Our Team

  • Dr. Valerie Hertzog, MD (Inaugural Physician)

    Dr. Valerie Hertzog is a family physician with a strong focus on preventive and lifestyle medicine, dedicated to helping patients live better, longer. With a passion for evidence-based care, she empowers individuals to take control of their long-term health through personalized strategies that support vitality, energy, and resilience at every age. She completed her medical training at the University of Toronto and the University of Ottawa and is a Certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician with the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. She also has training in cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, and nutrition, which she integrates into her clinical approach to address the underlying drivers of chronic disease and age-related health challenges. Her interest in longevity and proactive health was shaped by her own medical journey during training, deepening her appreciation for sustainable, preventative care. As a wellness coach and mother of three, she brings both clinical expertise and real-life experience to her work. Dr. Hertzog is committed to helping patients optimize their healthspan so they can feel their best, stay active, and thrive well into the future.

  • Dr. Steve Radke, MD (Inaugural Physician)

    With over two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Steve Radke brings exceptional expertise in family medicine, preventative care, emergency medicine, and sports medicine. Since beginning his practice in 2004, Dr. Radke has been a dedicated and compassionate physician, committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care across multiple disciplines. As the outgoing Chief of Staff at Renfrew Victoria Hospital, he has played a key leadership role in advancing medical standards and supporting multidisciplinary teams. His broad clinical background and focus on proactive health make him an invaluable addition to our team. We are incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Radke join us - his deep knowledge, thoughtful approach, and leadership elevate the level of care we offer our patients.

  • Kathleen Ladelpha, Client Care Liasion

    Kathleen brings a rich and diverse background in the health and wellness field, combining her entrepreneurial spirit with a deep passion for helping others. Kathleen built a long-standing career in pharmaceutical sales and marketing, working across a variety of therapeutic areas. Her dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families has always been a driving force in her professional journey.   As the former owner of a successful dance-fitness studio in Westboro, her client-centric and caring approach has been the cornerstone of her work, fostering a welcoming and empowering environment for all who walked through her doors. Outside of work, Kathleen is equally passionate about giving back to her community. Whether she's volunteering at the Food Bank, caring for the elderly, or simply enjoying quality time with her family, her compassionate nature shines through. A devoted pet lover and music enthusiast, Kathleen brings heart and energy to everything she does. When Kathleen saw our business sign while driving on the Queensway, she went home, Googled our name and read our website.  Then she reached out to us and asked, "How can I become part of this?" Kathleen is now our front face of the clinic and dedicated to going above and beyond to meet our patients’ needs.

  • Tammy Thom, Client Care Concierge

    Tammy brings over 17 years of experience in medical administration to the LifespanMD team. Her extensive background includes a significant tenure at the Ottawa Hospital Family Medicine Clinic, where she specialized in managing and tracking client referrals. Tammy’s expertise lies in sourcing appropriate specialists, coordinating timely appointments, and ensuring that follow-up reports are received and communicated - key elements that contribute to a smooth and supportive client experience. With a deep understanding of the importance of clear communication and continuity of care, Tammy is passionate about helping clients navigate the healthcare system efficiently and with confidence. At LifespanMD, she is committed to providing personalized concierge support that aligns with each client’s health journey, ensuring a seamless and results-driven experience for every patient she serves.

  • Lindsay Braidwood, Nurse (RPN)

    Originally from Montreal, Lindsay has been a nurse since 2012 and brings over a decade of experience in private medicine. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of caring for some of Canada’s most prominent individuals. In 2019, driven by growing concerns about the state of the healthcare system, she moved to the Ottawa area to expand her career and focus more intentionally on quality of care. Lindsay has a strong passion for preventative and longevity medicine - because prioritizing living well and feeling good is the most important investment we can make. Helping others improve their health, both physically and mentally, is what truly motivates and fulfills her.

