigan, OMT Clinic at Downtown Flint Campus. Board Examiner American Board of Osteopathic Family Practitioners. 

John Goudreau DO, PhD, FACN Related Seminars and Products

Biography: 

Dr. John Goudreau received his medical degree and doctorate in neuropharmacology through the DO-PhD program at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) in 1995. He completed his residency in neurology at the Mayo Clinic in 2000, where he was given the Mayo Brothers Distinguished Fellowship Award. After residency, Dr. Goudreau completed a movement disorders fellowship at the Mayo Clinic, with a special interest in the genetics of movement disorders and advanced clinical training in the neurophysiology and botulinum toxin treatment of abnormal movements.

Dr. Goudreau joined the MSUCOM faculty in July 2001, where he continues his scientific and clinical interests in Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders as a tenured associate professor in the Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology-Toxicology.  In 2019, he was selected as the Associate Dean for Research in the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine and co-director of the DO-PhD training program, a combined degree program where students are trained to become physician scientists.  He was also appointed at the Director of the MSU Clinical & Translational Science Institute, which facilitates university-wide clinical/translational research infrastructure.

 Dr. Goudreau’s research is focused on developing symptomatic and neuroprotective therapies for Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative disorders. Dr. Goudreau is board certified in neurology and was elected a fellow of the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry. He is an active member of the American Academy of Neurology, Movement Disorders Society, Parkinson Study Group and the American Osteopathic Association. Dr. Goudreau was elected as a member of the NBOME Board during its December 2014 Annual Meeting, has formerly served in COMLEX-USA Level 2-CE and Level 1 Coordinator roles, and as chair of the Clinical Decision-making Subcommittee. He is also a member of the COMLEX-USA Level 3 Advisory Committee.

Linda Holland DC Related Seminars and Products

Dr. Linda Holland is a board-certified chiropractor at the Henry Ford Center for Integrative Medicine. She received her doctoral degree from Life University in Georgia in 1990. She earned the designation of Certified Primary Spine Practitioner from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Health, and Rehabilitation Sciences Department of Physical Therapy in 2021 and is currently pursuing a Master of Business associate degree with a Health care concentration at Davenport University.

Dr. Holland currently serves in the role of Associate Director for the Michigan Back Collaborative (MIBAC), which focuses on better care for low back pain.

She is Certified in the Chiropractic techniques of Webster and Cox.

Dr. Linda has had experience in private practice for 29 years in the metro Detroit area and has worked with HFH for 5 years. She has a special interest in family practice.

Adam Hunt DO, MHS, FACEP Related Seminars and Products

Adam Hunt, DO went to medical school at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and did his dual residency in Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine at McLaren Oakland in Pontiac, Michigan. Dr. Hunt also received a Masters Degree in International Health from The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He currently practices Emergency Medicine at Covenant Emergency Care Center in Saginaw, MI and is core faculty for the Emergency Medicine residency program.

Jeffery Johnston DDS, MS, Delta Dental Related Seminars and Products

Dr. Jeffery Johnston earned a Doctorate in Dental Surgery 1982 and Master’s Degree 1986 in Periodontology from the University of Michigan.

Dr. Johnston is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery, a Fellow in both the International and American College of Dentists, Pierre Fauchard Academy and International Congress of Oral Implantologists.  He is a Certified Dental Editor and Past-Editor for the Michigan Dental Association.  Dr. Johnston is also a Past-President of the Michigan Dental Association and Michigan Periodontal Association. He maintained a private practice limited to Periodontics for 28 years.

Dr. Johnston is currently Senior Vice-President / Chief Science Officer for Delta Dental Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana and Director of the Research and Data Institute. He is also Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Periodontology and Oral Medicine at the University of Michigan. He has authored numerous scientific publications and has lectured extensively on the topics of Periodontology, Oral Medicine, and Implant Dentistry.  

Contact Information:

Jeffery W. Johnston DDS MS
Senior Vice President, Chief Science Officer Delta Dental MI, OH, IN
4100 Okemos Road, Okemos, MI 48864
(517) 381-4730
jjohnston@deltadentalmi.com

Edwin Kornoelje DO, FAOASM Related Seminars and Products

Mathew Kulas LAC Related Seminars and Products

Mathew is a board-certified and licensed acupuncturist at the Henry Ford Center for Integrative Medicine. He received his Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree from the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture in Gainesville, FL. He also earned a dual B.A. in Psychology and Spanish while participating in clinical research benefiting Asperger Syndrome children. Most recently he also participated as the primary acupuncturist in a feasibility study titled: Acupuncture in living liver and kidney donors.
He is a Certified Oncology Acupuncturist, Certified Acupuncture Detox Specialist, and additionally board-certified in Chinese Herbal Medicine.
Mathew has special interest in degenerative disorders, fibromyalgia, mental health, infertility, auricular vagus nerve stimulation, and both physical and mental trauma. 

