Medical Doctors


SmartNow's Chief Medical Officer: Dr. Melina Jampolis, M.D.

Dr. Melina Jampolis, M.D. is a board certified physician nutrition specialist. She graduated from Tufts Medical School and is one of only 200 doctors in the U.S. who is double board certified in internal medicine and nutrition.  She is a frequent lecturer at medical schools on nutrition and diet.   She was the host of “Fit Tv’s Diet Doctor”, the author of The No Time to Lose Diet (Nelson, 2007), and the diet and fitness expert for CNNHealth.com.  She maintains a small, private practice in San Francisco.  You can email her at: DrMelina@SmartNow.com.  For more information, visit www.drmelina.com.

Dr. Vivek Agrawal, Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Vivek Agrawal, founder and medical director of the Shoulder Center in Indiana, specializes in providing innovative treatments for regular and complex shoulder problems, including revising failed surgeries. Dr.Agrawal has performed thousands of arthroscopic repairs, and is an expert in shoulder reconstruction. He was the first to bring the Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement procedure to Indiana. Dr.Agrawal is one of just a handful of surgeons skilled at using arthroscopic techniques to repair the most complex and large tears in the shoulder.

Dr. Tina Alster, Dermatologist

Dr. Tina S. Alster, founding director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, is a clinical professor at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Dr. Alster earned her B.S. and M.D. degrees from Duke University where she graduated magna cum laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa honor society. She was one of 10 students selected by her university for inclusion in “Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities.” She interned at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, then completed her residency in dermatology at Yale, specializing in laser surgery with a one-year fellowship in Boston. Dr. Alster has lead and lectured courses on laser surgery and lectured medical meetings worldwide. Visit Dr. Alter's website at www.skinlaser.com. Send your questions to Tina@smartnow.com

Dr. Daniel Amen, Brain Imaging Specialist

Daniel G. Amen, M.D., is a child and adult psychiatrist, brain imaging specialist, bestselling author and a distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He is the author of 22 books, including The New York Times bestseller "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life," "Healing ADD," "Healing The Hardware of the Soul." "Making A Good Brain Great" and "Sex On The Brain," and the co-author of "Healing Anxiety and Depression" and "Preventing Alzheimer's." In January 2009, Harmony Books will publish Dr. Amen's upcoming book, "Magnificent Mind At Any Age." A new PBS special of the same name will air in March 2009.

Dr. Joseph Andris, Anesthesiologist

Dr. Joseph Andris, D.O., is a board certified anesthesiologist. For the past nine years, he has been practicing in the San Francisco Bay Area. He serves as director of the OR as well as assistant chief of anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente's San Rafael campus. Dr. Andris attended Villanova University and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed residencies in both internal medicine and anesthesiology at West Virginia University, where he also taught as an assistant professor while practicing medicine.

Dr. Marla Anderson, General Surgeon

Dr. Marla Anderson is a board certified practicing general surgeon.  She is Chief of the Department of General Surgery at Kaiser Permanente’s San Rafael campus.  Dr. Anderson attended medical school at Northwestern University Medical School and completed her general surgery residency at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.  Dr. Anderson holds a special place in her heart for her patients, as well as all women, diagnosed with and undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Dr. Carolyn Bernstein, Neurologist

Carolyn Bernstein, M.D., has taught neurology at Harvard Medical School for 16 years and is a staff neurologist at the Cambridge Health Alliance in Cambridge, Massachusetts. A board-certified neurologist, Dr. Bernstein belongs to the American Academy of Neurology. In 2006, Dr. Bernstein won the Harvard Medical School Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching and in 2007 was the recipient of the Leonard Tow award for Humanism in Medicine, given by Harvard Medical School. In 2007, she also won the National Headache Foundation’s Headache Healthcare Provider of the Year. In 2006, Dr. Bernstein opened her own headache clinic for women, The Women’s Headache Center at the Cambridge Health Alliance.

