Highly regarded professionals in modern medicine, guided by science and driven by compassion.
At HealthspanMD, we believe that the best care doesn’t happen in moments of crisis, it happens in partnership, long before problems arise.
You’ll be guided every step of the way by an expert team dedicated to helping you live a longer, more vibrant life. From nationally recognized preventive cardiologists to experienced internal medicine physicians, physical therapists, health coaches, and nutrition experts, each of us shares one mission:
To help you stay strong, sharp, and in control of your health.
Founder of HealthspanMD, Longevity Expert, Board-Certified Preventive Cardiologist
Dr. Robert Todd Hurst is a nationally recognized preventive cardiologist and longevity expert with nearly 30 years of experience, including 20 years at the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Hurst is a pioneer in Medicine 3.0, emphasizing advanced diagnostics, early detection, and proactive care. His mission is simple: to empower patients to live longer, healthier lives by working smarter (not harder) on their health.
Founder of HealthspanMD Concierge Practice | Board-Certified Internal Medicine Physician
Dr. Lisa Hurst brings nearly 30 years of clinical experience, including 25 years at the Mayo Clinic, to her mission of helping patients live longer, healthier lives. Specializing in internal medicine, she focuses on proactive, evidence-based care that prevents disease, maintains strength, and supports mental sharpness. Her practice integrates advanced diagnostics, expert health coaching, and seamless care coordination, embodying a Medicine 3.0 approach to modern, personalized healthcare.
Most people don’t realize they’re at risk for heart disease until it’s too late. In fact, nearly 2,000 people die every day from cardiovascular disease, many with no warning at all.
But here’s the truth: more than 90% of heart disease is preventable. And for those already diagnosed, the right approach can dramatically reduce risk, and even reverse disease.
At HealthspanMD, we built a program that does what the traditional healthcare system can’t (and won’t): Help you avoid a heart attack, stroke, or sudden death before it happens.
Drs. Lisa and Robert Hurst began their careers and both spent 20+ years at Mayo Clinic where they both became frustrated with modern medicine’s reactive approach - wait for people to get sick rather than help them avoid disease and early death in the first place. It was devastating to them to see how this model led to countless numbers of people suffering needlessly.
At the time, they were determined to change the system from within, so, Dr. Robert Hurst founded the Heart Health and Performance Program at Mayo Clinic Arizona - the institution’s first heart disease prevention clinic. Patients loved the program, but still there was a big problem – while they were lowering their risk for heart disease, they weren’t taking advantage of other opportunities to stay healthy – and to stay young. He realized that to get the best results for his patients, they needed more than just a cardiologist. They needed Dr. Lisa’s expertise as an Internal Medicine Specialist as well as a team of mental and physical health experts and an ongoing connection between those experts and the patient.
After years of trying to build that vision inside a traditional healthcare system, the doctors finally realized, they had to leave. That’s how HealthspanMD was born—a new model of care that gives people the best chance to live long, healthy, vibrant lives.
Why Dr. Hurst has not had a plaque rupture heart attack in his practice since 2007
You probably know that heart disease is the leading cause of death with about 2,000 people dying every day in the U.S. from heart disease. But let me tell you something very interesting, Dr. Robert Hurst has spent his career caring for the people at highest risk for heart disease, yet the last patient in his practice that had a plaque rupture heart attack (the one that causes about 90% of heart attacks) was in 2007.
The reason for this success isn't that Dr. Hurst knows something other doctors don’t - it's that he does things most don't: he uses advanced imaging and lab testing to deeply understand each patient's risk, and then he sets a higher bar. His goal isn't just good numbers - it’s great numbers across every driver of artery disease.
That crazy sounding statement of no heart attacks in 18 years is because of our comprehensive approach: combining internal medicine expertise, with cognitive and metabolic health, physical performance, and a continuous connection between our practice and our patients that allows the plan to evolve as each patient’s health and life change. It’s this precision, partnership, and proactive care that gets results.
