Mark C. Pettus MD

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Dr. Mark Pettus is a triple-board certified Internist, Nephrologist, and Integrative Medicine physician practicing for over 35 years.  He received his A.B. from Boston University and his M.D. from the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School.  His postdoctoral training was at Harvard Medical School.  He completed his renal fellowship at The Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.  Dr. Pettus is also an alumnus of The Advanced Program for Conflict Resolution, Negotiation, and Mediation at The Harvard School of Public Health.

Dr. Pettus currently serves as CMO of Preventia Group, a mental-health and wellness coaching platform.  He is also the Medical Director for Essential Provisions, an innovative nutrition company developing fully organic MREs and sports-performance products.

Dr. Pettus served as former Director of Medical Education, Wellness and Population Health at Berkshire Health Systems in western Massachusetts. In addition, he is former Associate Dean of Medical Education at The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School.  He remains active as an Associate Professor of Medicine at The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School. He also serves on the advisory board for The University of Massachusetts School of Public Health. He is the author of two books, The Savvy Patient: The Ultimate Advocate for Quality Health Care and It’s All in Your Head: Change Your Mind, Change Your Health. He serves on the teaching faculty at The Center for Mind-Body Medicine based in Washington D.C. and The Meditation Institute in Averill Park NY.

Dr. Pettus has appeared on numerous TV and Radio venues nationally including the 700 Club, Good Morning America, NPR and PBS. His podcast, The Health Edge is heard by people all over the world.

Dr. Pettus is the 2018 recipient of The National Institute of Wellness’ Halbert Dunn MD, PhD Award. The National Wellness Institute’s Halbert L. Dunn Wellness Award is the most prestigious award presented by the National Wellness Institute and is regarded as one of the highest honors in the health promotion and wellness fields. Recipients of the award have shown a dedication to wellness over the course of their lifetime, making many significant contributions and offering leadership that furthered the field of wellness. He is a former President of the Board of Directors of NWI.

In addition, Dr. Pettus was recognized by the Massachusetts State Senate in 2018 for his leadership in Population-Community Health in Berkshire County, Massachusetts.

Dr. Pettus is married to Lee Ann, an RN he met as a resident in Cambridge, MA. He has two awesome children Alex age 31 and Anna age 33. He loves sports, reading, being outdoors, sunshine, the ocean, and rock n roll!

41 thoughts on “Mark C. Pettus MD”

  1. Christen

    Hello! I met you on The Alabama sunset sail and wanted to say what a pleasure it was to talk to you and your wife. I don’t think it is an accident that we met. Especially considering my interest in that positive psychology course at kripalu and you knowing the instructor well!! 😉 I poked around a bit at what you offer there as well and look forward to reading your books. Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

    Reply
    • Mark Pettus

      Hi Christen,
      I was really great to meet you on The Alabama. I love the Vineyard and that sail was perfect. I do often wonder about the seemingly random events that seem to have a more purposeful meaning behind them. I do hope our paths cross again in the future.
      Warmest wishes,
      Mark

      Reply
  2. Peter

    Hello Mark, as I’ve posted, I’m incredibly grateful for what you guys are doing here. Your message has sunk home, I’m motivated and ready and have already started eliminating grains, sugar, carb-dense foods etc. I know it works.
    My dilemma is that I need more detailed, personalized guidance, are you accepting new patients? Or even a phone consult? I live in Camden ME (just missed being a client of John’s) in the summer and Jacksonville FL in the winter. MA is an easy drive from ME, I’d be happy to drive over for an appointment to establish a baseline and lifestyle intervention plan.
    If you or John are not available, perhaps you could recommend someone whose work follows your own basic principles and concepts.
    I will be 60 this month, and ready to turn this ship around!
    Thanks for the inspiration guys.
    Peter

    Reply
    • Mark Pettus

      Hi Danny,
      Thanks for the great questions. The physician you reference is indeed passionate about his views on nutrition and health. There are many reasons, as you know, why an individual might choose a vegan lifestyle that transcend perspective on food alone. I inherently respect other’s personal views on this. I also suspect most people who switch from a Standard American Diet (SAD) to a vegan diet would notice, at for the short-term, significant improvements in overall health and well-being. When I am working with a vegan I point out areas at inevitable risk for deficiencies e.g. B12, O-3 essential fats, iron, zinc and try to assure they have a strategy for addressing that. The study noted, like most regarding meat, red meat is observational and meaningless with respect to establishing cause-effect. These studies as many have historically noted are riddled with interpretive shortcomings. Colin Campbell’s work has been thoroughly discredited. That said, I do think avoidance of “dogma” is prudent in reaching others where they are at. Personally, I felt poorly after more than a year as a vegan and many clients have shared the same with me. I cannot fully endorse, from a nutritional perspective, a program that is not nutrient complete nor can I reconcile a vegan nutritional program with any current or prior ancestral eating pattern. (for a thoughtful perspective: https://authoritynutrition.com/how-to-win-an-argument-with-a-vegan/)

