Team

Metabolic Therapies in Orthopedics, Second Edition is a 30 (+) thought-leader collaboration to translate metabolic research into clinic-ready therapies for regenerating the musculoskeletal system from within.

Roberta Kline, MD

Dr. Roberta Kline is a physician, author, teacher and entrepreneur who is passionate about empowering others with the knowledge and tools they need to create health of mind, body and spirit. Board-certified in Ob-Gyn, and an expert in functional medicine, genomics, and multiple healing modalities, she actively shares her knowledge and vision with others through teaching, collaboration, and speaking. Her interest in nutrition as part of health is longstanding. Recognizing the need for nutrition instruction to physicians, while in medical school she created the foundation for a nutrition course that was subsequently integrated into the curriculum. Dr. Kline was the recipient of awards for surgical excellence and outstanding research during residency at Wright Patterson AFB. During her 7 years of active duty in the US Air Force, she earned awards for outstanding service and innovative programs to improve the health of the community. After more than 10 years in private practice, she left traditional medicine to create an innovative women’s health practice based on functional and energy medicine. As she incorporated functional genomics, realized the power of this combination to transform personalized medicine. As an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Kline was part of a select team that created a functional medicine didactic curriculum for a new Family Practice residency program, the first program in the U.S. to offer this at the outset. She also created and taught the Functional & Genomic Medicine module for master’s degree students as a Guest Faculty Instructor for The Graduate Institute. Pursuing her passion for advancing personalized genomic medicine, Dr. Kline co-founded Genomic Solutions Now and NCG Health Solutions with Dr. Joe Veltmann. She and Dr. Veltmann have recently merged these two companies, and Dr. Kline is currently CEO of Genoma International. Here they provide comprehensive and clinically relevant genomic testing to clinicians, plus training and certification programs that teach clinicians how to create successful practices using personalized genomic medicine and nutrition within a holistic health model. Dr. Kline maintains a private practice with Dr. Veltmann, the GENESIS Center for Personalized Health, consulting with people around the world who want to use their DNA blueprint to get and stay healthy. Dr Kline’s vision is a future in which collaborative, personalized genomic medicine within a holistic health model is the standard of care.

