Biographies
Dr. John Haest, M.D. — Medical Director
Dr. John Haest is the medical director of Austin Wellness Clinic. He attended the prestigious University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. Dr. Haest has always been interested in alternative healthcare, and throughout his allopathic education, he kept alive his desire for a more holistic preventive approach to the art of medicine. He currently supervises a wellness weight loss program, anti-aging, human performance, allergy resolution and bio-identical hormone optimization protocols, and addresses adrenal and thyroid issues and nutritional deficiencies.
Dr. Haest believes that the body has the intrinsic ability to heal itself given the proper environment and substrates. He has moved away from a simply curative approach to medicine, and believes that health care involves reaching optimal well being, not merely keeping the symptoms of underlying imbalances in check. This involves the patient as a partner in the health care plan. The practitioner is a mentor and guide in the journey to return to and maintain optimal health. While he believes allopathic medicine has its place, he feels the emphasis would be better placed on preventive and proactive health care. He also feels a “back to the basics” approach is important, in which lifestyle choices including exercise, nutrition, detoxification, and stress relief are the foundation. As Dr. Haest likes to say, “An ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure”.
Dr. Vincent Bellonzi, D.C., C.C.N
As an avid marathoner, Dr. Vincent Bellonzi developed an interest in optimal nutrition, health, and sports conditioning. As a result, he sought a Doctorate in Chiropractic and certifications as a personal trainer, cycling and running coach, and nutritionist. He received his Doctorate from Los Angeles College of Chiropractic in 1991. He is certified as a Health and Fitness instructor with the American College of Sports Medicine, and a Certified Strength and Conditioning specialist. He also holds a B.S. in Human biology and a second B.S. in Nautical Industrial Technology. Dr. Bellonzi is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist and has made the study of nutrition and exercise a central pillar of his practice and personal philosophy.
Dr. Bellonzi works with athletes at every level to provide sports conditioning and rehabilitation. He also treats multiple conditions including headaches/migraines, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, neck and lower back injuries, shoulder, wrist, and knee injuries. Dr. Bellonzi provides human performance testing, nutritional counseling, personal training, coaching and metabolic testing services.
At the Austin Wellness Clinic, Dr. Bellonzi has specialized in nutrigenomics, or the interaction between genetics and nutrition. Along with Dr. John Haest, MD, he has been developing protocols for adrenal function, anti-aging, hormone balance, human performance, allergy resolution, detoxification, and neurotransmitter balance.
Brandy Yeargan – Physician's Assistant
Brandy Yeargan is a board certified physician assistant. She received her master’s in the medicine of physician assisting from the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston in 2003.
Brandy practiced at UTMB for three years on the transplant surgery team, where she cared for patients before and after kidney and pancreas transplants. She also has a bachelor’s degree in genetics, complementing her knowledge of genetic testing, which has become a strength in the application of optimal health. She understands the usefulness and procedures of testing patients for gene variations that affect their nutrition, cardiovascular health, and all body systems. Following, she participated in genetic research and furthered her education at Oxford University where she also practiced histology in a nationally recognized laboratory.
Brandy’s personal and professional interest and knowledge in medicine, physical fitness, nutrition and whole body wellness spurs her desire and ability to motivate, treat, and teach others to strive toward their own optimal health.
