Team
Your All-Star Health Optimization & Longevity Team
In a landscape dominated by the “big big pharma” model, many practitioners have been led astray from their original Hippocratic pledge. This diversion has, regrettably, stripped the essence of the ‘healer’s spirit’ out of most practitioners.
The core of the Hippocratic oath revolves around three fundamental tenets:
- Prioritizing a patient’s welfare above any personal or financial gain.
- Do no harm. Meaning, committing to act in the best interest of the patient, and striving to promote their well-being.
- Living an exemplary and congruent personal and professional life. In other words- ‘Practice what you preach’.
So what sets us apart? It’s simple. Our team “eats, lives, and breathes” the optimization lifestyle. For each of us, this has been both a journey, and a way of life, long before we had the fortune and privilege of calling it our profession.
Bringing together a team of individuals who are genuinely devoted to their craft and deeply committed to patients’ well-being and outcomes is no small feat. Genuine passion, unwavering dedication, and patient-centered service are very hard to find. Yet, it is these essential qualities that drive our team.
Allow us to introduce you to our optimization & longevity team, and the faces behind these principles.
Male Medical director – Internal Medicine &
Hormone/Peptide Specialist
Dr. Rudolph Eberwein, M.D.
Dr. Rudy Eberwein: An innovator in Functional and Preventive Medicine
Dr. Rudy Eberwein is an internal medicine physician with an impressive academic and professional journey. Born in Haiti, Dr. Rudy moved to the United States in 1991, embarking on a path that was his life purpose from when he was a child.
Dr. Rudy laid the foundation of his medical education at the University of Florida, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Food Sciences, followed by a Medical Degree from the University of Miami. He then completed a residency in internal medicine at UM/Jackson Memorial Hospital.
After getting board certification in internal medicine in 2001, Dr. Rudy spent a decade as a Hospitalist in multiple hospitals in the Miami area, working tirelessly in the ICU, ER, and general medical wards. His dedication to acute medicine was evident in the countless lives he saved. Despite excelling in an acute care hospital setting Dr. Rudy’s passion for preventive medicine led him to open a weight loss clinic with his wife called A New You Wellness where he has helped thousands of patients lose weight and improve their health. Eventually, to further his understanding and mastery of functional medicine, he obtained a board certification in age management medicine from AMMG in 2015.
Currently, Dr. Rudy is the Medical Director and Co-Founder of the Medical Health Institute, a medical practice specializing in hormone optimization, human performance, and longevity. He also continues to practice general internal medicine as the Medical Director and attending physician at the Miccosukee Health Clinic and as the Medical Director of the Palace Nursing Home, focusing on geriatric medicine. Dr Rudy has been active as a speaker for different medical conventions about subjects like health, wellness, weight loss, hormone replacement therapy, and longevity.
Dr. Rudy’s latest venture into the field of psychedelic medicine reflects his ongoing commitment to innovative medical care. As the Medical Director and Co-Founder of Tristar Wellness, a clinic that specializes in ketamine treatment, Dr. Rudy remains dedicated to introducing new and innovative treatments for his patients.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Dr. Rudy is a devoted family man , married to his soulmate Keisha, and a proud father to twin daughters. He enjoys reading, exercising, traveling, and is constantly learning new material in his free time. As a self-proclaimed biohacker, Dr. Rudy’s ultimate goal is to empower individuals to live their best lives, leveraging his vast knowledge and experience in both traditional and cutting-edge medical practices.
Female Medical Director – Infectious Disease & Hormone/Peptide Specialist
Dr. Amy Wecker, M.D.
Dr. Wecker is a board-certified internist and infectious disease specialist. She completed her internal medicine residency at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center in Manhattan. This was followed by a fellowship in infectious diseases at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn. She then moved to sunny Fort Myers, Florida. It was here where she became a partner in a large private multi-specialty group, practicing inpatient and outpatient medicine.
