Dr. Joseph Scherger's career in family medicine has spanned over 40 years. His training also included a Master's in Public Health where he studied nutrition at the University of Washington. He has always included preventive medicine and wellness in his medical practice. He is physically active with running, one of many choices for being in good shape. Until 2013 he followed the nutrition guidelines promoted by leading organizations such as the American Heart Association. In 2013 he expanded his knowledge in nutrition by reading the books of physician leaders such as William Davis, David Perlmutter, Mark Hyman, Jason Fung and Dale Bredesen.. One of his partners in practice (and now his personal physician) Hessam Mahdavi introduced him to Functional Medicine, a focus on treating the causes of disease rather than just treating disease with drugs and procedures. Following this new knowledge and approach, Dr. Scherger greatly improved his own health and the health of many of his patients. This book is that story, loaded with information and scientific references that validate this exciting new approach to nutrition and good health. This third edition updates the information and includes resources such as what superfoods to eat, a daily meal plan, and what supplements to consider. We live in a toxic food environment yet healthy foods are readily available. Dr. Scherger will help you make the choices that will result in your becoming lean and fit.
About the Author: Joseph E. Scherger, MD, MPH, is a Primary Care E365 physician and core faculty for the Family Medicine Residency Program at Eisenhower Health in Rancho Mirage, California. Dr. Scherger is President of the Riverside County Medical Association (RCMA) in 2017. He is a Clinical Professor of Family Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. He is also a leader in transforming office practice and has special interests in nutrition and wellness. He is the author of two books, 40 Years in Family Medicine (2014) and previous editions of Lean and Fit: A Doctor's Journey to Healthy Nutrition and Greater Wellness, originally issued in 2016. Originally from Delphos, Ohio, Dr. Scherger graduated from the University of Dayton and UCLA School of Medicine. He completed Family Medicine Residency and Masters in Public Health, University of Washington. He served in the National Health Service Corps, Dixon, California, as a migrant health physician in private practice and taught medical students and residents. He has received numerous awards, including "Top Doc" in San Diego and Outstanding Clinical Instructor at the University of California, Davis School of Medicine. Dr. Scherger was Family Physician of the Year by the American Academy of Family Physicians and California Academy of Family Physicians. He was also President of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, and on the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Board of Family Medicine. He has authored more than 400 medical publications and given over 1,000 invited presentations. Dr. Scherger enjoys an active family life with wife Carol, and sons Adrian and Gabriel. He has completed 40 marathons, ten 50K and five 50 mile ultramarathon trail runs.