Joseph Mather, M.D., MPH & TM
Towards Wellness and Longevity
It is well known that unhealthy behaviors, such as tobacco use, poor nutrition and lack of physical activity, contribute to chronic illness and premature death in the United States. Nearly 50 percent of all adults have at least one chronic health condition, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity, and most of these can be attributed to lifestyle behaviors. Dr. Joseph Mather, a board-certified family medicine physician at the Center of Longevity and Wellness is doing his best to reverse these trends.
Founded by Dr. Leonard B. Kancher and Dr. Gerald M. Weiner, the CLW has offered forward-thinking from its start in 2003. Designed to be a unique and nurturing environment conducive to healing, it includes a state-of-the-art internal medicine facility and a fully staffed day spa area, providing both massage and skincare services on the premises. The CLW is a concierge-style medical practice. Patients pay a yearly fee to be a member of the clinic, and, in return, they are provided with extended visits and 24/7 access to their physicians for emergencies or issues that may arise after office hours.
Before a new patient begins any medical treatments, the physicians at the CLW conduct a lengthy interview so that they can fully understand the individual medical needs of every patient. Subsequent visits are structured so that there is plenty of time to deal with any issues that arise in depth. “More patients are opting for this fee-based type of clinic service because they recognize the limitations of the traditional primary care medical system,” Dr. Mather says. “I enjoy being able to spend as much time with my patients as they need.”
What is different about Dr. Mather’s approach is that he prefers to have a patient make behavioral changes before prescribing medication. “My goal as a physician is to address the root causes of a health problem rather than simply covering up symptoms with medications,” he says. “I find that medications are helpful in a variety of diseases, but they are simply not enough to help patients truly reverse disease or optimize their health.” Dr. Mather is passionate about nutrition, teaching his patients what a healthy lifestyle looks like, and advising them how diet and nutritional supplements can help them restore their health. He has an interest in gut health, and he enjoys helping patients lose weight and reverse diabetes using a ketogenic diet, and working to help patients with autoimmune diseases.
Board-certified in family medicine, Dr. Mather earned his medical doctorate from Tulane University School of Medicine. At the same time, he enrolled at Tulane University’s School of Public Health and earned his master’s degree in public health and topical medicine. Following his medical residency, Dr. Mather did not stop learning about how to best help his patients. “I found myself frustrated at not being able to help all of my patients despite using the newest medications,” he says. “I began studying nutrition and functional medicine, and found that I became much more effective as a physician when I began applying these concepts to my patients. I believe that the best results are found when physicians embrace treatments from both the conventional and natural medical worlds.”
On becoming a doctor: “Both my father and grandfather were OBGYNs in my home town of Oswego, N.Y.,” he says. “I grew up watching them practice medicine and seeing how grateful their patients were for their help. I saw that they were making a difference to our community and decided early on that I wanted to do something similar.”
On moving to New Orleans: “While attending medical school at Tulane, I met my wife, Michelle, through a mutual friend during Mardi Gras,” Dr. Mather says. “I love living in New Orleans. It is unlike anywhere else I have ever lived. The people are friendly; the food is amazing; and there is always something fun going on.” Dr. Mather and his wife live with their three young children: J.P.; Margot; and Sylvie.
Joseph Mather, M.D., MPH & TM
The Center for Longevity and Wellness
3601 Houma Blvd., Ste. 300
Metairie, LA 70006
(504) 885-7360
clwonline.com
Doctor of Medicine: Tulane University School of Medicine
Residency in Family Medicine: East Jefferson General Hospital
Advanced Certification: MPH & TM
AFMCP at the Institute of Functional Medicine
Board Certification: Family Medicine