  • Sarina Ghent, Nurse Practitioner (NP)

    Sarina has been a Nurse Practitioner in Primary Health Care since 2012. Her background includes a Master’s in Public health and a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a minor in Gerontology. She started her nursing career in Pediatric Oncology and worked at Sick Kids in Toronto, Wellington Children’s Hospital in New Zealand and CHEO in Ottawa. In primary care she has worked as a team member in a Nurse Practitioner led Clinic and Family Health Team. Sarina is passionate about patient centered care and helping people and their families reach their health care goals in a way that they are able maintain and improve their health over time. This passion led her to working at LifespandMD with, as she says it, “an amazing team of professionals trying to improve health and reduce strain on the health care system by stopping the development diseases before they start.”

  • Julie Fortier, Fitness Trainer & Coach

    With over 15 years of experience as both an educator and coach, Julie is known for her expertise, empathy, and results-driven approach. She has coached a wide range of athletes - from teens and beginners to seniors and post-injury clients - across Ottawa and internationally. She also pioneered Resilience Reload, a CrossFit program for cancer patients at the Ottawa Community Cancer Hub, and continues to contribute to the field through ongoing education and publications. Julie’s mission: to help every client improve their health and fitness in safe, sustainable, and meaningful ways.

  • Dr. Rebecca Chase, MD (Women's Health)

    Dr. Rebecca Chase is a family physician in Ottawa, Ontario, with a special focus on women's health, menopause care, and contraceptive counseling, including IUD insertions. She completed her medical degree at the University of Ottawa and her family medicine residency at Montfort Hospital. In addition to her clinical training, Dr. Chase holds a Master’s degree in Critical Disability Studies from York University, where her research focused on improving access to reproductive care for women with developmental disabilities. Prior to her current medical practice, Dr. Chase volunteered for over 12 years at Planned Parenthood, where she developed a strong foundation in advocacy, counseling, and patient-centered care. She is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered to make informed decisions about their health. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her young family, spinning, crossfit, traveling and making sourdough bread.

  • Dr. Sam Hetz, MD (Co-Founder & CEO)

    Dr. Sam Hetz is the Co-Founder and CEO of LifespanMD, a clinic dedicated to prevention, performance optimization, and longevity. He brings more than a decade of experience across family and hospital-based medicine, academic teaching, medical aesthetics and healthcare innovation. A graduate of the University of Ottawa’s Department of Family Medicine, Dr. Hetz achieved the top score on his licensing examinations before serving as a staff physician at the Ottawa Hospital. In addition to his primary care experience, Dr. Hetz is one of a select group of physicians in Ottawa awarded a GP Focused Practice Designation in Dermatology by the Ontario Medical Association and the Ministry of Health, reflecting his ability to integrate both generalist and specialist perspectives in patient care. He joined Concept Medical, and became the owner in 2016 before being acquired by the Dermapure Group. As CEO of LifespanMD, Dr. Hetz leads a team that delivers high-touch, data-driven care, empowering clients to extend their healthspan through advanced testing, personalized strategies, and preventative medicine. In recognition of his leadership, Dr. Hetz was named one of Ottawa’s Forty Under 40 by the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Board of Trade.

  • Connie Tuttle, CDE, RD (Registered Dietitian)

    Connie is a Registered Dietitian with more than 20 years of experience in outpatient care and almost a decade private practice. Throughout her career, she has provided individualized counselling on a wide range of topics, including chronic disease prevention and management, heart health, and digestive disorders. Her extensive experience has allowed her to develop expertise across many areas of nutrition. She is committed to tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs of each client and takes pride in helping people overcome challenges through practical, personalized guidance. Outside of her professional work, she is a busy mother of two and enjoys spending time with her family. She loves staying active outdoors, whether swimming and hiking in the summer or snowboarding in the winter. A lifelong passion for travel also inspires her to explore new destinations whenever possible.

  • Emily McCorkell, MScFN, RD (Registered Dietitian)

    Emily is a Registered Dietitian with over a decade of experience specializing in oncology, cardiovascular health and the prevention and management of chronic disease. She holds a Master of Science in Food and Nutrition from Western University and is committed to providing evidence-based, individualized nutrition care. With a compassionate and collaborative approach, Emily meets clients where they are at, empowering them with realistic, sustainable strategies to support their long-term health. She is passionate about helping people build a positive relationship with food, grounded in their unique needs and goals. Outside of work, Emily is a proud mom to a busy toddler. She enjoys recharging through hot yoga and loves spending time in the kitchen exploring new recipes.