Spotlight
Carla Kuon, MD
University of California, San Francisco
Carla Kuon, MD, is an integrative physician at the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health. An integrative internist, Dr. Kuon is trained in functional immunology and the diagnosis and treatment of functional gut disorders. Her practice primarily focuses on treating people with chronic fatigue and “invisible” illnesses. “I started my practice working with functional gut disorders and quickly learned that when I treated the gut microbiome, other symptoms such as chronic fatigue and migraines disappeared,” said Dr. Kuon.
Elizabeth Walsh, PhD
Vanderbilt University
Elizabeth Walsh, PhD, is Director of Education and Director of Health Psychology at the Osher Center at Vanderbilt University. In her clinical psychology practice, she treats adolescents and adults with chronic medical conditions and has a special interest in treating patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Dr. Walsh incorporates cognitive behavioral and interpersonal process therapy in her practice and works with patients on self-regulation and stress management.
Julie Lasselin, PhD
Karolinksa Institutet
Julie Lasselin, PhD, is Associate Professor (Docent) of Neuroscience at Karolinska Institutet and leads the research program at the Osher Center in Stockholm. The research being done at the Karolinska Osher Center applies interdisciplinary and transdiagnostic perspectives to investigate determinants of well-being in relation to somatic and psychiatric health conditions. Dr. Lasselin’s research focuses on understanding psychobiological mechanisms and providing evidence of mind-body processes in conditions such as fatigue, anxiety, and depression.
London Ash Breedlove, PsyD
University of Washington
Dr. London Ash Breedlove is Director of Integrated Behavioral Health and Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Washington. They are also Co-Director of Education at the Osher Center, along with Dr. Debra Bell.
Justin Jackson, MA
University of Utah
Justin Jackson, MA, is Director of Personal Well-being at the University of Utah Osher Center. Jackson started this newly created role on July 1 with the goal of housing all patient and employee wellness programming and services at the new Osher Center for Integrative Health, which was funded to become part of the Osher Collaborative in 2022.
Wren Burton, DC
Harvard University
Wren Burton is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic completing a research fellowship at the Osher Center at Harvard University. Dr. Burton sees patients one day a week, and the rest of her time is dedicated to managing research projects in the Mind/Body/Movement Laboratory and taking classes at Harvard School of Public Health. Her clinical and research interests focus on fall prevention among older adults, and she hopes her work will lead to greater community wellness through the integration of chiropractic care and public health strategies.
Frances Pope Hewitt, LPC/S, LAc, LCMHC
University of Vermont
Frances Pope Hewitt, LPC/S, LAc, LCMHC, is an end-of-life doula and mental health counselor at the University of Vermont. Pope Hewitt combines her 20 years of clinical experience as a licensed professional counselor and addictions counselor with her passion for end-of-life care, advocacy, and education. She was recently appointed the lead instructor of the University of Vermont’s End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate and Companion Animal End-of-Life Certificate programs.
Pamela Sharpe, FNP-BC
University of Cincinnati
Pamela Sharpe, FNP-BC, is a nurse practitioner at the Osher
Center at University of Cincinnati. She specializes in
integrative and lifestyle medicine, which utilizes a whole food
plant-based eating pattern, physical activity, sleep for
restoration, management of stress, positive social connections,
and avoidance of toxic substances as an evidence-based
therapeutic modality.
David Kiefer, MD
University of Wisconsin–Madison
David Kiefer, MD, is a family physician at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he sees patients at the Osher Center for Integrative Health and teaches medical students in the School of Medicine and Public Health.
Ann Vertovec, MD
Northwestern University
Ann Vertovec, MD, is a semi-retired emergency physician at Northwestern University who was in the first cohort of the Osher Collaborative Faculty Fellowship. She recently passed the Integrative Medicine Board Certification in May 2022.
Ariana Thompson-Lastad, PhD
University of California, San Francisco
Ariana Thompson-Lastad, PhD, is an assistant professor at the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health and the UCSF Department of Family and Community Medicine. Her research focuses on perinatal health, innovative models of integrative care, and addressing social and structural determinants of health in primary care.
Anisha Durve, DOM
University of Miami
Anisha Durve, DOM, AP, is an acupuncturist, Ayurvedic practitioner, Ayur-yoga therapist, and meditation instructor practicing at the University of Miami Osher Center. She is the first acupuncture and Ayurveda provider at the Miami Osher Center which opened last summer. Her practice exemplifies an integrative approach, as she incorporates many different techniques and modalities in her sessions with patients, including aromatherapy, marma therapy (acupressure), guided meditation, and energy work.
Dennis McLeod II, PhD
Vanderbilt University
Dennis McLeod II, PhD, is a behavioral health psychologist at Vanderbilt University who works with patients struggling with chronic illnesses, pain, and fatigue. Dr. McLeod enjoys leading group therapy sessions and classes that focus on mindfulness and chronic pain. The most rewarding part of his role, though, is working with postdoc students to help shape the next generation of behavioral health specialists.