EnterprenuerDr. Keith Nemec, a pioneer in alternative medicine, has been transforming lives for over 35 years through his innovative approach to holistic healing. As the founder and director of the Total Health Institute, Dr. Nemec has developed a unique blend of natural healthcare and cutting-edge medical practices.
With a master’s degree in Nutritional Medicine from Morsani College of Medicine and three fellowships from the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, including Integrative Cancer Therapies, Stem Cell Therapies, and Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Nemec brings a wealth of expertise to his practice. His influence extends beyond the clinic through his five published books, numerous health articles, and the long-running radio show “Your Total Health” on Chicago’s AM1160.
In this in-depth conversation, Dr. Nemec shares insights into his philosophy, daily practices, and vision for the future of health care.
Dr. Nemec, what inspired the creation of Total Health Institute?
The Institute was born from a deeply personal experience. When my wife Laurie developed tumors throughout her body and became bedridden, it set us on a quest for holistic healing solutions. We explored numerous alternative clinics worldwide, gathering pieces of the puzzle. Through intensive research, contemplation, and prayer, we developed a comprehensive healing approach that restored Laurie’s health and became our Institute’s foundation.
We realized that if Laurie had healed without understanding the root cause, she could easily become sick again. That’s why we created a teaching and treatment facility that helps people regain their health naturally and educates them on the ‘why’ behind their illness. This understanding is crucial for maintaining long-term health.
Could you walk us through a typical day at the Institute?
Our days are structured to maximize productivity and maintain our focus on holistic health. We start with prayer and meditation, setting intentions for personal growth and the Institute’s goals. This grounding practice is essential in our field.
Next, we move into staff meetings, where we discuss and implement new procedures and ideas. We have a unique system where all staff members complete a rating sheet twice a week, evaluating our performance in different areas of the Institute. This allows us to continuously identify our strengths and areas needing improvement.
We then review patient calls, ensuring each interaction meets our high standards, whether with current or potential patients. Much of our day is dedicated to research, writing books and publications, and networking with colleagues. In alternative medicine, staying current with the latest developments is crucial.
I also observe our operations. Two days a week, I dedicate several hours to watching how our staff handles patients and procedures and how patients interact with our environment. This hands-on approach allows me to ensure our practices align with our vision and to identify areas for improvement.
What recent health trends have caught your attention?
With the increase in cancer rates, we’re seeing a growing awareness about the importance of proactive health management. People actively seek knowledge about nutrition and lifestyle choices, asking crucial questions like ‘What should I eat?’ and ‘How can I keep my family healthy?
This shift has allowed us to expand our reach beyond our physical location. Through social media and online education, we’re now connecting with patients globally. Seeing people flying in worldwide to participate in our programs is exciting. We’re not just treating symptoms anymore; we’re providing people with the tools and education to maintain their health long-term.”
What’s one habit you believe contributes significantly to your productivity?
I firmly believe in completing tasks within the day and not carrying over unfinished projects. This approach, combined with careful time management to avoid overbooking, allows me to give focused energy to each patient interaction.
It’s about quality over quantity. The healthcare field demands intense concentration, especially when dealing with complex cases, so this habit ensures I’m always prepared and fully present.
If you could advise your younger self, what would it be?
I’d emphasize that fear is just fear – it doesn’t need to disappear for you to move forward. Keep pushing ahead with your vision, regardless of obstacles.
Everyone has a unique gift that nobody else possesses. It’s not about imitating others; it’s about discovering your authentic self and using that to touch people’s lives. When you find that inner spark, your life truly begins.
You have some unconventional views on education and retirement. Could you elaborate?
I believe that real-world experience is invaluable. After high school, young people should enter the workforce to discover their passions before committing to higher education. Once you’ve found your calling, you can pursue further education.
I see retirement as outdated if you’re genuinely passionate about your work. If you’ve found your life’s purpose, why stop? Retirement should be about evolving and contributing differently as we age, not ceasing productive activity.
What’s one practice you recommend for maintaining overall well-being?
It’s always best to prioritize physical and mental health through exercise, mindful eating, and adequate sleep. These simple yet powerful habits form the foundation of a balanced life.
Your productivity and joy will progressively decrease if you get too caught up in the day’s energy without caring for your body-mind complex. It’s about maintaining a healthy, sustainable lifestyle that supports your work and personal life.
How have you leveraged technology in your practice?
We’ve embraced digital tools to enhance patient care and education. When people visit our website and sign up for our complimentary ebook, it goes into our Infusionsoft patient tracking system. This automatically sends out the ebook and basic information about our Institute.
They’re added to our email list and receive newsletters and special announcements. This system allows us to maintain ongoing connections with our community and provide valuable health information consistently.
What’s one business advice you’d like to share?
Focus on becoming an expert in your field. People want to work with the best, whether it’s in healthcare or any other industry. You can start by writing a book about your field.
Even if it’s just a PDF you offer for free on your website or social media, make sure it’s a statement of your expertise. Invest the time and research to create something precious. This establishes you as an authority and builds trust with your audience.”
Any book recommendations for our readers?
‘Healthy at 100’ Book by John Robbins is a must-read. It explores how different cultures maintain vitality into old age through natural diets and active lifestyles.
It’s a powerful reminder that with the right approach, we can remain productive and energetic well into our later years. If you love what you do, you’ll want to do it for as long as possible, both physically and mentally.
To wrap up, what’s a quote that resonates with your philosophy?
Albert Einstein said, ‘No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.’ This encapsulates my belief in continuous growth and the need to expand our perspectives to find innovative solutions in health and life.
Dr. Nemec’s approach to holistic health continues to inspire and transform lives. Through the Total Health Institute, he’s not just treating symptoms but empowering individuals to take charge of their well-being on all levels – mind, body, and spirit.