Christina Lucas-Vougiouklakis DO, DipALM Related Seminars and Products

CHRISTINA LUCAS-VOUGIOUKLAKIS DO
Medical Director, Family Medicine Residency Center. Director of Osteopathic and Lifestyle Medicine Education. Board Certified in Osteopathic Family Medicine & Lifestyle Medicine 
DR. LUCAS HAS BEEN IN PRACTICE SINCE 2009. SHE HAS BEEN PRACTICING OSTEOPATHIC FAMILY MEDICINE WHICH INCORPORATES MANUAL MANIPULATIVE MEDICINE INTO GENERALIZED MEDICAL CARE FOR ACUTE AND CHRONIC CONDITIONS. 
SHE BECAME BOARD CERTIFIED IN LIFESTYLE MEDICINE IN 2019 AND HAS INCORPORATED THIS UNIQUE PRACTICE OF CARE WITH HER PATIENTS. LIFESTYLE MEDICINE FOCUSES ON PRIMARY PREVENTION OF DISEASE THROUGH STRESS REDUCTION, MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHPS QUITTING SMOKING/DRINKING, INCREASING EXERCISE, TIME IN NATURE, PROPER SLEEP, AND WHOLE FOOD PLANT BASED FOCUSED NUTRITION.   
HER OTHER INTERESTS INCLUDE SERVIING ON LIFESTYLE MEDICINE INTEREST GROUPS AS A COMMITTEE MEMBER, WRITING FOR MSUCOM’S WELLNESS NEWSLETTER, SPENDING TIME WITH HER FAMILY, SINGING AND PLAYING THE PIANO, AND TRAVELING ABROAD. SHE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT PUBLIC SPEAKING AND EDUCATING HER COMMUNITY ABOUT HOW OSTEOPATHY AND LIFESTYLE MEDICINE INTEGRATE WELLNESS INTO GENERAL DAILY MEDICAL CARE.

My mission as an Osteopathic Family Practice physician is to provide quality and thorough care to my patients to the best of my ability. I strive to educate, support, reassure, and demonstrate humor, and compassion for my patients. I use my language skills in Greek and Spanish to enhance communication and decrease barriers. 
       My goals are to provide the highest quality of care and set a standard of excellence for my patients. From a business standpoint, I strive to continue to optimize effective billing and coding by providing a full variety of unique services and procedures including Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. 
      OMT is an excellent alternative to standard forms of pain treatment and offers patients a means to deal with pain that is non-addictive. My patient testimonials and sustained colleague referrals endorse my success in providing a more integrative approach to acute and chronic pain control.
        My 12+ years of patient service have taught me the importance of active listening, empathy, patience, and connecting with others. I am interested in exploring other fields of medicine such as integrative nutrition, anti-aging, and preventative medicine. I am working to broaden my knowledge in these fields. 
       I am patient, empathetic, understanding, and work diligently to serve my patients in a full care setting. I have a strong work ethic and high integrity and will rise to the highest level of expectation.  I look to maximize my skills among other physicians with whom I work and learn from their knowledge in order to improve my own knowledge base. I look forward to working with others in the fields of Osteopathy, Integrative and Family Medicine.

Favorite Quotes: “People don’t care how much you know unless they know how much you care.” – Mary Kay Ash

“Everything great that has ever happened to humanity has begun as a single thought in someone’s mind” YANNI

Motto: “Listen to Learn and Learn to Listen” – Dr. David Law

Anthony Ognjan DO, FACP Related Seminars and Products

Dr. Ognjan is a fellow of the American College of physicians (“FACP”); and received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1983. He graduated from Michigan State University with a B.S. in Microbiology and Public Health in 1975 and from Ferris State College with a B.S. in Pharmacy in 1978.

Dr. Ognjan completed a one-year rotating internship at Detroit Osteopathic–Bi County Community Hospital system (Detroit MI) in 1984; completed a residency in Internal Medicine (1987) and a Fellowship in Infectious Diseases (1989) at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan.