Dr. Charles Dubin, Gynecologist

Dr. Charles Dubin graduated from UCLA medical school and is a specialist in gynecology, menopause and gynecologic minimally invasive surgery. He is in private practice in Santa Monica, Calif. He was among the first 100 physicians in the United States certified in advanced laparoscopy and hysteroscopy by the Accreditation Council for Gynecologic Endoscopy. He was cofounder of the Westside Menopause Center and a member of the North American Menopause Society. He was founder of the Endometriosis Center of Southern California. Dr. Dubin’s practice caters to the needs of perimemopausal and menopausal women employing a customized, holistic approach using hormonal, herbal, dietary and lifestyle approaches.

Dr. Lenora Felderman, Dermatologist

Dr. Lenora Felderman practices adult and pediatric medical and cosmetic dermatology in Manhattan. She is certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is a clinical assistant professor at Cornell University's Weill College of Medicine. She is an attending physician at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and Lenox Hill Hospital. Dr. Felderman has been honored with a number of awards including New York Magazine's 2006 and 2007 “Best Doctor.” Dr. Felderman is a dermatologic consultant for major print media and has been a pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry consultant and spokesperson. Her latest project is the development of her own skin care line. Send your questions to: Lenora@smartnow.com.

Dr. Jan C. Garavaglia, Medical Examiner

Jan C. Garavaglia, M.D. is the Chief Medical Examiner for the District Nine (Orange-Osceola) Medical Examiner's Office in Florida. In addition, Dr. Garavaglia is the host and subject of Discovery Health's hit series "Dr. G: Medical Examiner", which first premiered in 2004, and takes viewers on an investigative journey as Dr. Garavaglia examines the cases coming through her morgue. She is also the author of "How Not to Die: Surprising Lessons on Living Longer, Safer, and Healthier from America's Favorite Medical Examiner", published in October 2008 by Crown Publishers (a division of Random House).

Dr. Jeffery Gold, Opthalmologist

Dr. Jeffrey D. Gold is a board certified ophthalmologist with more than 30 years of experience in eye medicine and surgery with special expertise in laser technology. He began specializing in Laser Vision Correction in 1995 and has to date performed about 10,000 procedures, bringing happiness to thousands of people.

Dr. John Kennedy, Cardiologist

Dr. John M. Kennedy is the Director of Preventive Cardiology and Wellness at Marina Del Rey Hospital, in Marina Del Rey, California and is co-author of The 15 Minute Heart Cure--A Natural Way to Release Stress and Protect Your Heart in Just Minutes a Day which will be published by John Wiley & Sons and released February, 2010.  John  has a particular interest in the negative impact of stress on our cardiovascular system and speaks regularly to businesses about managing stress in the workplace.  Visit Dr. John Kennedy's website at www.johnkennedymd.com.  Send your questions to John@smartnow.com.

Dr. Mildred LaFontaine, Neurologist

Mildred LaFontaine, M.D., is a neurologist based in Concord, N.H., for 18 years. Prior to that she was in private clinical practice in neurology in Philadelphia and was a clinical assistant professor of neurology at the University of Pennsylvania. She received her M.D. from Duke University School of Medicine in 1977 and completed her residency in neurology at the University of Pennsylvania. Her interests in neurology are varied and include stroke, movement disorders, memory loss and Multiple Sclerosis. Dr. LaFontaine believes that listening to the patient is one of the most important skills a physician can have, and that the doctor-patient relationship is a partnership where both the physician and the patient have important contributions to make in the journey toward enhanced health and well-being. Send your questions to Mildred@smartnow.com.

Dr. Kenneth Light, Spinal Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Kenneth Light graduated from the Cornell University College of Medicine in New York City. He completed his residency in Orhopaedic Surgery at the University of California in San Francisco., and completed a fellowship in spinal surgery under the guidance of Edward H. Simmons at the State University of New York in Buffalo. Dr. Light was director of the spine clinic at San Francisco General Hospital, and was founder and medical director of the San Francisco Spine Center at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, is board certified with the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at University of California, San Francisco. He is currently in private practice in San Francisco where he specializes in reconstructive surgery in patients who have had failed back surgery.

