Authors & Editorial Reviewers
Authors & Editorial Reviewers
We believe that knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health. That’s why a critical part of Life Extension’s mission goes far beyond selling vitamins and supplements—we want you to have the tools you need to live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.
To achieve that mission, we enlist the expertise of some of the world’s best scientific minds. Every article we publish is written or reviewed by our team of doctors, PhDs, board-certified medical specialists, nutritionists, and other health specialists. Our team also regularly reviews research we’ve cited, to ensure it is up to date. Because, your health deserves nothing less than the highest standards.
Meet Our Authors and Scientific Reviewers
Dr. Shanti Albani
ND, Physician
Dr. Shanti Albani is a Naturopathic Physician who obtained her medical degree in 2003 from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. She practiced medicine for many years in central Mexico, specializing in gastrointestinal disorders and hormone balance. During this time, she taught courses in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for physicians.
Dr. Shaylind Benson
ND
After getting his degree in psychology, Dr. Shaylind Benson switched his focus to natural health, graduating from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine with a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree. He has worked for Life Extension since, focusing on hormones, neurotransmitters, and cancer.
Ben Best
BS, Pharmacy
Ben Best earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy before getting degrees in Business Administration and Physics and Computing Science. Mr. Best served as president of the Cryonics Institute, focused on the cryopreservation of humans and pets, before becoming Director of Research Oversight at Life Extension.
Dr. Carol Campi
RN, DC
Dr. Carol Campi earned an accelerated BSN at the University of Miami, a DC at the Logan College of Chiropractic, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology. She is certified by the American Heart Association in Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS). She also worked as an acute care nurse at the University of Miami Hospital.
Andrew Davis
Health & Wellness Writer
Andrew Davis is a graduate of Pace University NYC with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He has more than a decade's worth of experience in content and social media in the health and wellness space. An avid traveler, Andrew also has volunteered as an English teacher and humanitarian in countries throughout Asia.
Dr. William Davis
MD
Dr. William Davis is a cardiologist, author and Medical Director of Undoctored.com and the Undoctored Health Workplace Program. He earned his MD from the Saint Louis University School of Medicine and ran a private practice in cardiology. He is author of Undoctored and the #1 New York Times Bestseller, Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight and Find Your Path Back to Health.
Holly Denton
Health & Wellness Writer
Holly Denton got her degree in English Literature from Florida State University and previously worked in English education abroad with the Peace Corps and other development organizations before joining Life Extension, where she is currently a Copywriter.
Julia Dosik
MPH
Julia Dosik earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with minors in Biology & Chemistry, at Midwestern State University in 2011. She then earned her Master of Public Health from Nova Southeastern University in 2013. She facilitated the American Lung Association’s Open Airways for Schools Asthma Education Program before holding the positions of Health Advisor and Clinical Corporate Trainer at Life Extension.
Michael Downey
Health & Wellness Author
Michael Downey is a science writer with 26 years of experience. He is the author of a McGraw-Hill/Contemporary Learning Series publication, The Battle Within: Our Anti-Inflammation Diet, and has written numerous feature articles for major magazines, including Reader's Digest, Maclean’s, Men’s Health, Better Nutrition, and many more. He is a senior staff writer at Life Extension Magazine®.
Dayna Dye
Certified Medical Assistant
Dayna Dye is a certified medical assistant and the author of thousands of articles published during the past two decades about health, nutrition, aging and longevity. She has been interviewed on radio and TV and in newsprint. She is currently a member of Life Extension's Education Department.
Juanita Enogieru
MS, RD/N
Juanita Enogieru is a community nutritionist. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Health Education from the University of Florida, she worked with non-profit organizations providing CPR training and HIV/AIDS and nutrition education in South Florida. She pursued a master’s degree in Dietetics and Nutrition and provides wellness coaching. Her mission is to guide those seeking nutritional balance.
Chancellor Faloon
Health & Wellness Author
Chancellor Faloon is a graduate of Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences. He is dedicated to disseminating guidance on achieving better health and wellness. He has had various roles in the company, but scientific writing has always been his top priority. Chance has also raced in multiple full and half marathons.
William Faloon
Health & Wellness Author
William Faloon, along with Saul Kent, founded Life Extension® in 1980 with the goal of educating people on anti-aging and disease prevention. Mr. Faloon is author of Pharmocracy: How Corrupt Deals and Misguided Medical Regulations Are Bankrupting America – and What to Do About It. He is also a contributing author and editor of Disease Prevention and Treatment: Scientific Protocols That Integrate Mainstream and Alternative Medicine.