Amy loved her job but wanted to move to Miami, so she opened her own practice with a focus on health and wellness and now has joined our team as our medical director. She is committed to the prevention of chronic disease via the reduction of inflammation associated with aging. She completed her fellowship program with the American Academy of Anti-aging Medicine, studying regenerative, preventive, and holistic medicine, as well as the benefits of targeted supplements to slow down the aging process.
Dr. Wecker not only brings all her expertise to treat patients with all types of conditions but also adds the female perspective to our practice. What we love the most about Dr. Amy is the fact that she has a unique and holistic approach to health. She is also an avid practitioner of yoga, applying all of her knowledge to her own health and wellness.
Male Medical director – Regenerative & Longevity Medicine Specialist
Dr. Will Alvarez, N.M.D.
Will is a dedicated physician with a passion for optimizing health through a blend of natural treatments and cutting-edge therapies. Specializing in bio-identical hormone optimization, peptides, weight loss, sexual health, longevity, mindset, and regenerative medicine, Dr. Alvarez uses a holistic approach to help his patients achieve optimal wellness.
Before becoming a sought-after doctor, Dr. Alvarez honed his skills during his residency at The Hormone Zone and with his work at Verve Wellness Center and Ketamine America, where he treated a wide range of conditions from cognitive dysfunction to chronic pain. With a background in integrative oncology and a keen interest in men’s health, he’s dedicated to improving his patients’ quality of life by combining the best of modern medicine and naturopathic principles.
Outside of patient care, Dr. Alvarez is an avid learner, continually expanding his knowledge of the latest developments in anti-aging and longevity science. He is fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian and is committed to providing compassionate care with a focus on long-term health and vitality. In his free time, he enjoys volunteering, staying active in his community, and exploring new ways to integrate technology into health optimization.
Female Medical director – Internal Medicine &
Hormone/Peptide Specialist
Dr. Linda Hillebrand
Dr. Linda Hillebrand is a seasoned physician who began her career as an OB/GYN before transitioning into integrative and functional medicine. She specializes in hormone optimization, peptides, and wellness, with a deep focus on achieving long-term health by addressing root causes. Dr. Hillebrand completed a fellowship in Integrative Medicine with Dr. Andrew Weil and received advanced training through the Institute for Functional Medicine. Since 2009, she has honed her expertise in hormone health, offering personalized care for both men and women. By combining hormone replacement therapy with tailored nutrition and lifestyle strategies, Dr. Hillebrand helps patients restore hormonal balance and enhance their overall well-being. With a holistic, evidence-based approach, she empowers individuals to reclaim vitality and live their healthiest lives.
Fun fact: Dr. Hillebrand’s work extends beyond traditional medicine, as she actively contributes to educating others on the benefits of integrative practices for op.
Female Hormone & Peptide Specialist
APRN Massiel Alfonso
Massiel Alfonso is a Family Nurse Practitioner certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She completed her Master of Science in Nursing at Concordia University of Wisconsin. Massiel started her journey working for a large Gastroenterology clinic in Fort Myers helping individuals with various gastrointestinal diseases. After some time in the field, she observed that many gastrointestinal disorders can be avoided with lifestyle modifications. This is when she grew interested in wanting to help others not only achieve their goals physically, but also educate and actively work in the field of preventing illnesses, rather than treating symptoms.
Massiel says she will never conclude her education as she maintains a deep level of ongoing research on cutting-edge and optimal ways to enhance the quality of life of her patients. This quest has led her to extensive training in the areas of bio-identical hormone optimization, functional & precision medicine, peptides, and targeted supplementation.
Massiel is exceptionally passionate about all forms of alternative and holistic medical approaches and brings her enthusiasm and knowledge of personalized health optimization to every patient encounter. Massiel enjoys balancing her professional passions with her personal ones through exercise, nutrition, and quality time with her family and friends.
Clinic director, Head “Bio-hacker” & founder
Miguel Bertonatti
Miguel’s practice completely rejects the “one-size-fits-all approach” of conventional medicine, embracing instead the principle of medical bio-individuality. Drawing from both ancient wisdom and modern scientific breakthroughs, Miguel guides his practice on the optimal living journey, tailored to patients’ unique biological makeup.