Dr. Patrice Marcarelli

Dr. Patrice Marcarelli is a board certified Internist with a subspecialty in Infectious Diseases as well as a Certified Wound Care Specialist. Dr. Marcarelli graduated with her bachelors degree in Biology at Loma Linda University and her medical degree from Universidad Autonoma in Guadalajara. She completed her Internal Medicine residency and Infectious Disease fellowship at the Long Beach, California Veterans Hospital and University of California, Irvine.  She has been in private practice for 22 years in the Los Angeles area. Her outpatient practice, Wound Management Institute, is devoted to healing chronic wounds, bringing relief to patients with non-healing sores.  In addition, she is her hospital’s epidemiologist and Chair of Infection Control, working to improve patient care and safety. Dr. Marcarelli advocates prevention and patient participation to assure good health and outcomes.

Dr. Daniel Marcus, Surgeon

Dr. Daniel Marcus is a General surgeon with a focus in Laparoscopic and Endoscopic surgery. He is chief of surgery at Marina Del Rey Hospital in Los Angeles, California. He completed medical school at Sackler Medical school in Tel Aviv, General Surgery residency at Columbia–Presbyterian in NYC and a Fellowship in Laparoscopic and Endoscopic surgery at Oregon Health Sciences in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Marcus’sfocus and interest is in minimally invasive surgery in all types of surgery. He has lectured and taught extensively in the field of minimally invasive surgery. He has consulted for several companies in development of new procedures and instrumentation for less invasive procedures in surgery. Dr. Marcus is committed to the development of less invasive procedures and the many benefits this exciting field of surgery offers patients in healing, diagnostic thoroughness and improved cosmesis while minimizing pain.

Dr. Steve McConnell

Dr. Steven McConnell graduated from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry, San Francisco. He is a certified specialist in restorative and cosmetic dentistry and since 1978 owner of his practice, Marin Center for Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry located in Novato, California.  Dr. McConnell’s focus is on overall oral health and aesthetic dentistry.  Considered a master clinician, Dr. McConnell was recently nominated by his peers and selected by the Consumers' Research Council of America as one of “America's Top Dentists.”

Dr. Molly Newlon, Dentist

Molly P. Newlon, DDS, M.A., graduated from University of the Pacific Dental School in 1982 and completed a GPR residency at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. She was director of the Faculty Dental Practice for nine years, and 11 years ago became director of health and safety for the UC-San Francisco School of Dentistry. Molly provides training in infection control and health and safety to faculty, students and staff, and is an active member of numerous campuswide committees on health and safety and terrorism preparedness. Send your questions to Molly@smartnow.com.

Dr. Barry Sears, Scientist and Researcher

Dr. Barry Sears is a leading authority on the dietary control of hormonal response. A former research scientist at the Boston University School of Medicine and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dr. Sears has dedicated his research efforts over the past 30 years to the study of lipids. He holds 13 U.S. Patents in the areas of intravenous drug delivery systems and hormonal regulation for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. His research has elevated food from more than simply a source of calories to being recognized as an exceptionally powerful drug.  He has written several best-selling diet and nutrition books including, The Zone, The Anti-Inflation Zone and his latest, Toxic Fat.


Dr. Richard Shames, Thyroid Specialist

Dr. Richard Shames graduated from Harvard University and University of Pennsylvania Medical School. He created one of the first integrative medical centers in the U.S. in 1974, served as Marin County Health Department physician, as well as preceptor for medical students from UC San Francisco. Dr. Shames is well known for his work in the field of holistic healing and is a popular speaker and media personality. He is the co-author of "Healing with Mind Power" (Rodale Press, 1978), "The Gift of Health" (Bantam 1982), and "Thyroid Power" (HarperCollins, 2001) and has his own audio and video tape series. Dr. Shames has been in private practice for 25 years, presently at the Preventive Medicine Center of Marin.

Dr. Dara Spearman, Dermatologist

Dr. Dara Spearman practices medical and cosmetic dermatology with Dermatology Associates of West Michigan, in Grand Rapids, MI. Dr. Spearman received her BS and BA degrees at Hope College where she graduated summa cum laude and was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. She completed medical school and dermatology residency at the University of Michigan where she was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. Dr. Spearman has a special interest in skin of color and has lectures frequently on the topic. Her office website is www.myskindoctors.com. 