Certified Medical Assistant
Certified Medical Assistant
Biltmore Office Manager
New Member Advisor
Acquisition Operations
Maggie Thayer, PA, is an integral part of HealthspanMD Primary Care. With nearly 10 years of experience in delivering exceptional patient care, Maggie has honed her expertise in all aspects of primary care, specializing in the management of depression, anxiety disorders, and utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy for sleep disorders.
Her approach to healthcare is holistic and patient-centered, ensuring that each individual's unique needs are met with full attention and empathy. Maggie's passion for enhancing patient well-being is evident in her commitment to continuous learning and her ability to establish trusting relationships with her patients.
At HealthspanMD, she is a vital member of our team, contributing to our mission of helping patients achieve optimal health and longevity through personalized, connected, and comprehensive care.
Brandy Compton, NP, is an experienced and dedicated member of theHealthspanMD Cardiology team. With over 25 years of cardiology experience including clinical roles at Mayo Clinic and Banner University. Brandy brings a depth of expertise in both acute and preventive cardiovascular care.
She takes a holistic and proactive approach to health, focusing on prevention, longevity, and empowering patients to optimize their heart health and overall well-being.
Dr. Selen Nedret Courtney is a Physical Therapist with a board certification as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and is a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Southern California in 2013 and later completed her MBA with a Certificate in the Science of Health Care Delivery from Arizona State University in 2020.
Dr. Courtney has experience in various settings, including outpatient orthopedics, vestibular rehabilitation, acute rehabilitation, and acute care. She has presented on various topics including vestibular rehabilitation, osteoporosis, migraine management, and meditation.
Throughout her career, Dr. Courtney has weaved her passion for overall wellness along with personal accountability by providing a holistic approach to physical therapy, considering all contributing factors to pain and physical ailments and coaching her patients to reach their personal goals.
Her patient-centered approach focuses on understanding what matters most to each individual, ensuring that treatment plans align with their personal goals and values while maintaining a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation and healing.
Head of Member Experience
I am an energetic and purpose-driven leader passionate about helping people become healthier and giving them an experience of what healthcare truly should be. At HealthspanMD, I have lead our coaching department, creating systems, training programs, and experiences that empower both patients and providers to achieve life-changing outcomes through evidence-based lifestyle transformation and have now transitioned onto more of a patient retention focus.
My background includes a B.S. in Pre-Medicine and Exercise Science, along with a certification as a personal trainer. While my journey began in hands-on health coaching, my focus has evolved toward designing scalable systems that will bring the same personalized, compassionate care to patients across the country, as well as making health coaching more accessible to people all over through their insurance. I’m deeply fulfilled by the connections we build, and by seeing patients do things in life they never thought could be possible again.
of work, you can usually find me hiking with friends, listening to audiobooks or podcasts, or traveling to explore new places and perspectives. I thrive on stepping outside my comfort zone because that’s where growth and life truly begin.
"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." – Neale Donald Walsch
Hi, my name is Paula Garcia I have been in the Medical field for the last 16 years. I have worked as a phlebotomist, Clinical Assistant, Register Medical Assistant and now as a Care coordinator.
I love working at HealthspanMD because I know Dr. Hurst is making a big difference helping so many people to reach their healthcare goals. My favorite quote is “ Look for something positive each day, even if some days you must look a little harder. Uknown author. I’m a Registered Medical Assistant.
A specialist in stress management with a Ph.D. in Psychology and certification in Integrative Wellness Coaching from the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. With her unique blend of academic knowledge and practical expertise, Dr. Lewis-Duarte is bringing a compassionate approach to overcoming stress and anxiety to the HealthspanMD coaching program. Her methods focus on simple, proven lifestyle changes that promote well-being and calm.
Dr. Lewis-Duarte's philosophy centers on the power of small, manageable adjustments to daily habits, leading to significant improvements in stress management and overall health. Whether you're overwhelmed by the day-to-day stresses or seeking ways to find peace in a hectic world, she provides the tools and guidance needed to navigate the path to calmness and wellness.