For over 14 years, Miguel has been a trailblazer in the field of optimization, employing innovative strategies such as hormone optimization, peptides, ancestral living principles, and pharmacogenetics medicine. What truly distinguishes Miguel is his personal journey – his battle with erectile dysfunction fueled his determination to address the root causes of biological aging, rather than merely treating its symptoms. In contrast to the prevailing “PILL FOR AN ILL” mindset and the proliferation of over 30,000 classified diseases, Miguel reveals a profound truth: all diseases stem from a common origin—a malfunctioning cell.
At the core of Miguel’s methodology lies an unyielding dedication to tailored care. He meticulously examines the forefront of research, continuously enhancing his practice’s approaches with state-of-the-art advancements in AI-personalized peptides, bio-identical hormones, and genetics-based supplements. Driven by his own profound transformation, Miguel’s mission is crystal clear: to encourage individuals dealing with a myriad of challenges – spanning from sexual dysfunction and depression to weight management, sleep disturbances, aging, cognitive decline, genetic disorders, heart health, and autoimmune disorders – to rediscover their vitality and restore their well-being.
Head manager, Bio-hacker & Co-Founder
Carlos Bertonatti
Carlos Bertonatti is the quintessential “Bio-hacker”- avid surfer/skier & extreme sports “junkie”, he became obsessed with all-things regarding health, nutrition, sports & fitness, since his early teens (even competing for the Argentinian ski team). Carlos is force to be reckoned with–aside from being extremely well read and trained—he’s put himself through more routines, diets, and optimization protocols that you can imagine; always looking for the true efficacy and value so he can save people time, money, and disappointment. Today Carlos works with celebrities, Fortune 500 CEOs and executives, patient doctors, and other renown bio-hackers. Carlos’ passion is to get into the details of your life and help structure the right program to meet your SPECIFIC needs and goals. His ultimate goal being the education of patients by using tried-and-true optimization tools, concepts, and philosophies so they can attain a better quality of life and a more fulfilling one. He is very much a believer that “not every answer or solution lies in taking a pill”. WARNING: although Carlos works with advanced groups (or highly sensitive cases) for the most part, every now and then, he chooses to pick up the phone and take on a new person. His belief is that it keeps him grounded and “in touch with the people”, as he says. But if you happen to be one of those people— it is advised you come ready for true change. Carlos is a master at delivering results and making “sense of it all” as it applies to optimization in your personal life. But, as he gives of his time freely and generously to make sure to see you through the process onto the other side of your results—he expects engagement and commitment! So, if you happen to catch him, better come with you’re A-game and be ready to learn!
Head Female Bio-hacker & Women’s Department Manager
Cindy Acosta
From an early age, Cindy learned that nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, and optimal hormone balance were perfect for a healthy lifestyle. She began a medical career as a medical assistant in her early 20s. During that time, she realized that conventional medical approaches were good at treating symptoms and disease management but not effectively treating patients for optimal well-being. Being an enthusiastic giver, Cindy began deeply investigating alternative routes like holistic and orthomolecular medicine, where she discovered a whole new world. She had the opportunity to work and train under Dr. Amy Wecker, among other top-level practitioners, on the science and art of nutrition, exercise, bio-identical hormone replacement (BHRT), and peptide therapy. Today she considers it her passion and privilege to help other women optimize their health, assisting them to have a smooth transition into menopause and to help them enjoy the best years of their lives. Cindy is our women’s department executive manager and is in charge of our female patient’s journey and experience. She is a force of health innovation through her unmatched expertise, bold actions, fresh ideas, and unwavering commitment to patient-centered care, improving the quality of the patient’s performance in all the areas that matter most to them.
