Trusted Health Systems Experts

I’m a seasoned professional in the healthcare industry, deeply committed to making a difference in mental and behavioral health. My journey is personal, shaped by the impact that mental health has had on the lives of my family and friends. Over the past decade, I’ve dedicated myself to advancing the quality and accessibility of care, and my time at Penn Medicine inspired me to develop Alpas, a company focused on creating better environments for healing across various healthcare fields. Graduating summa cum laude from Saint Joseph’s University in Healthcare Administration, I’ve always been driven to go beyond individual care and address broader public health needs. My mission is simple yet powerful: to transform healthcare for the better, one initiative at a time.

I am a seasoned mental health and addiction specialist, dedicated to the field of treatment and recovery since 2015. I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in clinical mental health counseling from South University in Royal Palm Beach, FL, and I am credentialed as both a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS). Over the years, I've gained hands-on experience in various areas, including psychiatric acute stabilization, psychiatric partial hospitalization, and both in-patient and out-patient substance use treatment. My journey has taken me through clinical counseling, program development, and organizational leadership. Before joining New Waters, I served as the Clinical Director at Gupta Psychiatry and Wellness in Raleigh, NC, where I helped shape a respected substance abuse partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient program. I am a firm believer in the transformative power of quality clinical programming and its impact on long-term sobriety. With a compassionate approach, I am committed to helping individuals and families overcome substance use disorders, guiding them toward a life free from addiction.

Dr. James Utley is a pioneering scientist at the forefront of cellular therapy, AI, and data science. A Johns Hopkins-educated Immunohematology expert and Certified Advanced Biotherapies Professional (CABP), he also holds advanced certifications in data science and machine learning. While serving as Technical Director at a major healthcare organization, Dr. Utley oversaw more than 150,000 successful cellular transfusions and spearheaded advancements that significantly improved patient outcomes. This experience included leading initiatives for the Department of Defense, where he revolutionized cellular transfusion practices. His innovative approach is further exemplified by his FDA-approved work and numerous publications in leading scientific journals. Dr. Utley is also known for his bold, hands-on approach to research, embodying the spirit of a "biohacker" by pushing the boundaries of CRISPR and genetic engineering through self-experimentation. This unique blend of rigorous scientific training and unconventional methods has earned him the moniker "the pirate" within the biohacker community.

Maxim Sheaib is a global strategist and builder whose career spans across continents, leading sovereign programs, building high-impact ventures, and engineering public-private alignment to unlock strategic value, accelerate national priorities, and shape systems for legacy. Known for translating complexity into execution, he has led high-impact initiatives across government and private sectors, health tourism, economic transformation, and public-private systems. With deep expertise in policy integration, business strategy, and geo-economic ecosystems, Maxim brings a rare combination of vision and operational clarity. His work bridges governance and growth, shaping adaptive models that deliver long-term value across markets and institutions.

Most organizations don’t fail because of bad strategy. They fail because they can’t follow through. That’s where I come in. I work with executive teams to close the gap between vision and execution, building the structure, accountability, and focus needed to deliver measurable results. My expertise spans SEO, direct primary care strategy, and business consulting, with a proven record of scaling healthcare membership by 170 percent and generating $82 million in federal economic impact. Whether leading complex initiatives or rebuilding underperforming systems, I drive clarity, align operations, and create momentum that lasts.

## Dr. Tim Scott Dr. Tim Scott isn't your typical physician. After a decade in emergency medicine witnessing the devastating consequences of metabolic dysfunction firsthand, he realized a hard truth: our healthcare system excels at crisis management but fails miserably at preventing disease. As the founder of Rixa Health, Dr. Scott has pioneered an approach to medicine that looks beyond symptoms to address the root causes of today's most prevalent health issues. His expertise in metabolic health, functional medicine, and cutting-edge therapeutics has helped thousands of patients reclaim their health after years of being told their lab work was "normal" despite feeling terrible. Known for his direct, no-nonsense approach, Dr. Scott combines advanced medical knowledge with practical solutions that work in real life, not just in textbooks. He specializes in reversing metabolic disorders, optimizing hormonal health, and using peptide therapies to address complex health challenges that conventional medicine often misses. Dr. Scott is passionate about empowering patients through education, believing that understanding your body is the first step to healing it. When he's not transforming patients' health, he's advancing the field through education, speaking engagements, and training the next generation of metabolic health practitioners.

Neeraj Kumar is a tech writer specializing in health tech and EdTech, with expertise in SEO, SaaS growth, and content strategy. He simplifies complex topics like telehealth, AI in education, and automation, offering insights that inform and inspire.

I am the co-founder of Epiphany Wellness, bringing over five years of experience in the Behavioral Health industry, with a focus on Outreach and Business Development. My journey in this field is deeply personal, as I am in long-term recovery myself, a perspective that allows me to connect meaningfully with those suffering from Substance Use Disorder. I firmly believe that helping others is essential to lasting recovery and personal growth. At Epiphany Wellness, my goal is to create an environment that inspires our staff to support clients as they find their way back to a life of health and happiness. Drawing from my previous experiences, I am dedicated to shaping the future of our organization by implementing the latest clinical strategies and improvement indicators. This commitment ensures that we provide the highest standard of care, ultimately supporting the success of both our clients and Epiphany Wellness as a whole.

