| 1991-1994 – Present | Dr. Andrew Weil (Natural Health, Natural Medicine) The Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona | Dr. Weil was the first physician who spoke positively about MS, describing it as “a fascinating and challenging condition to work with because it is so variable, because it has significant potential to stabilize or go into remission, and because lifestyle modifications and stress reduction can strongly affect its course” (Natural Health, Natural Medicine, 1990). Dr. Weil developed my initial integrative medicine plan/protocol in 1991, which has remained the foundation of my MS health journey. He has been my go‑to medical resource ever since, and I continue to follow his books, publications, extensive google/website inquires, and the credible research he recommends. All my primary care physicians I have worked with over the past thirty‑five years have either been referred by him, trained through his Integrative Medicine Fellowship at the University of Arizona, or certified in Functional Medicine. |
| 1992 – 2022 | Dr. Carl Hammerschlag Leading authority in practical application of Psychoneuroimmunology – Study of how the immune system and your central nervous system interact. Referred to by Dr. Weil for Mind/Body breath work | Dr. Hammerschlag introduced me to what he called The Healing Journey — the work of healing from within rather than searching only for external cures. Through him, I experienced healing ceremonies, Native American sweat lodges, storytelling, vision quests, and mind‑body‑spirit practices that strengthen the healing spirit. He was a master storyteller and an internationally recognized author, speaker, healer, and humanitarian clown. A Yale‑trained psychiatrist, he spent more than thirty‑five years working with Native American communities. He became one of the most positive, profound, and influential mentors in my MS Healing Journey and in my life. |
| 1992-1994 | Tom Bird – Write Your Book in a weekend – Scottsdale Community College | He taught me the practice of journaling freely from the heart. It has become a thirty‑five‑year practice of adaptation that has supported my transition, coping, and acceptance throughout my MS journey. |
| 1993 | Laura Kamm – Medical Intuitive | She introduced me to Intuitive Wellness and Energy Medicine. As I began losing feeling and physical touch in my hands, she opened my awareness to sensing and connecting beyond the loss of physical sensation. |
| 1995 – 2000 | Dr. Alan Abramovitz, (Integrative Medicine) Referred to by Dr. Weil | Devoted to healing and serving the mind, body, and spirit, he was a renowned healer and teacher. His work focused on drug‑free treatment for chronic pain and limitations of function. He served as my treating physician and advisor as I navigated the healthcare maze and explored natural treatment options. |
| 1994 – Present | Dr. Nancy Wiese (Occupational Medicine) Vice President and Medical Director CIGNA and Medical Director Sutter Health. Occupational, Preventative and Functional Medicine | Colleague, Friend, Mentor Integrated/Functional Medicine, Brain Health Dr. Weise has been an incredible friend, mentor, and coach throughout my healing journey. Her steady companionship, practical guidance, and subtle motivation have set what I consider the gold standard for healthcare. |
| 1995 -1996 | Dr. Howard Silverman (Integrative/Holistic Medicine) Arizona Center for Health & Medicine | He invited me to annual Native American sweat lodge ceremonies and introduced me to guided imagery through Jackie McNabb, based on the work of Dr. Martin Rossman. I learned to visualize a healing ball of energy flowing over the brain lesions and the damaged myelin sheath throughout the spinal nerve fibers. |
| 1995 – Present | Dr. Barry Hendin – (Neurology) Chief medical officer for the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America Referred by Dr. Silverman as I searched for a Neurologist who “listens” and willing to work with me in shared decision making. Referred to by Dr. Silverman | Dr. Hendin has been my neurologist for more than thirty years. Our relationship has always been built on mutual respect, which has made shared decision‑making effective and natural. He cautiously monitored and supported my integrated medicine program developed by Dr. Weil, and we worked through new MS treatments with steady, thoughtful discussion and joint decisions. |
| 1998-Present | Jon Kabat-Zinn. PhD Professor emeritus of medicine and the creator of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Developed at the University of Massachusetts Medical School to assist patients in managing stress, pain, and illness through mindfulness meditation. | I participated in a practitioner‑level Mindfulness‑Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training retreat in 1998. Since that training, I have practiced mindfulness and followed his guidance in MBSR, integrating it into my daily life. I continue to follow and connected with Jon through his writings, JKZ meditation app and live Zooms. |
| 2001-2012 | Dr. Patricia Ammon (Integrative Medicine) Mountain Medical Center, Ridgway, CO Referred to by Dr. Weil | Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1991, Dr. Ammon pursued studies in Ayurvedic medicine, which shaped her integrated treatment approach. She was also one of the first to complete a fellowship in Andrew Weil’s Integrative Medicine Program. Her guidance focused on the core message that “Your attitude is the single most important thing in keeping you feeling good.” Every six months, for eleven years, we spoke by telephone for forty‑five minutes to review changes and progress in my MS, discuss current research, and explore integrative medicine treatment options. I only visited her once in person, in Colorado. I have always referred to Dr. Ammon as an angel — a source of kindness and compassion. |
| 2012 – 2019 | Dr. Hedi Rula, (Integrative Medicine) Medical Director University of Arizona’s Center for Integrative Medicine, founded by Dr. Andrew Weil – Phoenix, AZ | Dr. Rula continued to support me in managing the integrative medicine protocol for daily living after Dr. Ammon unfortunately died. In 2012, I was having a serious bout with balance and cognition difficulties. Dr. Rula suggested trying the Tai Chi that was being offered at the Integrated Medical Center. (continued below) |
| 2012 – Present | Don Fiores, Tai Chi-Qigong Instructor University of Arizona’s Center for Integrative Medicine Instructor, teacher, mentor. Referred to by Dr. Rula | I met the instructor, Don Fiore, before the class began and discussed my challenges with balance, cognition, and coordination. Don listened carefully, was very supportive, and encouraged me to give the class a try. I quickly experienced his philosophy of creating a relaxing, non‑threatening, and very positive environment. This was ideal for me, as even the basic Tai Chi‑Qigong movements—such as shifting my weight forward and back, from right leg to left leg—required a great deal of concentration. After two years of extensive practice and training, I became a certified Tai Chi‑Qigong instructor under Don’s guidance. My story, including my journey from serious balance and cognition challenges to becoming an instructor, is shared in “My Journey to Tai Chi‑Qigong” at www.tonydurante.com. |
| 2012-Present | Annette Zaccari, Ph.D., LCSW is president and counselor for Zaccari & Associates LLC | A trusted counsel and coach. Living with MS brings added complexity and challenges both physical and mental health. From navigating the transition of leaving the workforce and going on disability, to the ongoing challenges of my MS and life journey, Annette has always been there — practical, compassionate and always focused/supporting helping me move forward. |
| 2017 – Present | Dr. Bruce Kletcher – Urology Referred to by Dr. Hendin | Very familiar with MS, both clinically and through personal experience, he listens attentively and is consistently supportive of shared decision‑making. |
| 2019 – Present | Dr. Susan Del Sordi (Functional Medicine) Founder of Essential Family Health & Wellness Center. Certified in Functional Medicine Referred to by Dr. Rula | I continue to be fortunate to have a wonderful and motivating relationship with my primary care physicians. Dr. Del Sordi supports me in managing the convergence of aging, MS, severe spinal stenosis, and brain health with a thoughtful, respectful, and collaborative approach. She reviews and oversees both my MS protocol and my spinal stenosis treatment plan, helping me navigate how these conditions interact over time. Our work together includes deep functional medicine evaluation — gut health, nutrition, immune function, endocrine balance, and genomics — along with expanded testing and ongoing monitoring. Her guidance helps me stay proactive, informed, and engaged in my own health. |