Dr. Ognjan is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, and Infectious Diseases by the American College of Physicians (“ACP”) He has completed the American Osteopathic Association (“AOA”) Health Care policy Fellowship (2007), and is a graduate of “Leadership Macomb” (2007)

Dr Ognjan has been a staff member of McLaren Macomb Hospital, (Mt Clemens, Michigan) Henry Ford Macomb Medical Center (Clinton Township MI) for over 20 years. He has experience as a Pediatric Pharmacist (Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit MI); Correctional facility Infectious Disease Clinician (Macomb County Jail, Macomb MI) and Staff Emergency Room Physician (Henry Ford Hospital Fairlane, Dearborn, MI)

Dr. Ognjan holds clinical teaching faculty appointments, with Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, East Lansing, Michigan; and with the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences, Des Moines, Iowa.   He is involved with the mentoring, and education of high school students, Pre-Medical and Medical Students; Interns and Residents; Attending physicians, and the public. He has performed as a medical media expert regarding a variety of medical topics, for local (Michigan and Metro Detroit area) Radio, Television, Print and Internet organizations and media outlets.

Dr. Ognjan has been recognized, and has received professional awards and honors, for teaching, education, research, community and professional involvement and activities. He has published articles; has presented many scientific abstracts, and continues his lecture activities regarding a variety of infectious disease syndromes, and medical topics, including: HIV, Wound infections, Antibiotics, Vaccinations and other infectious disease syndrome and topics.

Dr. Ognjan is very actively involved with his local community, Michigan state, and National public health initiatives, and affairs. Including the appointment to state sponsored committees, by several governors’ offices for epidemiology, education, and Health Care Policy affairs and activities.

Dr. Ognjan is very active with professional organizations, with over 20 years of active membership in the American Medical association, (“AMA”), the American College of Physicians (“ACP”) the American Osteopathic Association (“AOA”), and the Michigan Osteopathic Association (“MOA”). For the Michigan Osteopathic Association, he is Vice Chair MOA’s House of Delegates, Member of MOA’s Educational committee, Governmental Affairs committee, and Chairs the Michigan Osteopathic Political Action Committee (“MOPAC”), on a national level, he is a member of the American Osteopathic Association Political Action Committee. (“OPAC”).

Kim Pfotenhauer DO Related Seminars and Products

Kim Pfotenhauer, DO, FACOFP, is a Board Certified Osteopathic Family Physician and a Fellowship trained Diabetologist. She is currently the Assistant Dean for Clerkship Education and an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine.  She serves as National Faculty for the NBOME, on the board of the Michigan Association of Osteopathic Family Physicians, and on the American Diabetes Association Primary Care Advisory Group.  She previously served on the American Diabetes Association Women’s Interprofessional Network Advisory Group where she helped develop the WIN ADA Professional Development Course. She is also a founding board member and currently the Public Relations Chair of the American College of Diabetology.  She has worked on educational initiatives with the American College of Osteopathic Family Medicine, the Endocrine Society, and the American Diabetes Association. Speaking regionally and nationally on diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and vitamin D, she focuses on empowering primary care physicians to improve patient metabolic health. 

Miko Rose DO, FNAOME Related Seminars and Products

Patricia Ann Ryan DO, PhD Related Seminars and Products

Dr. Ryan graduated from Michigan State University’s Medical Scientist Training Program in 1994 with both her PhD in Microbiology and her Doctorate in Osteopathy.  She then became certified in Family Medicine and practiced in rural Michigan.  During her years of rural Family Practice Dr. Ryan also developed a practice in Complementary Medicine.  After 16 years in rural Michigan, Dr. Ryan returned to East Lansing and MSU.  From 2011 through 2014, she provided primary care at the MSU Student Health Center.  In 2013, Dr. Ryan joined the Physician Peer Education Project on Immunization, a collaborative effort among the CDC, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the MSU Extension Service.  As a presenter for the project, she provides updates on vaccine preventable diseases to medical providers throughout Michigan.  Having recently retired from primary care, Dr. Ryan currently devotes her time to the Peer Education Project and to her Complementary Medicine Practice in Okemos, MI.

