Linda Anegawa, M.D.
Executive Medical Board Member
Dr. Anegawa is a clinician, writer, and consultant dedicated to the treatment of metabolic and weight-related disease. She has extensive experience working with a variety of healthcare entities in developing weight loss and lifestyle medicine programs with a low-carb/ketogenic focus including the Ideal Protein method. Dr. Anegawa currently directs weight management services for the nationwide digital health firm PlushCare, where she also practices primary care. She previously founded the Obesity Medicine Clerkship for the University of Hawaii's John A. Burns School of Medicine. Dr. Anegawa graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine and completed residency at Stanford University. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and the American Board of Internal Medicine, and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. Her guide for patients entitled Not Another Keto Book: The Obesity Medicine Solution was released on June 24, 2021.
Executive Medical Board Member
Dr. Anegawa is a clinician, writer, and consultant dedicated to the treatment of metabolic and weight-related disease. She has extensive experience working with a variety of healthcare entities in developing weight loss and lifestyle medicine programs with a low-carb/ketogenic focus including the Ideal Protein method. Dr. Anegawa currently directs weight management services for the nationwide digital health firm PlushCare, where she also practices primary care. She previously founded the Obesity Medicine Clerkship for the University of Hawaii's John A. Burns School of Medicine. Dr. Anegawa graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine and completed residency at Stanford University. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and the American Board of Internal Medicine, and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. Her guide for patients entitled Not Another Keto Book: The Obesity Medicine Solution was released on June 24, 2021.
Suzanne Bouchard
Senior Vice President, Product Management and Innovation
Suzanne is product leader focused on providing results through successful product portfolio transformations. With a background in marketing for publishers Hachette Filipacchi and Random House, she is extremely passionate about health & wellness. She worked for over 13 years at WW (formerly Weight Watchers) as the North American Lead of Consumer Products bringing brand-building products and partnerships to market. Her experience across many consumer product categories, in both food and non-food, have increased both revenue and customer satisfaction in helping them live a healthier lifestyle.
She joined IP in August 2019 as VP of Product Management. Suzanne lives in New Jersey with her husband, two daughters, Charlotte and Devon, and the best Olde English Bulldog ever! In between work and shuffling kids to activities, she enjoys going for a run (by herself) and playing tennis (with friends!)
Senior Vice President, Product Management and Innovation
Suzanne is product leader focused on providing results through successful product portfolio transformations. With a background in marketing for publishers Hachette Filipacchi and Random House, she is extremely passionate about health & wellness. She worked for over 13 years at WW (formerly Weight Watchers) as the North American Lead of Consumer Products bringing brand-building products and partnerships to market. Her experience across many consumer product categories, in both food and non-food, have increased both revenue and customer satisfaction in helping them live a healthier lifestyle.
She joined IP in August 2019 as VP of Product Management. Suzanne lives in New Jersey with her husband, two daughters, Charlotte and Devon, and the best Olde English Bulldog ever! In between work and shuffling kids to activities, she enjoys going for a run (by herself) and playing tennis (with friends!)
Cindy Bubniak
Chief Experience Officer (CXO)
As Ideal Protein’s CXO, Cindy oversees Marketing, Protocol and Healthcare to ensure our patients, coaches, clinics, and partner physicians experience the best of Ideal Protein. Driven by her passion for health and well-being, she has over 25 years’ experience in marketing and brand strategy working with health-focused companies, including pharmaceuticals, retail, and consumer brands. Prior to joining IP, she was head of Marketing for Weight Watchers Health Solutions for 10 years. Since joining Ideal Protein in May of 2019, Cindy has led teams on several large initiatives including Ideal Protein’s rebrand, new marketing campaigns and virtual events, the launch of the new Academy, and the launch of Phase 3 Maintenance. Cindy lives in New Jersey with her husband, and she is a big fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland sports.
Chief Experience Officer (CXO)
As Ideal Protein’s CXO, Cindy oversees Marketing, Protocol and Healthcare to ensure our patients, coaches, clinics, and partner physicians experience the best of Ideal Protein. Driven by her passion for health and well-being, she has over 25 years’ experience in marketing and brand strategy working with health-focused companies, including pharmaceuticals, retail, and consumer brands. Prior to joining IP, she was head of Marketing for Weight Watchers Health Solutions for 10 years. Since joining Ideal Protein in May of 2019, Cindy has led teams on several large initiatives including Ideal Protein’s rebrand, new marketing campaigns and virtual events, the launch of the new Academy, and the launch of Phase 3 Maintenance. Cindy lives in New Jersey with her husband, and she is a big fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland sports.