Michael Hamblin, PhD

Michael Hamblin is a Principal Investigator at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, an Associate Professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Affiliated Faculty of Harvard-MIT Division of Health Science and Technology. He was trained as a synthetic organic chemist and received his PhD from Trent University in England. He joined Wellman Labs in 1994. He worked initially in targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) and prepared and studied conjugates between photosensitizers and antibodies or targeted proteins and polymers of varying charge. His research interests are now broadly in the area of phototherapy for multiple diseases. One focus is the study of new photosensitizers for infections, cancer, and heart disease. A specialty of the Hamblin lab is the development of new animal models for testing PDT approaches. The study of how PDT can activate the host immune system to attack advanced cancer is a new direction in the Hamblin lab. A second focus is low-level light therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation for wound healing, arthritis, traumatic brain injury, psychiatric disorders, and hair regrowth. Dr. Hamblin has published over 289 peer-reviewed articles, over 150 conference proceedings, book chapters and international abstracts, and he holds eight patents. He has edited the most recent and comprehensive textbook on PDT entitled "Advances in Photodynamic Therapy: Basic, Translational and Clinical". He also co-edited a book entitled "Photodynamic Inactivation of Microbial Pathogens: Medical and Environmental Applications", an authoritative and comprehensive textbook entitled "Handbook of Photomedicine" with 70 chapters and 800 pages, a textbook entitled "Applications of Nanoscience in Photomedicine" and another comprehensive handbook called "Handbook of Low Level Laser (Light) Therapy" is in press. Four other textbooks are in progress. Dr. Hamblin has developed an interest in elucidating the basic molecular and cellular mechanisms of LLLT, and for the past eleven years has chaired an annual conference at SPIE formerly entitled "Mechanisms for Low Level Light Therapy" and now called "Mechanisms for Photobiomodulation" and has co-edited the 11 Proceedings of SPIE volumes associated with these conferences. He is Associate Editor of 7 International Journals including Photochemistry and Photobiology, PLoS ONE, Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy and Journal of Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology. He is on the editorial boards of a further 15 journals and has peer-reviewed for a total of 165 journals. He has served on numerous study sections and grant-reviewing panels and is on the scientific advisory boards of several companies. Research Interests Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a relatively new and exciting approach for treating cancers, infections and other diseases. Non-toxic dyes known as photosensitizers are administered systemically, locally or topically and accumulate in the tumor or other lesion. Illumination with (otherwise harmless) visible (usually red light, frequently from a laser) excites the sensitizer, which in the presence of oxygen, produces reactive oxygen species that mediate cytotoxic effects. Undesirable cells such as infectious microbial cells or malignant cancer cells can be selectively killed by this approach. Dr Hamblin’s lab has set up collaborations with several chemistry groups that provide novel photosensitizers for testing both in vitro and in vivo such as bacteriochlorins, functionalized fullerenes and synthetic dyes. In recent years the Hamblin lab has developed an interest in elucidating the photochemical mechanisms that operate during PDT, focusing on the difference between Type I (hydroxyl radicals) and Type II (singlet oxygen) pathways and the factors that govern the balance between them. Low-level light therapy (LLLT) (light alone, no photosensitizer) can stimulate healing, prevent tissue death and relieve pain and inflammation. The molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie this effect are under investigation. We believe that reactive oxygen species are also involved and cause activation of redox sensitive transcription factors. Stem cells are particularly susceptible to the effects of light and can be induced to differentiate and proliferate. Light-sensitive ion channels are another possible cellular pathway. Applications of LLLT to healing and treatment of traumatic brain injury are being studied. Results from these studies have suggested that transcranial near-infrared (NIR) light may have wide applications to a diverse range of brain disorders, including stroke, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, autism, and addiction. Anti-tumor immune response occurs after PDT in some small animal models of cancer. We are studying the complex interplay between factors such as the tumor type and whether it contains a recognizable antigen, the strain of mouse and its population of host suppressor cells, the type of PDT and the acute inflammatory response it causes. Combination of PDT with certain immunostimulants can produce highly synergistic benefits including regression of distant untreated tumors. Wound healing and infectious disease is being studied in animal models. The use of optical imaging of infections caused by genetically engineered bioluminescent and fluorescent microbes allows testing of PDT and other antimicrobial therapies in real time. Wound healing can be stimulated by both PDT and light alone and mechanistic and animal studies are underway. We have also used our unique animal models to test antimicrobial wound dressings such as chitosan acetate bandage and Hydrofera Blue. A broad range of antimicrobial light based therapies is being investigated including PDT, ultraviolet C and blue light in the range of 405-nm. These are being extensively studied in animal models of localized infection motivated by the widespread and inexorable rise in multi-antibiotic resistance amongst a range of pathogens. Blue light has been tested in clinical trials for H. pylori infection. Atherosclerotic vulnerable plaque may be detected and treated using a novel dual-purpose “seek and destroy” approach to be able to detect macrophage-rich plaques by use of an intra-arterial fluorescence catheter, and to potentially treat them by intravascular PDT. It is based on the targeting of macrophage scavenger receptors using a conjugate between modified albumin and chlorine(e6).