Melissa Sundermann DO, FACOI, DipABLM Related Seminars and Products

Dr. Melissa Sundermann is a double boarded physician in Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine and has been practicing medicine for over 20 years. She also has training in Integrative Medicine through the University of Michigan and has completed a Professional Training Program in Mind Body Medicine through the Center for Mind Body Medicine based in Washington, DC. She has been featured in several Lifestyle Medicine articles and podcasts as well as an invited speaker for health/medical national conferences. She strongly believes in fostering a partnership with her patients and helping to guide them towards a healing pathway through self-care utilizing Lifestyle Medicine principles. Her 7 pillars of health include a wholefood plant-slant dietary pattern, daily movement, restorative sleep, avoidance of risky behaviors (such as tobacco, excessive alcohol, drug use), stress management, social connection and daily exposure to nature and fresh air. Dr. Sundermann is also known as “Doctor Outdoors” and Chairs the Nature as Medicine sub-committee for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Dr. Sundermann currently specializes in Lifestyle Medicine at Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort in Lenox, MA. Prior to this role, she practiced medicine with IHA in Ann Arbor, MI where she helped to launch the IHA Lifestyle Medicine Institute and also led the IHA Staywell Committee which focuses on optimizing the health and well-being for 3000 employees of IHA. She does her best to practice what she preaches
and enjoys running, biking, hiking, skiing and spending time outdoors and creating adventures with her husband, 2 children and 2 dogs. She is a 10x Boston Marathon finisher, 3x Full Ironman Triathlon finisher and currently training for several upcoming  Ultramarathons. She truly believes that age is just a number and is passionate about spreading this word to all of her patients, family and friends.

Nya Todd BA, Michigan Health Council Related Seminars and Products

Nya Todd is a Michigan State alum who graduated with a degree in Comparative Cultures and a minor in International Development. Nya’s interests have always been concerned with the uniqueness of every individual, and she has taken that passion for uncovering the way the mind works to her research at Michigan Health Council. This is where she continued her education and became certified in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Nya’s methods of teaching are created with the intention to recognize people’s experiences and give justice to the identities of individuals. You may contact Nya Todd at nya.todd@mhc.org or 517-908-8222

Michael Valitutto DO Related Seminars and Products

Benjamin Visger DO Related Seminars and Products

Benjamin Visger is a board-certified specialist in neuromusculoskeletal medicine and osteopathic manipulative medicine. He earned his doctorate at MSUCOM in 2011 and completed his residency at Mercy Health Muskegon in 2014. He continued as faculty in that residency program for two years before creating a private practice in North Muskegon. He continues to teach medical students and residents at his office as well as practicing physicians across the state at conferences. He spends an increasing amount of his time advancing the field of physical medicine and promoting improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of pain. 

Ramona Wallace DO Related Seminars and Products

Ramona Wallace D.O. IFMCP, is an Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine at WMED. Currently in Battle Creek teaching in the Family Medicine Residency Program. She became Certified in Functional Medicine in 2018. Since then she has piloted a Functional Medicine Residency track. Prior to coming to Battle Creek, she worked in Muskegon at a FQHC and developed various programs to address the disparities in care, focusing on nutritional insecurity as well as building community resilience. Her current focus of research is to develop a nutritional deficiency data base. 

Barbara Zajdel DO Related Seminars and Products

After graduating with a Bachelors degree from Michigan State University in 1995, Barbara Zajdel attended the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine.  She completed her Doctor of Osteopathy in 1999 and returned to Michigan for her internship and Family Medicine residency at Garden City Hospital. Upon completion of her Family Medicine training in 2002 she went to the University of North Texas Health Science Center - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathic Medical Center of Texas for her Plus One Residency program for NMM-OMM.  She completed her NMM-OMM residency training in 2003 at Mercy General Health Partners in Muskegon, Michigan.  Since then she has been working as an OMM specialist.  Dr. Zajdel earned her Fellowship in the American Academy of Osteopathy in 2018.   She currently has an office based practice in Farmington Hills, Michigan and is affiliated with Core Well in Farmington Hills.  She had an active inpatient practice from 2005-2018 where she worked with ONMM residents and other house staff teaching them how to incorporate OMT into inpatient care.  Since the COVID pandemic she has given up inpatient care.  In 2009 she became an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and currently teaches 1^st and 2^nd year medical students in the OMM lab at MSUCOM-DMC.  Dr. Zajdel has been providing Osteopathic oriented lectures and training for house staff and physicians at local hospitals since completing her postgraduate training, serves as a member of the AOBNMM, and the AOA Bureau of Specialists.