Fitness, Nutrition and Wellness Experts


Sherri Baptiste, Yoga Expert

Sherri Baptiste is the author of Yoga with Weights for Dummies (Wiley Publishers) and daughter of the American yoga and physical culture pioneers Walt and Magaña Baptiste. She has been associated with yoga since she took her first baby steps or assumed her first lotus position, whichever came first. She is the founder of Baptiste Power of Yoga, a nationally recognized yoga method. A top expert in the field of health and wellness, she is an inspirational teacher who is at the forefront of yoga training and is nationally recognized in the United States and Canada. Sherri's way of teaching is accessible to everyone, and it offers depth, renewal, results and inspiration. Contact her at www.powerofyoga.com.

Dr. Ed Bauman, Wellness Expert

Dr. Ed Bauman is the director of Bauman College: Holistic Nutrition & Culinary Arts with distance learning and class room programs in Northern California and in Boulder, CO. Dr. Bauman developed Eating for HealthTM, an effective way to promote optimal health, live well with cancer and other life-changing opportunities and help people discover the joys and ease of eating delicious fresh, natural foods and beverages. Dr Bauman is a delightfully wise, practical and inspiring teacher/mentor, who makes complex nutritional information easy to digest and assimilate. For the past 23 years Dr. Bauman has been leading Vitality Fasting Retreats. Personal "Jump Start Cleansing" programs and consultations can be arranged by appointment through Bauman Clinic. Bauman Clinic. Send your questions to Ed@smartnow.com.

Kelli Calabrese, Fitness Expert

Kelli Calabrese is a renowned fitness expert, business owner, international presenter, author, spokesperson, editor and mother of two preschoolers. Calabrese opened the first school for preparing candidates for the American Council on Exercise's Personal Training exams and is the co-author of "Femine, Firm and Fit", a 12-week fitness makeover program for women. Calabrese is a popular speaker on fitness-related topics and has written and served as an expert for number of websites and magazines. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Personal Trainer Business Alliance and is an Expert Fellow and Advisor for the National Board of Fitness Examiners. Send your questions to Kelli@smartnow.com

Joanie Greggains, Fitness Expert

Joanie Greggains, popular host of The Joanie Greggains Show on KGO Radio Show, is also known for her long-running TV exercise show, Morning Stretch. Joanie's 20 plus years representing health and fitness in the media have made her one of the most trusted and respected sources of information today. Joanie is always up-to-date with the latest trends and information and provides solid, practical information about maintaining good health.   Joanie Greggains has sold more exercise dvds than any other female fitness experts in the U.S.  You can see her current exercise dvds at www.greggainshealthmatrix.com.  More information can be found at www.joaniegreggains.com.

Derek Johnson, Dietitian

Derek Johnson is a dietitian and founder of New Metabolism, a private nutrition consulting company in Santa Monica, Calif., that utilizes the latest in research and metabolic testing. With more than 10 years of experience, he developed a nutrition and weight management program that helps people reach their health, weight loss and fitness goals based on their individual blood chemistry, lifestyle and medical history. For more information, visit www.newmetabolism.com.  Send your questions to Derek@smartnow.com.

Anita Kobuszewski, Nutrition and Culinary Expert

A food and nutrition expert, author, educator and culinary expert, Anita Kobuszewski appears on television and radio on topics concerning wellness, nutrition and culinary arts. A food coach and accomplished athlete, Anita has counseled professional and leisure sport athletes. Her latest book will take food from the field to your fork.

Angela Mohan, Therapist

Angela Mohan, licensed M.F.T., has been a practicing therapist  for the past 14 years. She has built successful private practices in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, and teaches law and ethics at Pacifica Graduate Institute. Ms. Mohan, often described as a "fun," "enthusiastic," and "lively" speaker, offers seminars at USC, UCLA, Cal State-Los Angeles and Cal State-Long Beach.  Ms. Mohan is a published author and served on the board of directors for the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.  Angela enjoys traveling, reading, and watching movies. Send your questions to angelamohan@sbcglobal.net.

Janet Morris, Elder Law Attorney

Janet Morris is a practicing attorney in the area of elder law with Bet Tzedek Legal Services, The House of Justice, in Los Angeles. Through her Family Caregiver Project she assists elders and their caregivers with a variety of legal issues. Janet is an executive board member of the California Coalition of Caregivers and sits on the board of the Alzheimer’s Association, California Southland Chapter. She has co-authored numerous publications including the “Caregiver Companion.” Fluent in English and Spanish, Ms. Morris has given hundreds of speeches in both languages. In 2005, she received the Caregiver of the Year Award from AARP and KCET. In 2007 she received an award from MetLife for her contributions to the area of caregiving. Send your questions to Janet@smartnow.com.