Regenerative Orthopedics with Russ Jaffe

Russ Jaffe MD, PhD, CCN

Dr. Russell M. Jaffe, worked at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from 1973 to 1979 where the seeds of his vision began. On leaving NIH Dr. Jaffe began a journey that sought to support the emerging field of Integrative and Regenerative Medicine. His dedication to the application of primary prevention and his commitment to providing superior nutraceuticals and autoimmune testing with clinical evidence of superior efficacy has made him a sought after speaker and leader in his chosen field. In 1984 after, five years of research, Dr. Jaffe invented a process that would eventually lead him to the family of companies he runs today. This innovation’s primary effort was to create a technology platform for measuring and monitoring all delayed allergies in the world’s first single step amplified (ELISA) procedure. When accomplished it was the first performed in a living cell through an advanced culture technique (ACT). Today with over 50,000 cases in the lab database it remains a vibrant part of Dr. Jaffe’s integrated operations. Expanding to Reston, then to Sterling and now to a custom built headquarters and warehouse in Ashburn, Virginia, Dr. Jaffe is continuously expanding and seeking new ways to improve his existing operations while maintaining his production lab, ELISA/ACT® Biotechnologies, his PERQUE nutraceutical plant, and an R&D facility, RMJ Holdings Rx. Dr. Jaffe and his team of highly trained professionals continually look for new ways to help speed the transition from our current healthcare system’s symptom reactive model to a more functionally integrated, effective and compassionate system. PIH is the turnkey outcome of years of Dr. Jaffe’s scientific research. It brings to market two decades of rethinking safer more effective, novel and proprietary dietary supplements, supplement delivery systems, diagnostic testing, and validation studies. In pilot clinical outcomes studies The Alkaline Way Program, utilizing LRA by ELISA/ACT tests for delayed hypersensitivities along with PERQUE supplementation to remove repair deficits, has been confirmed to achieve improvements in common conditions such as diabetes, fibromyalgia muscle pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFIDS). Today, the company creates integrated systems that implement assessment protocols and tools that combine information technology with advanced products for enhanced understanding, compliance and monitoring outcomes. From his humble beginnings in 1984 to today, Dr. Jaffe and his team have steadily moved forward and produced a volume of evidence-based work that has profoundly enhanced functional human nutrition, integrative medicine and proactive preventive healthcare models.

Joseph Yousefian MD regenerative orthopedics revA

Joseph Yousefian DMD MS

Dr. Yousefian has been recognized by his peers as an expert in his field. He has been providing cutting-edge diagnosis, prevention and comprehensive treatment for health conscious individuals with complex issues including; bite problems, TMJ-related jaw pain and headaches, snoring and sleep apnea and facial aging for over 23 years. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Yousefian obtained his degree in dentistry from Washington University in St. Louis in 1987, and completed three years of post-graduate training in orthodontics at Ohio State University in 1991. He received dual Masters of Science Degree in Biology and Physical Anthropology. Dr. Yousefian has served as a Clinical Assistant Professor and Orthodontic Research Associate at Ohio State University and the University of Washington Department of Pediatrics and Orthodontics. He is actively involved with several research projects including; a National Institutes of Health funded project in collaboration with the University of Washington and other universities across the United States and Canada. He is an active lecturer nationally and internationally to universities, dental and medical societies and study clubs. He has contributed more than 30 publications and chapters in refereed scientific journals and textbooks. His innovative approach to treatment of TMD and sleep apnea has been taught to the dental and medical practitioners in his study clubs called “Comprehensive Treatment Seminars.” He has been invited to numerous local and international meetings as well as TV health programs, to present his experience with this new integrative medical/dental treatment paradigm "Teledontics". You can find this material and patients’ testimonials on our website www.dryousefian.com. Dr. Yousefian is a consultant to several dental and orthodontic companies and is recognized for his innovative treatment techniques and philosophy in prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of related issues with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children and adults. His strategy for management of OSA, TMD and facial aging as effective medical/dental protocols for comprehensive treatment of these disorders has been published in the bestselling dental textbook “Goal-Directed Orthodontics” in 2013 and a second edition in 2015. Dr. Yousefian's passion for scientific research has won him numerous accolades, including the internationally recognized American Association of Orthodontists Award of Special Merit. Dr. Yousefian has obtained several undisputed patents on orthodontic and sleep appliances which are currently manufactured and distributed by leading orthodontic laboratories.

