Our Wellness Story

In 1989, while stationed in Okinawa, Japan—a region now recognized as a Blue Zone—we observed the remarkable health and vitality of its residents, many thriving well into their 80s and 90s. This experience sparked our commitment to holistic wellness. Initially addressing Michelle’s health challenges, we explored nutritional strategies, beginning with the Atkins Diet and later adopting Barry Sears’ Zone Diet, which introduced anti-inflammatory principles that transformed our lives. 

After completing residencies in Otolaryngology (1994) and Plastic Surgery (1998), we recognized the profound connection between nutrition, faith, and balanced living in patient recovery. In 2000, I joined EVMS and collaborated with Dr. Jim Carraway, a respected and well-known cosmetic surgeon and health and wellness promoter, to advocate for integrating wellness into surgical care. Together, we lectured extensively nationally and internationally with recognized wellness advocates like Barry Sears, PhD.  Our lectures were on the benefits of nutrition before, after and beyond surgery, in addition to emerging techniques in plastic surgery like fat grafting, plate rich plasma (PRP) and regenerative surgery. 

Following my departure from the U.S. Navy in 2000, we launched a mission to promote comprehensive wellness—where cosmetic surgery complements a lifestyle rooted in balance, education, and inner health. Our approach unites body, mind, and soul to achieve optimal outcomes and enduring beauty. This is the core belief of Bella Vitae Wellness Center which translates into “Beautiful Living, Beautiful Life!”