Dr. Scott Fogle
ND, Physician
Dr. Fogle has 20+ years of experience in the dietary supplement industry and is an accomplished health-care educator. He is a contributor to the book Disease Prevention and Treatment. Dr. Fogle was a clinical faculty member at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM), where he completed a family practice residency and had a private practice in Portland.
John Gawley
Health & Wellness Writer
John Gawley graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in English before beginning his career as a technical writer, copy writer and content manager. John has extensive experience in the health and wellness field, and he is the Senior Copywriter at Life Extension.
Gary Gonzalez
MD
Dr. Gary Gonzalez is a Medical Physician in Integrative Medicine. He earned a degree in Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Central Florida and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Universidad del Norte. He also volunteered in Endocrinology during his breaks from medical school and completed a medical internship at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Crystal M. Gossard
DCN, CNS, LDN
Dr. Crystal M. Gossard is a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition and a Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist in Integrative and Functional Nutrition. She earned her Master’s degree in Nutrition Sciences from Meredith College and her doctorate from the Maryland University of Integrative Health. Dr. Gossard has more than 15 years of experience in the fields of nutrition, fitness, dietary supplements and integrative and functional medicine.
Dr. Asha Jaja-Chimedza
Ph.D., Chemistry
Dr. Asha Jaja-Chimedza earned her Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Chemistry from Florida International University after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She worked as a postdoctoral fellow at Rutgers University before becoming a Research Investigator at International Flavors & Fragrances.
Jennifer Jhon
Health & Wellness Writer
Jennifer Jhon graduated from Auburn University with a degree in journalism and communications. She established her career as an editor, designer and writer at several newspapers and magazines. She has been writing about wellness, health and nutrition for 10 years.
Jorie Mark
Health & Wellness Editor
Jorie Mark earned an English degree from University of Pennsylvania before getting a master's degree in creative writing from American University. She is a content and social media expert with 20 years of experience in social media, editorial content, digital marketing, events, public relations and food and lifestyle writing. She is also a published author.
Dr. Amanda Martin
DC
Dr. Amanda Martin received her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Sherman College and a Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Chemistry and Biology/Health Sciences from Excelsior College. She worked as a chiropractic physician for several years. She is skilled in Wellness and Nutritional Counseling, and she strives to help people take control of their health.
Dr. Cristina Matthewman
Ph.D., Neuroscience
Dr. Cristina Matthewman is a Research Scientist who earned her doctorate in Neuroscience from the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. After graduating, she conducted otolaryngological research as part of a post-doctorate. She now works with discovery research and product development at Life Extension.
Jessica Monge
Health & Wellness Writer
Jessica Monge has a bachelor's degree in biological sciences & neuroscience and a master's degree in comparative studies and related languages from Florida Atlantic University. She worked as a tutor, freelance writer and editor before joining Life Extension, where she is currently a Digital Content Writer.
Dr. April Parks
MD, MS
Dr. April Parks is an Exercise Physiologist and a Senior Wellness Specialist at Life Extension. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences at Savannah State University and her Master of Science in Exercise Physiology at Life University before attending the Windsor University School of Medicine.
Dr. Vanessa Pavey
ND
Dr. Vanessa Pavey is a Naturopathic Doctor trained as a primary care physician, skilled in medical biochemistry, phytonutrients, and nutrition. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Saint Francis before training in Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University. She is an education scientist at Life Extension.
Andrew Roberts Jr.
MPH in Global Health, MS in Medical Health
Andrew Roberts Jr. is an experienced health adviser skilled in nutrition education, health promotion and research. He has a Master of Public Health (MPH) focused in Global Health from Liberty University and a Master’s Degree in Medical Health Science. He has also been a public health nutritional educator and a volunteer for Immunize Nevada.
Holli Ryan
RD, LD/N
Holli Ryan is a food & nutrition expert, registered & licensed dietitian-nutritionist, health & wellness writer, blogger, and social media specialist. She graduated from Florida International University and is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In her free time she enjoys photography, travel, cooking, art, music, and nature.
