10.3 min readPublished On: September 1, 2016

20 most influential people in health and fitness

Readers selected the Top 20 Health Professionals from many worthy nominees through Style’s Facebook page, and there were moments when the race for No. 1 spot was neck and neck before Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt emerged as the winner.

Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, Co-Director, The PUR Clinic, Clermont

As co-director of the PUR Clinic he does personalized urology and robotics at South Lake Hospital. Dr. Brahmbhatt is also co-founder of Drive 4 Men’s Health. He recently traveled more than 6,000 miles during a 10-day period, making stops from Clermont to Orlando, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, Cleveland, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles to raise awareness for men’s health issues. He also gave a TED talk in London and told the crowd through his travels about men’s health, “I fell back in love with medicine again.”

He has been in the medical field nine years, and says his greatest career achievement was becoming a person of influence in the media, “where through my voice, I can help millions.”

Dr. Brahmbhatt says his profession is an extension of his life. “My patients are my family. I enjoy every moment I get to help them with their urologic problem—either through a surgery, a medication, or just lending an ear and listening to their concerns,” he says.

He credits his family as the secret to his success. “They are my pillars, my foundation,” Dr. Brahmbhatt says. “Having that core base allows for endless opportunities.”

He lists Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the popular doctor on CNN, as his hero in the health field.

Among Dr. Brahmbhatt’s favorite hobbies are traveling, photography, and enjoying food.

So what’s his favorite health food? “Protein shakes.” And his guilty food pleasure? “Vanilla ice cream with sprinkles.” If he could have a drink with anyone, who would he drink with and what would the drink be? “Mahatma Gandhi,” he says, and “water with lemon—helps prevent kidney stones.” He enjoys most any exercise that is “anything but rowing.” Dr. Brahmbhatt notes his pet peeve is slow internet speeds, and he reflected on the words of the late Steve Jobs for his favorite quote: “The ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world are the ones who do.”

Summer Yoder, NASM CPT fitness trainer and MOSSA group exercise instructor at MVP Sports Club in The Villages.

Who is your hero? I guess it would be Jillian Michaels. People compare me to her because of my no-nonsense attitude at times. Don’t take that the wrong way—I’m not mean. We will always have an excuse for why we cannot do something. I tell my clients that they don’t tell me they can’t. I will observe, and if they can’t do something, then I will give them another option. Secret to your success? Giving myself permission to fail. Only with failure do we find success. So let’s not take things too seriously and move on. One will never move forward looking in the rearview mirror. Greatest achievement? Becoming 2007 NAGA Top-Ranked Female Grappler in both gi/an no gi divisions, like submission wrestling—choke holds, arm bars, and leg locks along with Judo (throws and takedowns).

Kyndall Truett, exercise specialist, BeWell Weight Loss Program

Your hero in health? Jack Lalanne, “the godfather of fitness.” He ignited a fitness culture light years before the world was ready. He simply stated, “Your body is your most perfect possession; you’ve got to take care of it.” Pet peeve: Tardiness.

Stacy McLaughlin, Advocare, independent distributor, health and wellness coach

Passion of your job? Love helping people accomplish their weight-loss goals and seeing their huge smiles when they fit into clothes they couldn’t before as well as feeling much better. Pet peeve: Giving up on yourself too quickly. Guilty pleasure: ROLOS!

Lori Esarey, nurse practitioner, Total Nutrition and Therapeutics, owner

Greatest achievement? My board certification in anti-aging and restorative medicine after returning to school in 2012 for an additional masters in nutritional medicine. Exams are never fun, but I passed on my first attempt. Also, helping a 500-pound gentleman lose more than 250 pounds and get his life back. Secret to success? Persistence and tenacity.

Karl Riecken, MA CSCS, CISSN, USAT-II/Y&J, USAW-SP, coordinator, performance testing at the National Training Center

Greatest achievement? Seeing the success of past students, athletes, and interns on a consistent basis provides a steady stream of career achievements. Establishing the internship program at NTC is one of my favorites. Accomplishments are exciting for a time, but witnessing people grow and improve after being with you is exponentially humbling and thrilling. Favorite exercise? Whatever requires the greatest expenditure for the least amount of time. Currently, burpee-box jumps or maybe burpee-box jumps/pistol squats. Favorite health snack? I prefer not to snack. I think mealtimes are sacred and to be shared with good company, good cheer, and peace from the day’s stresses (in short, recovery). If I must eat between meals, right now I choose Vega Sport Bars or ONNIT’s Hemp Force protein. If you could have a drink with anyone, who would you drink with and what would you drink be? Andrew Taylor Still, MD, founder of osteopathic medicine. A smoky, single-malt Scotch whisky.