Deb Buchanan
Vice President, US South
Deb Buchanan has been with Ideal Protein since 2009. She has successfully supported 100+ clinics as an RDC and now as a Vice President South where she helps support RDCs and clinics.
Deb has been a business leader in the medical industry for 20+ years. She is a Dale Carnegie-trained coach. She is a passionate speaker and dedicated to Ideal Protein’s mission of making an impact on the obesity epidemic through education and inspiration.
Vice President, US South
Deb Buchanan has been with Ideal Protein since 2009. She has successfully supported 100+ clinics as an RDC and now as a Vice President South where she helps support RDCs and clinics.
Deb has been a business leader in the medical industry for 20+ years. She is a Dale Carnegie-trained coach. She is a passionate speaker and dedicated to Ideal Protein’s mission of making an impact on the obesity epidemic through education and inspiration.
Christopher Burke
Director of Marketing
Leading IP’s day-to-day marketing, Chris is intensely focused on building awareness of Ideal Protein in the healthcare space and delivering more motivated dieters to our clinics. With 20 years of healthcare marketing and brand building experience (provider-side, integrative health, international medical evacuation and telehealth), Chris has a passion for finding new and innovative ways to cut through the clutter to connect with B2B and B2C audiences to elevate health and wellness brands.
When he’s not working, Chris is an avid freshwater and saltwater fly fisherman and enjoys exploring the outdoors in Maine where he lives with his wife and two teenage children.
Director of Marketing
Leading IP’s day-to-day marketing, Chris is intensely focused on building awareness of Ideal Protein in the healthcare space and delivering more motivated dieters to our clinics. With 20 years of healthcare marketing and brand building experience (provider-side, integrative health, international medical evacuation and telehealth), Chris has a passion for finding new and innovative ways to cut through the clutter to connect with B2B and B2C audiences to elevate health and wellness brands.
When he’s not working, Chris is an avid freshwater and saltwater fly fisherman and enjoys exploring the outdoors in Maine where he lives with his wife and two teenage children.
Michael Ciell
Executive Medical Board Member | Senior Science Advisor
Mr. Ciell is a 1989 Honors graduate from the University of Florida's College of Pharmacy, a registered pharmacist, and is also certified in geriatric pharmacy. He served as a community pharmacist for eleven years during which time he developed a keen interest in the pathophysiology of chronic diseases. In 2000 he became chief pharmacist for "ECKERD-ON-CALL" one of the largest 1-800 free drug information services in the country and supervised 4 pharmacists and 26 pharmacy technicians.
In 2006, Mr. Ciell joined a start-up team and helped launch "Ideal Protein of America", a division of Les Laboratoires C.O.P., Inc. of Quebec, Canada. The company is dedicated to better health through nutrition and specifically addresses issues related to "Metabolic Syndrome". Mr. Ciell is an Executive Medical Board Member for Ideal Protein and currently holds the position of Senior Science Advisor.
Executive Medical Board Member | Senior Science Advisor
Mr. Ciell is a 1989 Honors graduate from the University of Florida's College of Pharmacy, a registered pharmacist, and is also certified in geriatric pharmacy. He served as a community pharmacist for eleven years during which time he developed a keen interest in the pathophysiology of chronic diseases. In 2000 he became chief pharmacist for "ECKERD-ON-CALL" one of the largest 1-800 free drug information services in the country and supervised 4 pharmacists and 26 pharmacy technicians.
In 2006, Mr. Ciell joined a start-up team and helped launch "Ideal Protein of America", a division of Les Laboratoires C.O.P., Inc. of Quebec, Canada. The company is dedicated to better health through nutrition and specifically addresses issues related to "Metabolic Syndrome". Mr. Ciell is an Executive Medical Board Member for Ideal Protein and currently holds the position of Senior Science Advisor.
Karen DiBlasio, DC
Senior Protocol Lead
Karen DiBlasio, is a Doctor of Chiropractic and an innate intelligence enthusiast. She graduated with honors from Palmer College of chiropractic West in 1998.
Karen opened a chiropractic practice in the US in 2003 and her Ideal Protein journey began with losing over 50 pounds! Now working as a Scientific and Protocol Advisor at Ideal Protein, she passionately continues her chiropractic mission to assist the amazing body in healing itself. Her goal is to bring more clarity to clinic partners and clients, as well as ease to the IP journey for long-term, measurable, repeatable weight maintenance results. Proud accomplishments include a loving family that actively supports “less sickness, more health and happiness,” and a beautiful collegiate.