Amanda Musker, Pilates and Yoga Expert

Amanda Musker studied classical ballet at the Royal Ballet School in London. She went on to enjoy 14 enormously successful years working in London’s West End, starring in productions such as “Cats,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat” and “Oklahoma.” In 2000 Amanda decided to pursue her other great passions, Pilates and yoga. This led her to an equally successful career as one of the most sought-after teachers of these disciplines. Having experienced 30 years of career-related injuries, as well as working with hundreds of yoga and Pilates students, Amanda is uniquely qualified to bring a deeper understanding of our bodies and what helps to make us flourish in them.

Diana Nyad and Bonnie Stoll, Personal Fitness Experts

Diana Nyad and Bonnie Stoll are the founders of BravaBody, a personal fitness training company in Los Angeles. Once world-class athletes and now in their 50s, they have spent their careers sharing secrets to maintaining youth and fitness throughout life. Visit their website at www.bravabody.com. 

Georjana Shames, Acupuncturist

Georjana Shames, L.Ac., Dipl.OM, CMT, is a licensed acupuncturist working alongside her father Richard Shames MD in San Rafael and Cotati, Calif. Specializing in thyroid, menopause, stress, and child/teen, she trained at the renowned Five Branches Institute and is licensed at state and national level for acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

Terry Traub, Allergy Expert

Terry Traub has been in the health field for 37 years.Her two sons both have Celiac Disease, and her husband has shown symptoms of Celiac in the last two years. Terry's first book, "The Food Allergy Detection Program", included her elimination diet to isolate the allergens causing these problems.Unlike other elimination diets, her method was in recipe form. Her new book, "Food to Some, Poison to Others", is an expanded version of the first book that also addresses GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease) and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). 

Dr. Kay Trimberger, Sociologist

Sociologist Kay Trimberger (www.kaytrimberger.com) is the author of "The New Single Woman." She earned her PhD in sociology at the University of Chicago. Dr. Trimberger has taught at various universities around the country including Columbia University, Barnard College, Queens College, UC-Berkeley and UC-Santa Barbara. She is professor emerita of women's and gender studies at Sonoma State and visiting scholar for the study of social change at UC-Berkeley. Dr. Trimberger lives with her adopted son in Northern California. Visit her website at www.kaytrimberger.com.  Send your questions to Kay@smartnow.com.

JJ Virgin, Nutrition and Fitness Expert

JJ Virgin is a UCLA graduate. She has attended six different graduate and doctoral programs including biomechanics at California State University Northridge, Sports Medicine at University of Miami, doctoral level exercise physiology, nutrition and aging at USC and nutrition at University of Bridgeport. A 25-year veteran of the health and fitness industry, She has practiced holistic nutrition and functional medicine for the past 10 years. Ms. Virgin  integrates her educational background into her work as an on-camera nutrition and fitness expert, writer, professional speaker and radio personality. She has made numerous network television appearances including two seasons on "Dr. Phil," "E! Modern Girl’s Guide to Life," NBC’s "iVillage Live,” ABC’s "Extreme Makeover" and network pilots. Ms. Virgin is regularly featured in magazine, website and newspaper articles.  Visit JJ's website at www.jjvirgin.com.

Beth Witrogen, Caregiving Expert

Beth Witrogen, a double Pulitzer Prize nominated writer, was most recently recognized for her book, “Caregiving: The Spiritual Journey of Love, Loss, and Renewal,” a uniquely inspired blend of advice based on personal growth and spiritually profound wisdom. A former newspaper journalist, she has written for magazines including Good Housekeeping, Self, and Family Circle and online sites such as WebMD, Consumer Health Interactive, and ThirdAge.com. She is currently at work on a book about women's renewal and sexuality at midlife. Ms. Witrogen resides in Northern California, and pursues her other passion as a professional photographer  and rock climbing.  Visit Beth's website at www.witrogen.com.  Send your questions to Beth@smartnow.com.