Dr. Shayna Sandhaus
Ph.D., Chemistry
Dr. Shayna Sandhaus is a scientist with a Doctorate in Chemistry from Florida International University with extensive knowledge of biochemistry. She served as a research assistant and teaching assistant at FIU before working as a scientist with a biotechnology company and then joining the science team at Life Extension.
Michael A. Smith
MD
Dr. Michael A. Smith received his medical doctorate from the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, and he practiced Internal Medicine and Radiology in Dallas, Texas in the early 2000s. Dr. Smith is the author of The Supplement Pyramid: How to Build your Personalized Nutritional Regimen. He is also the host of the Live Foreverish podcast and Facebook Live show for Life Extension.
Stephen Tapanes
PhD
Dr. Stephen Tapanes earned his doctorate in Neuroscience from the University of Miami in 2021. His thesis investigated disease mechanisms and treatments following traumatic brain injury. Now, he is a scientist at Life Extension who enjoys using his skills in scientific reading and writing to promote health and wellness education.
Dr. Tennoy V.
MD
Since graduating as a medical doctor from IberoAmerican University, Dr. Tennoy has had over a decade of experience speaking about diabetes, cancer, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, HPA-axis dysfunction, weight loss, and atherosclerosis/cardiovascular disease as part of his professional health counseling career.
Jon VanZile
Health & Wellness Author
Jon VanZile is an experienced editor and writer with a degree in Journalism from Michigan State University. He has spent years leading teams that build award-winning content libraries. As Content Director at The Wellness Network, Jon manages a growing library of print and video health content with the help of a tight-knit group of writers, editors, producers, and clinical advisors.
Philip Vogt
Health & Wellness Writer
Philip Vogt graduated from Western Maryland College with a degree in English and journalism. He has more than 15 years of experience in pharmaceutical regulatory review before joining Life Extension as a proofreader.
Dr. Kathy Wilson
Ph.D., Psychology, NHD
Dr. Kathy Wilson earned her Masters’ degree and Doctor of Philosophy from Walden University. She also earned a Doctor of Natural Health degree, Nutrition and Lifestyle from Clayton College of Natural Health, as well as a Master’s degree in Health Education from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She is a dedicated educator with over 20 year of experience in the health and wellness industry.
Dr. Heidi Yanoti
DC
Dr. Yanoti earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life University. She decided to pursue a career as a chiropractor because she is interested in natural approaches to health. She is also a Senior Wellness Specialist at Life Extension, which allows her to help people from around the country, and the world, achieve their health goals.
Dr. Umair Amin
MB.BS
Dr. Amin is a clinical development physician who also likes to write on health and medicine for the lay person. He is a coffee aficionado and enjoys taking walks in nature.
Kevin Connolly
DVM, PhD
Dr. Connolly is an Assistant Professor of Veterinary Technology and Equine Science at Pierce College. He is a graduate of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, and did his graduate work in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UCLA where he studied transmissible antibiotic resistance and determinants of bacterial infectivity. He completed residency in Internal Medicine at the Marion duPont Equine Medical Center at Virginia Tech. He has practiced companion animal and equine medicine, in both primary care and referral centers. His interests include small animal and equine clinical nutrition, and preventive medicine.
Carrie Decker
ND, MS
Dr. Decker is a Naturopathic Physician, graduating from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR in 2013. Prior to this, Dr Decker was an engineer and obtained graduate degrees in engineering from UW-Madison and UIUC, respectively. She continues to enjoy academic research and writing and uses these skills to support integrative medicine education.
Cindy Embleton
MS
Cindy Embleton has spent more than a decade developing medical/health content for consumers and physicians. She earned her Master of Science in Chemical and Life Sciences at the University of Maryland and has developed content for many of the nation’s top key opinion leaders. Therapeutic areas covered range extensively from HIV to ocular diseases/procedures and oncolytic immunotherapy.
Dr. Michael Gertner
PhD
Dr. Gertner earned his PhD from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. His doctoral thesis investigated disease mechanisms and pharmacological treatments for ischemic stroke. He has coauthored numerous publications in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disease and has presented his work at major neuroscience meetings including SFN, ICAD, and AAN. Dr. Gertner is currently a medical director in the medical education industry.
Akash Goel
MD
Akash Goel is a physician, advocate with a focus on food, nutrition and digestive health. Akash is frequently published in peer-reviewed journals and his work has appeared on networks and publications such as CNN, New York Times, Time Magazine, Financial Times, BBC. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell in Gastroenterology and Hepatology and currently shares a GI practice with his father in Illinois.
