Dr. Mark Hyman is an American physician, author, and leading advocate in the field of Functional Medicine. He is the founder and director of The UltraWellness Center, Senior Advisor for the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, and a fifteen-time New York Times best-selling author. Dr. Hyman is renowned for his work in using food as medicine to address chronic diseases and improve overall health, and he hosts the popular health podcast, The Doctor’s Farmacy.
Early Life and Education
Mark Hyman was born on November 22, 1959. Initially aspiring to be a writer, he shifted his focus to Asian studies after being inspired by a life-changing course in college. He earned a BA in Asian studies with a focus on Chinese and Tibetan Buddhism from Cornell University in 1983. Hyman then pursued a medical degree at the University of Ottawa, graduating magna cum laude. He completed his residency at the University of California, San Francisco. His early career included working as a family doctor in Idaho and a year in China, where he developed mercury poisoning, leading him to explore integrative and functional medicine upon his return to the U.S.[1][2][4]
Founding The UltraWellness Center
Dr. Mark Hyman founded The UltraWellness Center in Lenox, Massachusetts, after serving as co-medical director at Canyon Ranch. The center focuses on Functional Medicine, aiming to address the root causes of chronic diseases through personalized treatment plans. Dr. Hyman and his team of trained physicians employ a holistic approach, integrating nutrition, lifestyle changes, and advanced medical testing to promote optimal health and vitality. The center has gained recognition for its innovative methods and commitment to transforming healthcare by empowering individuals and communities to achieve better health outcomes.[1][2][3][4]
Role at Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine
Dr. Mark Hyman serves as the Head of Strategy and Innovation at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, where he plays a pivotal role in integrating functional medicine into mainstream healthcare. The center, which is the first academic medical center in the U.S. to embrace functional medicine, focuses on identifying the underlying causes of chronic diseases rather than merely managing symptoms. Dr. Hyman collaborates with clinic specialists to study the impact of functional medicine on conditions such as asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, type 2 diabetes, and migraines through clinical trials. His work at the center includes developing community-based wellness programs and advocating for policy changes to support preventive healthcare.[1][2][3][4]
Member discussion