If you're ready to transform how you manage stress, Dr. Melissa Lewis-Duarte can lead the way in your journey. Ask your Healthspan coach today about how to get connected.
Collaborative Care: A connected team of doctors, coaches, and specialists working toward your goals.
Deeper Evaluations: We go beyond the basics to uncover root causes and real opportunities.
Diverse Expertise: Decades of experience in different fields that all play a role in one mission of preventing, treating, and reversing heart disease."
Consistent Support: Monthly coaching keeps you focused, accountable, and on track.
"Most doctors don’t look beyond basic labs. What you’re doing here, with your team, is going deeper and getting to what really matters.” – Marc Robbins.
Our comprehensive ecosystem of health and wellness services are designed to improve your quality of life.
Traditional healthcare
HealthspanMD pathway
Early testing reveals hidden risks
Personalized interventions begin
Improved energy, clarity, and long-term outcomes
Our Heart Longevity Program is built for people who are ready to act—before it’s too late.
It begins with a HealthspanMD Assessment—a comprehensive evaluation that goes far beyond the basics:
From there, we build your HealthspanMD Plan—with clear, medically guided steps to lower your risk, optimize your health, and extend your life.
Enroll in HealthspanMD Membership to get the ongoing care to execute that plan
We uncover what's driving your risk and treat the root causes—not just the symptoms.
Including preventive cardiology, internal medicine, nutrition, fitness, physical therapy, cognitive health, and coaching support.
Monthly check-ins, direct access to your doctors and coaches, and regular follow-up labs to track your progress.
Our patients aren’t just living longer—they’re living better. With less inflammation, more energy, reduced medications, and clearer minds.
Partner with your expert team to discover your greatest opportunities for reducing your risk of heart disease by up to 90%.
Get advanced diagnostics to reveal what routine checkups miss. We go deeper with DEXA scans for body composition, VO2 max for cardiovascular fitness, metabolic rate and cognitive assessments, and in-depth heart and lab testing to uncover hidden risks. For those who want even more insight, we offer optional early detection tools like total body MRI, genetic testing, and CT angiograms with plaque analysis. No guesswork. Just real data—and a clear plan to stay ahead of disease.
KNOW MOREGet advanced diagnostics to reveal what routine checkups miss. We go deeper with DEXA scans for body composition, VO2 max for cardiovascular fitness, metabolic rate and cognitive assessments, and in-depth heart and lab testing to uncover hidden risks. For those who want even more insight, we offer optional early detection tools like total body MRI, genetic testing, and CT angiograms with plaque analysis. No guesswork. Just real data—and a clear plan to stay ahead of disease.
KNOW MOREGet advanced diagnostics to reveal what routine checkups miss. We go deeper with DEXA scans for body composition, VO2 max for cardiovascular fitness, metabolic rate and cognitive assessments, and in-depth heart and lab testing to uncover hidden risks. For those who want even more insight, we offer optional early detection tools like total body MRI, genetic testing, and CT angiograms with plaque analysis. No guesswork. Just real data—and a clear plan to stay ahead of disease.
KNOW MOREGet advanced diagnostics to reveal what routine checkups miss. We go deeper with DEXA scans for body composition, VO2 max for cardiovascular fitness, metabolic rate and cognitive assessments, and in-depth heart and lab testing to uncover hidden risks. For those who want even more insight, we offer optional early detection tools like total body MRI, genetic testing, and CT angiograms with plaque analysis. No guesswork. Just real data—and a clear plan to stay ahead of disease.
KNOW MOREIf you’ve had a heart event, a high calcium score, a concerning family history, or just a feeling that something’s off, you don’t have to wait.
We’ve helped countless people reduce their risk and reclaim their health. And we’d be honored to do the same for you.
Click below to schedule a call with a member of our team to talk about what this could look like for you.