Ryan McKenzie, sales and fitness manager, MVP Athletic Club

Greatest achievement? I’ve worked with top-tier professional athletes, CEOs, and corporate groups. I’ve spoken in front of hundreds of people, but what really makes my day is seeing the connection between our team and that person brand new to the gym. To see them have that “Aha!” moment and finally believe in themselves and realizing, “I can do this!” Favorite quote? “You need to move well. If you can move well, you will move often.”

Bridget DeSantis, Vice President Sales & Marketing / Integrity Home Health Care

Your secret to success? Having an attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving as well as doing and being my best. Thinking with a servant’s heart. Guilty pleasure: Shoes and all things pink.

Jeffrey Glover, DC, Glover Chiropractic Clinic, owner

Passion of your work? The fact that someone can walk into my office in excruciating pain and walk out feeling better, and knowing it was a direct result of the care provided in our office. Greatest achievement? Starting my own clinic. I overcame a number of obstacles to make my childhood dream a reality. I virtually started with nothing except a strong feeling God wanted me to open a clinic, and I was supposed to bring something special to my hometown community. It became possible by selling a car I had restored. I loved the car but I knew this was my destiny. Secret to your success? Put God first, and try to treat everyone as I want my parents treated. Favorite quote? “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.” —Henry Ford.

Rose Stasiowski, fitness instructor/trainer, Livewell Fitness Center, Clermont

Your greatest achievement? Working with the Wounded Warrior Project. They were learning about triathlons and came to train at our facility. Coming from a military family, I was very humbled and inspired by all the Warriors!

Cyndi Staudt, community wellness coordinator, group fitness instructor, NTC/Live Well

Greatest career achievement? Using fitness to break language and culture barriers on a mission trip to Thailand. I was ministering to young girls…recovering from intense emotional and physical abuse. They laughed, smiled, and sweated their way through a fun workout. Their caregivers said they had never seen them smile so much.

Josh Olcott, DC, Doctor of Chiropractic, Olcott Chiropractic and Wellness Center

Passion of your job? Giving people their lives back, whether it’s allowing Villagers to get back their daily activities or helping athletes heal to get them back on the field quicker. Favorite health snack: Bacon (ha! ha!)

Joanne Keller, ARNP, nurse practitioner, Women’s Health & Wellness Practice

Lynn Wright, personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and fitness technician

Passion of your work? As a mother of four daughters, I have gone through the roller coaster journey of weight loss. After going through all the “fad diets” and sporadic exercise, I figured out a healthy way of living I am now sharing with others. Most importantly, I want my daughters to learn by my example how to live a healthy life and not succumb to the peer pressure of “worldly body imagery.” I love seeing people’s lives change when they adopt a healthy lifestyle, and then love and live it! If you could have a drink with anyone, who would you drink with and what would you drink be? I’d have a drink with my stepfather, who just passed away in April so I could tell him what a difference he made in my life. He raised me and stepped up to be my dad when he didn’t have to. We would drink grape Kool-Aid (this was his favorite drink). Hobbies: Spending time with my family, working out, going to the beach, and riding roller coasters—the bigger, the better! Favorite health snack: Pistachio/almond/cashew nut mix.

Sijo Parekattil, co-director, The PUR Clinic, South Lake Hospital

Your greatest achievement? Creating new treatment options for men with chronic testicular and groin pain. Passion of your job? I love helping people and solving challenging medical problems. I also love surgery, especially robotic microsurgery. Secret to your success: Never give up. Favorite quote: “Be the change that you want to see.”

Michelle McClain, CrossFit level 1 and kids coach, NASM certified personal trainer and youth specialist, Not the Norm CrossFit

Your hero is the health field? My clients, the ones who come every day without hesitation and push themselves to do better each and every day, day after day. Those are my heroes because it’s their own lives they’re saving. Favorite health snack? Cucumbers, carrots, and green olives.

John Theeck, DC, Doctor of Chiropractic, Legacy Clinic of Chiropractic

Passion of your job? I love the idea of helping people achieve health naturally without the use of drugs and surgery. It is exciting to provide treatment alternatives patients may not have known existed. It is rewarding to encourage people to take ownership of their health. Favorite exercise: Wall balls—great conditioning that builds stamina and endurance. Favorite hobbies: sports, traveling, learning, being with people, and spending time with me.

Kimberly Grogan, Owner, Gear for Multisport Athletic Store

Your health field hero? Humble Doris Brown, 78 years old, who has been running and coaching since the 50s. In the early years, she was kicked off tracks and physically stopped in races by men. She paved the way for women like me in the running industry. Favorite quote: “Be who you needed when you were younger.” Pet peeve: Breaking rules. Favorite health snack: Nuts or UCan shakes

Joy Kristofferson, Group Fitness Instructor

Your secret to success? Keeping a positive attitude and treating everyone with respect. Listening to all the needs and concerns of members and giving them modifications to help them perform exercise to the best of their ability. I try to make everyone smile and enjoy class. Pet peeve: hypocrites.