      I really like Chris K’s work and his willingness to beyond established boundaries e.g. legumes or dairy in Paleo. natural sources of any essential nutrient would seem to be much better than that in a supplement or processed form e.g. vegetable oils vs almonds. The big uncertainty (for which no data exists to my knowledge) is whether an excess of O-6 EFAs, even from natural-healthy sources like nuts has a ‘ceiling” beyond which there might be a downside. Nuts are always better than a bagel and make a great refined carb snack substitute. In my view, these are evolving areas of interest without definitive answers…though they make for thought-provoking speculation! very best! Mark

      Reply
  4. Sara

    Dear Dr. Pettus and Dr. Bagnulo,
    Thank you both for your knowledge and passion.
    I am a 35 year old female and can tell you that to this day, I have never felt the sensation of hunger. I have gone 3 days without eating and still nothing… Yes, my stomach may grumble and I may feel dizzy, but I don’t even know what to look for… For me eating is just finally giving into cravings and cessation of it (when I’m not paying attention) is when I can’t breathe or my clothes won’t stretch any more to fit my stomach… What can I do to remedy this? I love eating “!” and if I am not extremely cautious, put weight on very easily.
    I’m 5.6, 115 pounds. I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2010 and have since had a thyroidectomy with an iatrogenic parathyroidectomy. I take Synthroid 0.175 and Calcitriol .25. I times I suffer with PMS and mood swings. I am modifying my life to follow all of your recommendations, and need some guidance in the matter.
    Thank you and all the best,
    Sara

    Reply
  5. Elisa

    Hello Mark. I am a registered dietitian and a long-time fan of the podcast! Thank you both for what you do. I have searched the site now but cannot find a contact link, so I thought I would put it here.
    I was wondering if you would consider a suggestion for a future podcast? I have recently been diagnosed with Lyme disease and would be interested to hear your and John’s perspective on treatment options regarding food, lifestyle, probiotics with antibiotics, etc. (or anything else, for that matter!) I know the incidence of Lyme is growing year by year, especially in the Northeast. It seems to be becoming a health crisis.
    There does not seem to be a whole lot of information out there regarding diet and Lyme. I would love to hear your perspectives some day. Kind regards!

    Reply
  6. Lynn

    Dear Mark and John.. thank you for you time sharing your passion with us. You both are the best and was fortunate enough to meet you both at Kripalu and have lunch with you both. I just completed the year long Bulletproof coaching program which is aligned with all of your teachings. I so look forward to listening to your podcasts and share with many. Just wanted to take the time to thank you both for educating all of us on the best science out there. I truly hope to see you both at a conference soon!

    Reply
  7. Lynn

    Hello again! Curious on thoughts Infrared Saunas, we are getting ready to purchase a small one and I was hoping you could guide me on thoughts between Near Infrared and Far Infrared saunas? Which one would you recommend? We are looking at a Far Infrared sauna by ClearLight, actually getting ready to buy one this week for our bathroom renovation which is long overdue. (this has been on my wish list for years!) I would love to hear your thoughts on this, as I heard you say in your Podcast you were looking into one for yourself.

    Thank you Mark, I have no doubt our paths will cross again, I am going to make sure of it. Happy New Year to you both!

    Reply
    • Mark C Pettus

      Hi Lynn!
      I have had my IR sauna now for almost 1 month and absolutely love it! It has been a wonderful gift for my wife and I to share. I am not familiar with ClearLight and know there are many emerging reputable brands out there. I ended up going with Sunlighten Sauna. I like that they have a line of products that uses near, mid and far IR light in one product and also have negligible EMF “fallout”. I went with the mPulse, a nice two-person sauna that is tasteful and fits perfectly into the space we are using. While the light research is still emerging, I felt there was potential “synergy” in the range of IR frequencies they offer and the pre-entered programs that address a wide range of health-promoting features. Worth at least taking a look at….also great service.
      Warmest wishes to you! Mark