ritchie shoemaker regenerative orthopedics

Ritchie Shoemaker, MD

Dr. Ritchie ShoemakerRitchie Shoemaker, M. D., is a recognized leader in patient care, research and education pioneer in the field of biotoxin related illness. While illness acquired following exposure to the interior environment of water-damaged buildings (WDB) comprises the bulk of Shoemaker’s daily practice, other illnesses caused by exposure to biologically produced toxins are quite similar in their “final common pathway.” What this means is that while the illness might begin acutely with exposure to fungi, spirochetes, apicomplexans, dinoflagellates and cyanobacteria, for example, in its chronic form, each of these illnesses has similar symptoms, lab findings, and Visual Contrast Sensitivity findings. Taken together the inflammatory illness from each of these diverse sources is known as a Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. The few sentences above might make one think that the path of discovery of the complex abnormalities of innate immune physiology now confirmed to be present was simple. Frankly, none of the “players,” as one might call C4a, TGF beta-1 and MMP9 or the genetic susceptibility from the immune response genes HLA DR, was known in 1997, the first year of Shoemaker’s odyssey into the world of unusual diseases. Beginning with Pfiesteria, a dinoflagellate that killed fish and sickened over 300 people along the estuaries of the Chesapeake Bay from 1997-2001, Shoemaker has looked at multisystem, multisymptom illness with an environmental source as his “Holy Grail.” Indeed, finding the answers to countless questions raised by biotoxin illnesses has provided help, and for some, cure, with illnesses defined by symptoms alone such as fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Shoemaker says, “I suspect that the next textbook of autoimmunity and rheumatology will be one dedicated to treating high TGF beta-1 and restoring control of T-regulatory cells. Similarly, no one will be seen for neurological deficits and pulmonary problems without consideration of nerves and lungs as targets of innate immune responses gone haywire. As it is now we see unusual cases of multiple sclerosis, idiopathic juvenile arthritis, interstitial lung disease and many others unveiled as treatable conditions where the therapeutic target is lack of regulation of innate immune inflammation. Dr. Shoemaker has dedicated his life and career to uncovering the link between the toxic stew found in many of our buildings and homes, and the vast amount of misdiagnosed and catch-all ailments physicians often assign patients for whom they cannot offer any real treatment. By uncovering the real science behind these illnesses, and attacking the problem with clinical studies and sound research techniques, Dr. Shoemaker leads the way in not only identifying the true cause of these afflictions, but also in curing those whom the medical community deemed incurable. He truly feels it is imperative patients educate themselves, and has committed his time and resources to providing them with the tools they need for their survival. Dr. Shoemaker graduated from Duke University where he received honors in undergraduate and medical degrees. He is a practicing physician in Pocomoke City, MD, and conducts research with collaborators on an international basis. His dedication to his patients and his advancement of medicine through research has been recognized often, including receipt of the Maryland Academy of Family Practice Physician of the Year 2000 award, which was followed by an award as a finalist in the National competition for 2002. Shoemaker is asked to lecture to academic and lay audiences alike, with addresses to the US House of Representatives and Senate. Dr. Shoemaker has published eight books, the newest being Surviving Mold, and has numerous publications in scientific research journals, on audio and video tapes and in newspapers. He has made many presentations at scientific meetings, and has frequently appeared on television. Dr. Shoemaker was the lead committee member of the July 2010 Policy Holders of America position paper – “Research Committee Report on Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Caused by Exposure to the Interior Environment of Water Damaged Buildings.” This treatise is widely noted to be the most through, rigorous and transparent of all the discussions of illness from WDB. Dr. Shoemaker's lectures are known for their enthusiastic presentation of thought provoking ideas. Whether his speech is educational or motivational, he is an entertaining speaker with a stimulating approach to thinking that will challenge the listener. Shoemaker is at home when he is in the wooded wetlands of his beloved Eastern Shore of Maryland. Whether he is building Nature Trails, creating non-tidal wetlands or a demonstration tidal wetland garden for the Town of Pocomoke City, Maryland, he is fond of a hammer and a shovel. Shoemaker is married to JoAnn Jasinski, his bride of nearly thirty years, a long-time pre school educator. Their daughter, Sally, is following her own path in life as a teacher in environmental sciences.

Education

He is a renowned teacher, speaker and author on integrative approaches for cardio -metabolic disorders, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, auto immune disorders, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and optimal wellness.

Dr. Lamb utilizes lifestyle modification, herbal and nutritional therapies and cognitive therapy to address chronic disorders and to promote health aging.

Dr. Lamb says “health is so much more than the simple absence of disease. In our journey together, through illness and disease to optimal wellness, lifestyle modification can be a most potent opportunity to achieve the patient’s goals.