Senior Protocol Lead
Karen DiBlasio, is a Doctor of Chiropractic and an innate intelligence enthusiast. She graduated with honors from Palmer College of chiropractic West in 1998.
Karen opened a chiropractic practice in the US in 2003 and her Ideal Protein journey began with losing over 50 pounds! Now working as a Scientific and Protocol Advisor at Ideal Protein, she passionately continues her chiropractic mission to assist the amazing body in healing itself. Her goal is to bring more clarity to clinic partners and clients, as well as ease to the IP journey for long-term, measurable, repeatable weight maintenance results. Proud accomplishments include a loving family that actively supports “less sickness, more health and happiness,” and a beautiful collegiate.
Franklin Douglis, M.D.
Chief Medical Advisor and Executive Medical Board Member | Obesity and Sleep Medicine Specialist
Dr. Frank Douglis is an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)-surgeon and is currently board-certified in Otolaryngology, Sleep Medicine, and Obesity Medicine. He attended Brown University and the University of Maryland Medical School. He completed his Residency in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Maryland.
Dr. Douglis has always been interested in health. Recognizing the importance of healthy sleep, he earned board certification in that specialty. After losing 42 pounds on the Ideal Protein Protocol, he studied Obesity Medicine and earned this board certification as well. He has used Ideal Protein to promote health and longevity in his practice since 2008.
His statistical analysis of body composition data for patients on the Ideal Protein Protocol demonstrated significant fat loss with preservation of lean body mass, and he has taught “the science behind the Protocol” at Ideal Protein events for years.
Chief Medical Advisor and Executive Medical Board Member | Obesity and Sleep Medicine Specialist
Dr. Frank Douglis is an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)-surgeon and is currently board-certified in Otolaryngology, Sleep Medicine, and Obesity Medicine. He attended Brown University and the University of Maryland Medical School. He completed his Residency in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Maryland.
Dr. Douglis has always been interested in health. Recognizing the importance of healthy sleep, he earned board certification in that specialty. After losing 42 pounds on the Ideal Protein Protocol, he studied Obesity Medicine and earned this board certification as well. He has used Ideal Protein to promote health and longevity in his practice since 2008.
His statistical analysis of body composition data for patients on the Ideal Protein Protocol demonstrated significant fat loss with preservation of lean body mass, and he has taught “the science behind the Protocol” at Ideal Protein events for years.
Amanda Ghobrial
Consultant
For twelve years now, Amanda Ghobrial has lived the Ideal Protein lifestyle. As a certified Holistic Lifestyle Coach and specialist in Fitness Nutrition, Amanda’s years of hands-on experience has supported hundreds of coaches and their dieters to reach and sustain their long-term health goals. Armed with a passion for preventative and holistic care, she continuously empowers others to thrive using this newly redesigned protocol. With a strong belief that preventative and integrated healthcare is the future, Ideal Protein is Amanda’s vehicle to provide the positive outcomes the industry is striving for when battling obesity and related metabolic conditions. Food is medicine, weight loss is healthcare.
Consultant
For twelve years now, Amanda Ghobrial has lived the Ideal Protein lifestyle. As a certified Holistic Lifestyle Coach and specialist in Fitness Nutrition, Amanda’s years of hands-on experience has supported hundreds of coaches and their dieters to reach and sustain their long-term health goals. Armed with a passion for preventative and holistic care, she continuously empowers others to thrive using this newly redesigned protocol. With a strong belief that preventative and integrated healthcare is the future, Ideal Protein is Amanda’s vehicle to provide the positive outcomes the industry is striving for when battling obesity and related metabolic conditions. Food is medicine, weight loss is healthcare.
Dawn Halkuff
Chief Executive Officer
Dawn Halkuff is a seasoned leader with more than 25 years of experience in the healthcare and weight loss fields. Prior to Ideal Protein, she was Chief Commercial Officer at TherapeuticsMD (TXMD), where she built the company’s prenatal vitamins business into a meaningful pharmaceutical organization in the U.S. market. Dawn previously held senior roles with Pfizer in the company’s global wellness and women’s health business units, respectively. Prior to Pfizer, Dawn headed up global innovation for Weight Watchers International. She currently serves on the boards of Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and the Society for Women’s Health Research.
Chief Executive Officer
Dawn Halkuff is a seasoned leader with more than 25 years of experience in the healthcare and weight loss fields. Prior to Ideal Protein, she was Chief Commercial Officer at TherapeuticsMD (TXMD), where she built the company’s prenatal vitamins business into a meaningful pharmaceutical organization in the U.S. market. Dawn previously held senior roles with Pfizer in the company’s global wellness and women’s health business units, respectively. Prior to Pfizer, Dawn headed up global innovation for Weight Watchers International. She currently serves on the boards of Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and the Society for Women’s Health Research.