      Reply
  8. Julie Kendrick

    MEDIA REQUEST for Experience Life magazine article
    Dear Mark and John, I’m a health and science writer who is working on a story for the Sept. issue of Experience Life magazine on essential fatty acids — nutritional importance, dietary deficiencies and appropriate ratios. I know you have covered this topic on the podcast and would very much like to have a short phone interview with one of you. If you can share some best times/best number at which to be reached, I can set us up with a calendar request. Thanks in advance! Best, Julie

    Reply
    • Mark Pettus

      Hi Julie,
      I’ll be out of the office today and will get back to you over the weekend with a few time options. Glad to assist. It’s an important topic.
      Thanks for thinking of us.
      Mark Pettus

      Reply
  9. Mekenzie Smith

    Hi Dr. Pettus!
    I am a graduate student at BU pursuing my masters of science in nutrition. I love your podcast and truly believe you and John are onto something with your take on the benefits of higher fat and lower carb diets. Unfortunately, most professors and classmates are not yet convinced on this issue. I have an upcoming debate assignment and I am arguing that saturated fats are more harmless than hazardess. I’d love some help with tackling this topic and convincing my fellow nutrition piers that this new way of thinking may be worth paying more attention to! Get back to me if you get a chance!! Thanks for the awesome podcast!

    Reply
    • Mark Pettus

      Hi Danny,
      I have come to appreciate an important (and all too confusing) principle of our research enterprise. For for every MD-PhD their is an equal and opposite MD-PhD. Michael Greger is a proponent of vegan, low-fat (<10% daily calories...an Ornish, Campbell perspective) lifestyle and accordingly, will offer-select any slice of research that supports the harms of fat. We all tend to bias our point of view in the studies and interpretations we offer in support of those views. John and I as homo sapiens bring biases as well to our perspective. Given the oft polarizing and contradictory perspectives out there, by compassionate and passionate people with mostly good intentions, it is clear that one can make the case for many different points of view. The lens through which I attempt to reconcile this confusion focuses on a few questions:
      1. Is the food source, regardless of the context it is being framed in, whole, unprocessed and and "clean"?
      2. Does ancestral perspective (evolutionary biologic thinking) support the contention i.e., does the context make sense from what we know about how ancestral living evolved both past and present?
      3. Do the mechanisms fit with a broader understanding of complex systems biology

      Through that lens, I agree that plant-based foods should be the foundation of any modern diet. To examine endothelial hyperreactivity in a small # of people in response to macronutrient variability (in this case more fat) misses the impact fat may or may not have when combined with other varieties of foods like vegetables (Dr. Greger does note that in his comments on one of the videos). It is very hard to focus on just one aspect of a diet that is part of a much broader mosaic e.g. sleep quality, stress management, plant-based intake, microbiome diversity, etc...many of which cannot be accounted for in these small studies. In addition, we know that our ancestors ate a wide-variety of macronutrients e.g. the massai and innuit people consume much more fat and animal protein and do not demonstrate the prevalence of chronic-complex disease one would predict based on this data. We also know from epidemiologic studies that macronutrient quality seems much more important than quantity. There is little compelling evidence that healthy fat sources e.g. coconut oil (thank you Kitavins) full-fat dairy from organic sources, olive oil, etc. are both associated with healthy outcomes but also have mechanisms that may explain their values e.g. polyphenol content, no effect on insulin/mTOR, stability from oxidation, etc.

      Like you, I struggle to reconcile seemingly contradictory information. Some of the recommendations from Dr. Greger speak more to a passion-value for veganism (and there is surely a lot of great value there-I applaud his advocacy) with an exaggerated tendency to frame harm with any departure from that roadmap. Personally (and I have been vegan-vegetarean in the past)I cannot easily reconcile all of his interpretations from the perspective of nutrient-completeness (vegetarean-vegan will fall short on some nutrients), evolutionary biology, and our current understanding of the many complex variables not addressed by the studies noted e.g. lifestyle, diet quality-diversity- microbiome state, etc.

      I do think discernment (as you embrace) id key as one explores which context best fits for them, understanding this might change over time. In the meantime, for me anyway, healthy fat sources along with plant-based variety, good sourced animal foods, meditation, movement, loving relationships, and full spectrum light exposure have so far "trumped" any tendency-concern for impaired nitric oxide synthesis and transient post-prandial vascular hyper-reactivity from the fat I consume.

      Thanks as always for your inquiry.

      Mark

      Reply
  11. Danny

    Thank you so much Mark for taking the time to answer this. Always insightful, respectful (of how others do things) and concrete and strong with science in mind! So appreciate your wisdom!

