Can the fitness and wellness industry truly be inclusive? Join us as Dr. Dexter Shurney, a trailblazer in lifestyle medicine and health equity, unpacks the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the sector. With a career that spans general surgery to pivotal roles like Chief Medical Officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Dr. Shurney offers unparalleled insights into how the industry can bridge the gap between fitness professionals and the broader community. This episode is a must-listen for those committed to fostering a more representative and inclusive fitness landscape.
Ever wondered why some people struggle more with their health than others? We shift the narrative by exploring the profound impact of social determinants on personal health. Dr. Shurney encourages a change in perspective from "what's wrong with you?" to "what happened to you?"— highlighting how environmental factors can create significant hurdles. From unsafe neighborhoods to socio-economic obligations, we delve deep into why privileged perspectives can be dangerous and how systemic biases play a critical role in health disparities.
Finally, we take an exhilarating look at the transformative potential of lifestyle medicine, with a special focus on Blue Zones. Dr. Shurney discusses how intentional lifestyle choices and natural movement can lead to longevity and improved health outcomes. This chapter underscores the significance of combining physical activity with purposeful tasks and the need for collaboration between fitness, wellness, and medical professionals. This seamless blend of science and practical advice will leave you inspired to rethink your approach to health and wellness.
Our Guest: Dr. Dexter Shurney MD, MBA, MPH, FACLM
Dr. Dexter Shurney is President of the Center for Lifestyle Medicine Innovation (CLMI), a branch of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. CLMI is a hub for lifestyle medicine research, innovation, and thought leadership on identifying and eradicating the root causes of disease. He is also the Chief Healthl Officer of Blue Zones, LLC, that helps enable cities, counties, and large employers to transform their environments helping people live better, longer. The work is based on the orginal Blue Zones research.
Additionally, he serves a Senior Advisor to Modify Health, an organization that combines Food as Medicine with creative value-based payment strategies.
Dr. Shurney’s unique business expertise comes from varied roles he has performed over his career as a senior healthcare executive. Most recently he served as President, Blue Zones Wellbeing Institute, focused on applied population health research including SDoH and food as medicine (FAM).
Other former roles have included Chief Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer for Adventist Health, Vice President, Chief Medical Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Director of Globlal Employee Benefits at Cummins, Inc., Chief Medical Director, Employee Health Plan at Vanderbilt University and Medical Center, Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer at Healthways, and Senior Advisor Managed Care Strategy at Amgen. During his tenure at Vanderbilt, he held dual faculty appointments at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and the Owens Graduate School of Business.
He is the Chair of the Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO) board representing 100+ large employer group members, and is a Past-President of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM). Under his leadership, ACLM launched a new provider education program for Blue Shield of California; led national conversations on provider payment reform and quality metrics; and spearheaded groundbreaking health disparity and equity efforts. He also serves as an independent director on several other boards including the Bon Secour Mercy Health Foundation, National Association of Managed Care Physicians (NAMCP), Population Health Alliance (PHA), and the Teaching Kitchen Collaborative (TKC).
Dr. Shurney is a highly regarded national authority on the health care industry with significant expertise in Food as Medicine, health insurance, employee health and well-being. He is also a well-regarded speaker at industry conferences and corporate events, and has appeared on NBC Today, in the Wall Street Journal, Fortune Magazine, The Detroit Free Press, and numerous trade publications.
He is co-author of the book Integrating Wellness into Your Disease Management Programs a “how-to” strategic guide for employers that wish to innovate their approach to chronic condition management.
Dr. Shurney received his BS from Loma Linda University and his MD from Howard University College of Medicine. He also has an MBA and MPH from the University of Detroit/Mercy and the Medical College of Wisconsin, respectively. A licensed physician, he is board certified in both preventive medicine and in lifestyle medicine, and is a Fellow in the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.