Debra Gordon
MS
Debra Gordon is a seasoned healthcare communicator specializing in developing content for clinicians, businesses and consumers. She earned her master’s degree in biomedical writing from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. Debra has 30+ years of experience in health care, including a decade as a newspaper reporter covering medicine and 20 years as a freelance medical writer.
Dr. Tina Kaczor
ND, FABNO
Dr. Kaczor is a licensed naturopathic physician with board certification in oncology. Since graduating from National College in 2000, she has been a clinician, lecturer, writer and editor. Along with her contributions to well-known books on natural medicine, she is the editor of the Textbook of Naturopathic Oncology: A Desktop Reference of Integrative Oncology.
Robert Iafelice
MS, RD, LDN
Robert Iafeliceis a freelance medical writer. He has 25+ years of experience as a nutritionist in integrative/functional medicine and fitness. He earned a Master of Science in Nutrition Sciences from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Mr. Iafelicehas contributed to the publication Disease Prevention and Treatment and has written for Life Extension Magazine®.
Christopher Margrey
DVM
Dr. Margrey is a Clinical Nutrition Resident at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM). After graduating from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021, he went on to complete an internship year divided between a rotating internship and a Community Practice internship in Cary, NC and the UTCVM, respectively. Following his residency training, Dr. Margrey hopes to continue serving the pet owner community as a veterinary nutritionist.
Colleen Mazin
MS/MPH
Colleen Mazin earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Bucknell University in 2000, and then a Master of Public Health and Master of Science in Nutritional Biochemistry, with a concentration in Health Communications, from Tufts University in 2003. She has worked in product development for a dietary supplement company and as a science editor.
Franco Melis
Franco Melis is a multicultural Biomedical Engineering student at Florida International University, specializing in biotechnology and innovation. With a passion for medical instrumentation, he combines engineering skills and biobehavioral knowledge to contribute to medical writing and healthcare. After living in four countries, Franco excels in social connections and leadership. In his free time, he enjoys soccer, gym workouts, and spearfishing.
Jennifer Pryor
M.D.
Dr. Pryor is a board-certified Anatomic and Clinical Pathologist with a decade of clinical experience. She is an expert in diagnostics and laboratory medicine, has a broad knowledge base in hematology and oncology, and is passionate about mental health and the mind-body connection.
Dr. Yusuf M. Saleeby
MD
Dr. Saleeby earned his medical degree in 1991, followed by post-grad training in Internal Medicine. He has cumulated a 20-year career in Emergency Medicine and Functional & Integrative Medicine. Dr. Saleeby is a medical advisor to LDN Research Trust. He’s author of books on adaptogen herbs and hypothyroidism. He is also the founder of Functional Medicine Priority Health Academy, a 501(c)(3)organization.
Corey B. Schuler
RN, MS, DC, LN, CNS, CNSC, MBA
Dr. Schuler is a nutrition specialist, holistic nurse and chiropractic physician. He earned his Master of Science in Human Nutrition from University of Bridgeport. He teaches for Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and New York Chiropractic College’s MSACN program. He focuses his practice on stress-related disorders and practical steps to restore health.
Dr. Benjamin S. Weeks
Ph.D.
Dr. Weeks earned his doctorate in nutrition and reproduction from the University of Connecticut. In 1988, Dr. Weeks joined the National Institutes of Health investigating neuroimmunology. In 1995, at the University of Pennsylvania, he discovered a role for endogenous morphine in viral infection. In 1997, Dr. Weeks joined Adelphi University where his research continues.
Dr. Robert Wenham
MD, MS, FACOG, FACS
Dr. Robert Wenham is Chair of the Gynecologic Oncology Department at Moffitt Cancer Center and Professor at the Morsani School of Medicine. Dr. Wenham is a principal investigator or co-investigator for numerous studies to improve outcomes in gynecologic cancer. He chairs or serves on several scientific advisory boards, data safety monitoring boards, steering committees, and cooperative group committees.
Dr. Maureen Williams
ND
Dr. Williams received her doctorate in naturopathic medicine in 1995 from Bastyr University in Seattle, and since then has eagerly sought all opportunities to cultivate and share knowledge about health and natural medicine. She now lives on Cortes Island in beautiful British Columbia, and devotes her professional time to patient care, writing and teaching.