    Reply
  12. Kaitlyn

    Hello Dr. Pettus,
    I had the pleasure of meeting you at your weight loss hypnosis session back in November. Let me first say I can’t thank you enough, I know were our guide and any life changes that have occurred were our own doing but what you did was much more. It became my journey back in 2013 after seeing the person I had become and how unhealthy I felt, not only did I want to be able to play and run around after my son but I wanted to bring back the skinny person that once was me. Through many ups and downs and bumpy roads, diets that simply were the fad of the time and curve balls in my life I finally have reached my 1st goal I set for myself. I went from a 3xl to an xl-l scrubs, size 24 jeans to 16-14. Its truly an amazing feeling. But I really didn’t write to share my life story. I wanted to thank you, you’ve given me so many tools to work with and honestly since your session my confidence level has never been so high. I found you very knowledgeable and like a colleague of mine as opposed to a doctor I had just met. I hope to attend another of your sessions in the future, you are a life saver.
    🙂

    Reply
  14. Robert Thompson

    Mark,

    As a functional medicine practitioner, I study a lot of health and nutrition and value the content of your podcasts above all others.

    You have mentioned salivary cortisol levels on several occasions. It looks to me like the DUTCH test has several advantages; you may want to check it out.

    Reply
    • Mark Pettus

      Thank you Robert! I’ll check this out. Cortisol testing is somewhat controversial e.g. source, free vs total, inherent variability, etc. though I have found it useful to stratify HPA axis status. The gold standard for adrenal insufficiency is the pre-post Cortrosyn stimulation measuring serum cortisol at 30″ and 1 – hour.
      Mark

      Reply
  15. Nick Cormier

    Yeah. Infrared saunas are realy great for your health!
    I check in on my own experience!
    We were choosing between two different saunas for our big family and finally stopped 4-Person Corner Golden Infrared Sauna from InfraredSaunaGuru for two specific reasons: first of all it came cheaper than from the other distributor, and secondly – it is better than we expected. A must have in any home – that is what we think!

    Reply
  16. Donna Dusablon

    Dear Dr. Pettus, I live just outside of Boston and have been scanning the traditional food websites for info about diets for chronic kidney disease. My husband has Stage 4 kidney disease and there is very little info available for this condition on ancestral websites. Standard kidney diets are low in protein, phosphorus and potassium of course, but the rest of the recommended food is terrible…corn, white rice, low fat, veg oils, and other poor nutritional choices. Since you have a renal fellowship in your background, was hoping that you had some recommendations to good sources of nutritional info for this condition and/or resources to recommend. I’m a long time WAPF member, so believe it is critical that my husband get the most nutrition he can with the appropriate restrictions as we are trying to hold the line at Stage 4. Thank you for your attention. Best regards,

    Reply
    • deidre mcgannon MHA, RDN, IFNCP

      Love to get info on this topic as well. As a functional RDN, (just completed IFNA training), I am lacking solid info on how to best help CKD patients in the practice I am working in.
      So much conflicting info out there.
      Any research articles or info to share?
      Thank you for everything you do, I love your podcasts and loved listening to you and Dr. Bagnulo in my ifna training.
      Deidre McGannon

      Reply
  17. Harold Picken

    Mark and John,
    I’d like to suggest you consider doing an entire podcast on coconut oil. I’ve been listening to your podcast for over a year now, and am a fan. I’ve followed with interest your discussions and references to articles about full fat dairy, healthy aspects of omega 3 vs omega 6 oils, etc. While I think you are both pretty clear on your position on the health benefits and safety of coconut oil, in the public arena it remains quite controversial (my impression). In fact, at a social event a month ago, an endocrinologist who does basic research on diabetes reacted to my asking about his perspective said that “coconut oil is what we fed rats when I was a post-doc to give them coronary atherosclerosis.” Whoa!!! It would be nice if you could identify the major sources and reasons on both the pro and con perspectives, evaluate the quality and strength of evidence, and close with why, taking all this evidence into consideration, you have made the conclusions you have. Happy to discuss.