Wellness Optimization Specialist & Coach
Brigitte Acosta
Brigitte is a living embodiment of MHI’s core principles and philosophy, with a deep and comprehensive level of knowledge in nutrition, fasting, exercise, and hormone optimization. She was influenced and inspired at an early age by seeing the results of leading a healthy and active lifestyle. Longevity, wellness, and passion are the drivers of her day-to-day life; as a mother, her energy and cognitive performance are a priority. Having the opportunity to share her knowledge and personal experience with other women and help them reach their full potential is her happy place. She has outstanding relationship-building skills and is driven to exceed customer care expectations. She’s a fast-paced learner able to adapt to changing situations effectively. Like Cindy, Brigitte has had the opportunity to train under Dr. Amy Wecker and other top-level wellness practitioners to bring her passion forward for women’s health and longevity profession “full circle.”
Senior Executive Administrative Manager
Jessica Oliveira
Jessica is a strong believer that behind every successful business is a good and competent management team that facilitates and helps everyone to grow. She started at the clinic as a Diet Specialist in 2017 and fell in love with the operational system as she had a background for over 10 years of high-level strategic administrative experience, partnering with C-level executives in high-growth companies. Professional and polished with a strong sense of urgency. Well-versed in all aspects of supporting C-Level executives with exceptional organizational skills, superior attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to competing demands. She has strong project management and operational skill set and is highly effective in building internal and external relationships with various stakeholders. She also has a proactive approach to prioritization and problem-solving with sound judgment and strong decision-making ability. She is proven her ability to handle highly confidential information with the utmost discretion within the medical space. We are proud to have her as a Medical Health Institute team member.
Wellness Optimization Specialist & Coach
Daniel Sainz
Daniel has been actively involved in the bio-identical hormone replacement therapy field for over eight years now and is extremely passionate about health, nutrition, and wellness. He was instantly drawn to functional medicine and the benefits provided by this unique medical approach, where everything administered is natural and recognizable by our bodies to respond at its optimal best. Today, Daniel works with patients, helping them optimize their weight goals, exercise routines, mental well-being, and improve their sexual performance. He is continuously reminded and driven by the life-changing results and personal stories of his patients. Daniel is an attendee and participant of anti-aging conferences like the “A4M”, and keeps his knowledge and understanding of functional medicine up to current date. He has witnessed for himself and patients what the slightest hormonal imbalance can do to a person and believes that no one whether man or female, should have to endure these age-related conditions. Daniel does not only preach good medical jargon, but he lives, eats, breaths, and walks the walk when it comes to his health. He is certain that under the doctors’ supervision and his personal guidance, the patients he coordinates are in the best hands they can possibly be, and he is confident he can help any individual restore their health, youth, and become once again the younger version of themselves.
Wellness Optimization Specialist & Coach
Janik Brisbane
Janik has a 10+ year history in exercise physiology, training biomechanics, nutrition and has helped over 1000 clients worldwide with life-changing results. He has an extended personal account of using hormone and peptide treatments with incredible results. During his years as a trainer, he realized that testing for biomarkers in the blood could help maximize anyone’s results in need of a significant health change. From his life-changing results, he got a keen interest in this field of medicine to help others achieve the same state of health and has become a hormone-peptide care specialist. He’s been heavily trained as a health professional to help manage patient care under the doctor’s supervision. He monitors and coordinates patients’ treatment plans, educates them about their condition, evaluates their progress, keeps them accountable for their results, and encourages them to improve their wellness journey. Janik’s medical knowledge, attention to detail, critical thinking, decision making, and relationship building through empathy with patients are the type of details that compelled us to bring him on board the MHI team as one of our very best health specialists.
Wellness Optimization Specialist & Coach
Moe Martinez
Moises is a retired lieutenant police officer who does this profession out of sheer pleasure. He has been a hormone replacement therapy patient for over 10 years and in the process of retirement, decided he would enjoy doing this for fun and to help others. He preaches that hormone replacement therapy should not be considered without a complete understanding of how all the body’s hormones interact with each other. If one is altered or deficient, it will affect the actions of all of the other hormones in your body. The hormonal response of an individual is as unique as its fingerprints. How one responds to hormone replacement therapy is related to genetic profile, the condition of your health, stress level, nutritional supplementation, detoxification, and what you eat. All the hormones in the body are designed to work together. However, one size does not fit all, and that is why it is imperative that we customize each treatment for each patient. At our Hormone Replacement Therapy clinic in Miami, each patient receives comprehensive hormonal blood work with the right doctor to evaluate and prescribe. In addition, they will receive the best wellness coordinator possible to convey to patients “in layman’s terms” everything they need to understand and know about their biochemistry. It takes serious experience and knowledge to get the job done, and I am more than confident that from my experience, and with the knowledge of the Medical Health Institute, any patient cared for under my watch, is in the best hands they could possibly be.