Andrew Leikvoll
VP | US Account Management
Andrew has been with Ideal Protein since 2010 and currently serves as Vice President North where he is privileged to lead a diverse and talented field team - all committed to impacting the obesity epidemic through inspiration, motivation, and education.
Andrew has worked alongside a number of our largest health system partners, including Aspirus & Prevea Health, who are also represented on our Medical Advisory Board.
Most rewarding to Andrew is serving others, whether it be our employees or clinic partners, and enabling their success by helping effect positive change & improved patient outcomes in our clinics and communities.
Andrew, his wife Jasmine, and two young children reside in Willmar, MN where he can be found starting most days at Starbucks with a venti royal english breakfast tea.
VP | US Account Management
Andrew has been with Ideal Protein since 2010 and currently serves as Vice President North where he is privileged to lead a diverse and talented field team - all committed to impacting the obesity epidemic through inspiration, motivation, and education.
Andrew has worked alongside a number of our largest health system partners, including Aspirus & Prevea Health, who are also represented on our Medical Advisory Board.
Most rewarding to Andrew is serving others, whether it be our employees or clinic partners, and enabling their success by helping effect positive change & improved patient outcomes in our clinics and communities.
Andrew, his wife Jasmine, and two young children reside in Willmar, MN where he can be found starting most days at Starbucks with a venti royal english breakfast tea.
Douglas Matzner, DC
Medical Advisory Board Member
Dr. Douglas Matzner is a Board Certified and licensed Chiropractic Physician in Champaign, Illinois. He is a Fellow in the International Academy of Clinical Acupuncture, past President of the Illinois Chiropractic Society, and was the Illinois Chiropractic Physician of the Year in 2010. Additionally, he serves with 5 Medical Doctors and a Doctor of Osteopathy on the Illinois Medical Licensing Board. Currently he is Vice Chair and Chair – designee. Dr. Matzner received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the National University of Health Sciences in 1981. During the course of a 38-year clinical career Dr. Matzner provided wellness, nutritional, weight loss and prevention based services to over 10,000 patients.
Medical Advisory Board Member
Dr. Douglas Matzner is a Board Certified and licensed Chiropractic Physician in Champaign, Illinois. He is a Fellow in the International Academy of Clinical Acupuncture, past President of the Illinois Chiropractic Society, and was the Illinois Chiropractic Physician of the Year in 2010. Additionally, he serves with 5 Medical Doctors and a Doctor of Osteopathy on the Illinois Medical Licensing Board. Currently he is Vice Chair and Chair – designee. Dr. Matzner received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the National University of Health Sciences in 1981. During the course of a 38-year clinical career Dr. Matzner provided wellness, nutritional, weight loss and prevention based services to over 10,000 patients.
Julie Peller
Chief Operating Officer
Julie is the Chief Operating Officer for Ideal Protein and manages Operations, Supply Chain and Technology. Julie joined IP in the beginning of 2019 to develop training and work on other projects to improve the Ideal Protein customer experience.
Before joining the IP team, she led sales and operations teams at two other NYC-based companies, FreshDirect and Dia&Co. And before working at FreshDirect, Julie held several different positions within the field management organization at Weight Watchers. Over her 10 years with the company, she ran retail operations for their more than 3000 locations, developed and delivered training for ~200 field managers and designed and implemented tools and processes for more than 20K front-line service providers.
She lives in Manhattan with her husband Brian and two daughters, Josie and Lila. She has a keen interest in retail, weight loss, consumer and hospitality businesses and loves to read and travel.
Chief Operating Officer
Julie is the Chief Operating Officer for Ideal Protein and manages Operations, Supply Chain and Technology. Julie joined IP in the beginning of 2019 to develop training and work on other projects to improve the Ideal Protein customer experience.
Before joining the IP team, she led sales and operations teams at two other NYC-based companies, FreshDirect and Dia&Co. And before working at FreshDirect, Julie held several different positions within the field management organization at Weight Watchers. Over her 10 years with the company, she ran retail operations for their more than 3000 locations, developed and delivered training for ~200 field managers and designed and implemented tools and processes for more than 20K front-line service providers.
She lives in Manhattan with her husband Brian and two daughters, Josie and Lila. She has a keen interest in retail, weight loss, consumer and hospitality businesses and loves to read and travel.