Reversing Diseases with Purpose, Plants, and Science | Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Mussallem + IM8’s David Vanderveen | Ep. 58
In this deeply inspiring episode of A Healthy Point of View , Sam Tejada is joined by Dr. Dawn Mussallem , a board-certified lifestyle medicine physician from Mayo Clinic and a two-time cancer survivor who defied the odds of stage IV disease to return to medicine with more purpose than ever before.
Dr. Mussallem shares her incredible journey of healing—both as a patient and as a doctor—highlighting how nutrition, movement, faith, community, and mindset work synergistically to reverse disease and ignite long-term vitality. Her philosophy of "whole-person care" challenges conventional medicine by integrating evidence-based lifestyle practices into clinical treatment.
Also featured in this episode is David Vanderveen , co-founder of IM8 and a pioneer in the wellness and supplement space. David shares his perspective on how performance, spirituality, and global wellness culture intersect, and how products like IM8 are designed to optimize human function at a cellular level. Together, he and Dr. Mussallem explore the link between personal transformation and a broader shift in healthcare: one rooted in prevention, purpose, and empowerment.
This conversation is a masterclass in:
- Reversing illness through lifestyle medicine
- Aligning spiritual purpose with physical healing
- Understanding how supplement innovation like IM8 supports longevity
- Building a wellness-first healthcare system for the future
Whether you're facing health challenges, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to live a longer, more meaningful life—this episode will leave you inspired to become the CEO of your own health.
Dr. Dawn Mussallem
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdawnmussallem?igsh=c255eWxmYmZxYndh
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16d3ye17Rc/?mibextid=wwXIfr
David Vanderveen
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daveed58?igsh=MXdldzJjdndoNzZoMw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F1gUXLKiW/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Sam Tejada:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sammy_tejada/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samtejada
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samael.tejada
- Threads: https://www.threads.net/@sammy_tejada
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SamaelTejada
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sammy_tejada
- Website: https://samtejada.com
- Podpage: https://podcast.samtejada.com
- Book: https://www.amazon.com/HOW-WIN-MODERN-WELLNESS-DELIVERING/dp/B0DDCC27RH
Dr. Dawn Mussallem
DO, DipABLM
Dr. Dawn Mussallem is a distinguished consultant in the Division of Hematology Oncology at Mayo Clinic, where she has served as a clinician for over 20 years, and an Assistant Professor of Medicine.
She is a board-certified lifestyle medicine breast specialist at The Robert and Monica Jacoby Center for Breast Health and founded the Integrative Medicine and Breast Health Program at Mayo Clinic Florida.
A stage IV cancer survivor diagnosed three months into medical school, Dr. Mussallem’s personal journey is a testament to resilience and determination.
In 2021, she underwent a heart transplant and remarkably became the first person to run a marathon one year post-transplant.
Internationally recognized for her work in cancer prevention and integrative oncology, she is a prolific speaker and author.
Her dedication to patient care and innovative approaches align perfectly with IM8’s mission, making her an invaluable addition to the Medical Advisory Board.
David Vanderveen
David Vanderveen is the co-founder of IM8 and a pioneer in the wellness and supplement space.
David Vanderveen is a husband by marriage, a father by birth, a surfer by vocation, and an energy drink entrepreneur. He is the editor of Rob Bell's book, The Love Wins Companion: A Guide for Those Who Want to Go Deeper.