Administration Team
Administration Team
Our administrative team is the cornerstone of our organization, an indispensable force that breathes life into our mission of transforming lives through our health services. Without their unwavering dedication, our ability to serve our patients and deliver countless health modalities and support would be mere wishes. They are the unacknowledged heroes, the solid legs upon which our company stands, orchestrating the intricate dance of operations that make our life-transforming tiered process possible. Their tireless efforts are the heartbeat of our success, as they seamlessly navigate the complexities of administrative tasks, and system developments, ensuring the seamless delivery of care to those who rely on us. Their commitment is a testament to their steadfast passion for our collective mission, and it is with immense gratitude that we recognize them as the hardest-working and most invaluable members of our team.
Dog Department
Office Greeters
Tobby & Lilly
Welcome to our upcoming pet department, where we cherish wagging tails and thriving furry companions!
Here at MHI, we’re not just about human wellness; we’re also passionate about the well-being of our beloved four-legged family members. You see, we’re not just pet enthusiasts; we’re devoted pet parents who deeply understand the love, joy, and companionship our pets can bring to our lives.
Our journey into the world of pet health started with Lily, our beloved English Cocker Spaniel. Like all of us, Lily faced her own health challenges which included muscle dystrophy, sarcopenia, and the natural progression of aging. One day, we noticed a significant and persistent limp in her walk. Cocker Spaniels are know to develop hip issues so we took her to the vet. After x-rays, the doctor showed us the image of Lilly’s hip which was “hanging by a thread”. Like many traditional doctors, this doctor didn’t provide us with many options or hope for that matter. The only 2 solutions were either an invasive, experimental, surgery or to strap her back leg to a contraption with wheels. We were heartbroken to say the least.
However, we were convinced that there had to be a better option other than resorting to invasive surgery or a lifetime spent on wheels. And this was the beginning of an amazing discovery. Through intensive research we found that, just like humans, dogs can also benefit from cutting-edge approaches like hormone optimization, targeted supplementation, and even peptides to improve their quality of life!
Currently, it is common practice to put dogs through early neutering or spaying. Unbeknownst to most, these procedures have significant effects on their hormonal balance, longevity, overall well-being, and quality of life. Naturally, animals have no say in their own care. But, how would you feel if your hormonal balance was purposely disrupted without your consent? To complicate matters further, most pets are fed ultra-processed, high-carbohydrate, and inflammatory diets, which further impact their health.
This reality led us to ask a critical question: how do all these factors contribute to the relatively short lifespans of most pets? And then we read about Bobi’s remarkable story. Bobi is our shining beacon of hope as he has defied the odds and stands proudly as a happy and healthy 31-year-old dog! His journey has taught us that with the right care, attention, and a dash of resilient canine spirit, our furry relatives can live longer, happier lives.
Today, our two ambassadors, Tobby and Lily, serve as living proof of the positive impact of hormone optimization, targeted supplementation, and peptide therapy for dogs. Lily is not only fully recovered and walking again, but they have both shed excess weight, increased their muscle tone, regained youthful energy, agility, and look better than ever. These canine relatives, who also happen to be MHI patients, now extend a warm welcome to our office visitors with love, kindness, and plenty of doggy kisses!
With MHI’s pet department, our mission is simple: provide your pets with the same level of care, attention, and advanced treatment that we’d want for ourselves and our human relatives. When it comes to the well-being of our pets, no challenge is too big, and no idea is too innovative. Stay tuned as we share our discoveries and insights, so your furry pals can lead lives filled with boundless energy, and tail-wagging joy. We invite you to embark on this paws-itively delightful journey of pet wellness and longevity.