I am the CEO and Chief Marketing Officer of Paramount Wellness Retreat, where I've dedicated over 12 years to advancing behavioral health and helping individuals find their path to recovery. My journey in this field has been driven by a hands-on approach and a commitment to innovative strategies, making Paramount Wellness Retreat a beacon of hope for those struggling with mental health and substance abuse. My background in marketing, research, and team-building has been invaluable in navigating the substance abuse treatment industry, allowing me to build effective leadership teams and enhance the operational efficiency of our programs. I am deeply passionate about behavioral health and am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of countless individuals seeking recovery.

Over 30 years of hospitality & senior living leadership across Canada & the US. Most recent VP of Operations role - responsible for over $100m in revenue and over 1000 employees. Founded - Retirement Home Insider - which helps families find the best possible retirement home, and provides senior living operators with risk and culture assessments to help improve their community performance. www.retirementhomeinsider.com

At the helm of Nova Insights, my focus is on steering digital product development, consulting and advising in humanizing digital transformation for the healthcare sector, primarily in North America. With a strategic eye on product value enhancement and market expansion, my role involves advising stakeholders on opportunities that drive product significance and user engagement. Our aim is to elevate clinical products and services for a diverse clientele, including patients, providers, and practitioners. In parallel, as a Global Fellow at HITLAB, I am immersed in a culture of innovation, contributing digital health strategies alongside industry professionals and thought leaders. The synergy of these roles equips me with a unique vantage point to foster advancements in healthcare through mobile and digital technologies, aiming for increased accessibility and affordability for all. The dedication to improving healthcare delivery is both a professional mandate and a personal mission that guides my actions and aspirations.

I'm Ram Thakur, the Founder of Ryse Healthcare Marketing Agency (Ryse HMA)—a digital marketing agency purpose-built to help doctors, clinics, and healthcare brands grow with confidence in today’s competitive online landscape. With over 8 years of experience in SEO, digital marketing, reputation management, authority link building, and branding, I’ve led successful campaigns for healthcare clients across the US, Canada, and India—initiatives that not only increase traffic but also convert patients and build lasting trust. At Ryse HMA, I specialize in integrating Local SEO, Google Business Profile (GBP) optimization, online reviews management, conversion-focused content, and targeted paid strategies that speak directly to patient needs. What truly sets us apart is our deep understanding of the healthcare industry—our strategies are rooted in both data and empathy. In my free time, I contribute to platforms like HARO and Featured, sharing actionable insights to help others navigate the fast-evolving world of digital healthcare marketing. I’m passionate about helping healthcare professionals cut through the noise and build a digital presence that truly reflects their expertise.

Howard Friedman, MD Cleveland, OH 44124 Email: drfriedman@hhomllc.com | Phone: 332-268-1006 Professional Summary Board-certified Internal Medicine physician and U.S. Army veteran with over 30 years of clinical experience, now leading a national telehealth consulting practice. Formerly a senior VA physician and medical manager, I bring a deep understanding of disability medicine, chronic disease management, and veteran healthcare. As founder of HHOM LLC, I provide personalized medical opinions, Nexus Letters, and preventative health education to veterans, attorneys, and consulting agencies. Licensed in Ohio and Pennsylvania, I remain committed to evidence-based care, integrity in medical evaluation, and expanding access through virtual platforms. Work Experience • Founder & Medical Consultant, Howard’s House of Medicine (HHOM LLC) – Cleveland, OH (Jan 2024 – Present): Founded a national telehealth-based consulting practice focused on veteran advocacy, Nexus Letters, and preventative health education. Provides evidence-based opinions and teleconsultations to veterans and legal professionals. • Independent Physician Consultant – Cleveland, OH (Oct 2021 – Dec 2023): Transitioned from clinical practice to consultative telemedicine and legal medical review. • Medical Manager / Lead Physician, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Willoughby, OH (Jan 2002 – Oct 2021): Directed outpatient services, led telemedicine programs, supervised interdisciplinary care teams, and earned multiple performance awards. • Staff Physician, University Hospitals of Cleveland – Cleveland, OH (Jun 2000 – Sep 2002): Managed practice integration and clinical continuity. • Staff Physician, Mount Sinai Health Care System – Cleveland, OH (Aug 1995 – Jun 2000): Delivered outpatient care and participated in practice transitions. • Staff Physician, Center for Internal Medicine – Beachwood, OH (Aug 1993 – Jul 1995): Developed outpatient services, conducted inpatient rounds, and taught medical residents. Certifications and Licenses • Board Certified, Internal Medicine, National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (NBPAS), 2025–2027 • Medical License – Ohio, Active through Jan 2027 • Medical License – Pennsylvania, Active • DEA License, Schedule 2, 2N, 3 – Valid through 2027