    Reply
  19. Elizabet

    Hi Mark and John,
    I’m a long-time avid listener and would like to make a suggestion for a future topic. I’d love to hear thoughts on optimizing lifestyle and nutrition for fertility and pregnancy. And one particular question I’d love for you to address is regarding Omega 3 sources — I believe that John said in one of the Costa Rica lectures last year that he and his family don’t eat fish anymore. What are the best ways and sources of ensuring optimal Omega 3 consumption without eating fish? This seems particularly important for pregnancy.
    Fingers crossed that you’ll consider such an episode!
    Thanks so much for all you do!
    Best,
    Elizabeth

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      One follow-up to my earlier suggestion/question is to address mycotoxins, particularly in food sources.
      Thanks again!
      Elizabeth

      Reply
  20. Elisa

    Hi. I wanted to let you know that I keep getting an error message when I try to sign up for more information about the retreat.
    Also wondering if you would ever consider having it in January, after the holidays? The month of December is usually very busy for me with looming deadlines, as it may be for others. January, on the other hand, is a time when I have more flexibility in my schedule. I would love to join you some day.

    Reply
  21. Keith

    Hi Dr. Pettus- My 17 year old has been diagnosed with Solar Urticaria- that’s right, he’s allergic to the sun. My wife is all about standard medicine and wants to start him on immune suppressing medications to allow him to go outside again. I’ve been Paleo for more than 9 years and want to change his SAD diet. I also thought he should be drinking unpasteurized, whole milk from grass- fed cows. I think it would help with the gut dysbiosis and also provide the mentholated form of D3 that he can no longer get from the sun. I wanted to see if you had any ideas? There is no cure for his condition. Also, he is a highly, highly gifted student and will probably read any studies you suggest and would review the organic chemistry as well. Thanks for any help/thoughts you can provide!

    Reply
  23. tex

    Hi,
    Thanks for all your great podcasts
    I am wondering if you could do a show on addictions (not food) and nutritional therapies that might help. I was reading about acupuncture, yoga, massage, counseling and nutrition….figured you all would have a lot to add to the nutrition information
    thanks
    Tex

    Reply
  24. Kyle

    Hello Mark, I’m incredibly grateful for what you guys are doing here. I’m motivated and ready to eliminate grains, sugar, carb-dense foods etc. I live in central Massachusetts and would like to see if you are accepting patients and how to get a baseline and lifestyle intervention plan.

    If you or John are not available, perhaps you could recommend someone whose work follows your own basic principles and concepts.

    Reply
  25. Siobhan

    Hello Mark. Firstly I love what you do on the Health Edge! I have made changes to my diet and lifestyle based on what I have learnt from the podcast but like some previous visitors to this page, I need some personal guidance. I live in Ireland and unfortunately the pool of practitioners here seems very limited. I know it’s a long shot but I am just wondering if you have encountered any functional medicine practitioners from Ireland in your work or on your travels that you would feel comfortable recommending. Thanks and keep up the good work!! I missed your podcasts – I’m delighted to see they’re back 🙂

    Reply
    • Mark Pettus

      Hi Siobhan,
      Thanks so much for your kind feedback! It’s been a bit of a challenge navigating the pandemic and getting more recordings “out there”.
      I have reached out to a friend in England to see if he has any contacts in Ireland. I’ll get back to you as soon as I hear back.
      Very best!
      Mark

      Reply
      • Siobhan Fitzpatrick

        Hi Mark, thanks for your help and your reply. Much appreciated. I’m glad to say I’ve found an Irish practitioner and so far so good.
        On a separate note, I’d love to listen to the SIBO podcast from September 2015. Am I correct in thinking the old link is gone and the best place for all of the podcasts is the Youtube channel? Hope all is well with you and John. Thanks again! Siobhan

        Reply
        • MARK C PETTUS

          Hi Siobhan,
          So glad you found a like-minded practitioner to work with!
          A few years ago, the server we use went down and I lost several recordings. Some I had backed-up but could not retrieve them all. The original SIBO recording was one of them.
          As John and I get back into a groove, we”l start updating some topics, SIBO being one of them. It is a rapidly evolving area of interest.
          warmest wishes,
          Mark

          Reply
  26. Charles Bennett

    Thank you for your coverage of A. muciniphila. In consideration of those of us with little or none of this important bacteria in our guts, do you have information regarding where a transplant or a packaged source might be available? Are studies being preformed in the U.S.?

    Reply
  27. deidre mcgannon

    Love to hear you two speak about electrolyte supplements. With the info you share re Na/K, it would be interesting to hear your recommendations.
    I have been using LMNT for a while which I love, but the ratio is 5:1. Other keto electrolytes are higher in K.
    Love your input.
    Thank you
    Deidre McGannon RDN

    Reply
  28. Marianne Nelson

    Hi Mark,
    I’m reaching out to you, to ask for your help. It turns out that Tom has autism and is in trouble. If you could contact me, I would greatly appreciate it.
    Marianne

    Reply

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