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Lynne Kristensen
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IMA International Fellowship Program Welcomes Nine New Senior Fellows
(Washington, D.C.) — February 11, 2025 — The Independent Medical Alliance (IMA), formerly the FLCCC, proudly announces the addition of nine distinguished senior fellows to its International Fellowship Program. This latest expansion brings the total number of IMA senior fellows to 47 experts across 15 countries, representing over 35 medical specialties.
Since launching the fellowship program in May 2024, IMA has established a global network of physicians, scientists, and medical experts dedicated to advancing patient-centered, evidence-based medicine. These senior fellows play a pivotal role in advocating for medical freedom, ethical practices, and transparent healthcare policies in the US and beyond.
“The Independent Medical Alliance continues to be a beacon of medical integrity and patient advocacy,” said Dr. Joseph Varon, IMA president and chief medical officer. “With the addition of these esteemed senior fellows, we are strengthening our ability to influence public health policies, expand our educational initiatives, and restore trust in the doctor-patient relationship.”
Newly Appointed Senior Fellows
- Clayton Baker (New York) – Senior Fellow, Internal Medicine
- Kristin Held (Texas) – Senior Fellow, Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Surgery
- Mollie James (Missouri) – Senior Fellow, General Surgery
- Sherry O’Donnell (Michigan) – Senior Fellow, Family Medicine
- Molly Rutherford (Kentucky) – Senior Fellow, Family Medicine & Addiction Specialist
- Daniel Stock (Indiana) – Senior Fellow, Family & Integrative Medicine
- Michael Turner (Washington) – Senior Fellow, Integrative Medicine
- Craig M. Wax (New Jersey) – Senior Fellow, Family Medicine
- Katherine Welch (Indiana) – Senior Fellow, Pediatrics
A Growing Movement for Honest Medicine
Since its inception as the FLCCC Alliance in March 2020, IMA has evolved from a pioneering force in pandemic response to a global movement championing informed consent, patient autonomy, and independent medical research. The International Fellowship Program was created to unify and amplify the voices of medical professionals who challenge mainstream narratives and advocate for evidence-based, patient-first care.
“Each of our senior fellows brings a wealth of knowledge and an unwavering commitment to ethical medical practices,” said Dr. Kat Lindley, director of the IMA international fellowship program. “With their diverse expertise, we continue to build an international network of professionals who are dedicated to shaping the future of medicine and healthcare.”
Senior Fellows contribute to critical research, policy guidance, monitor disease trends, and develop treatment strategies, while also participating in global educational workshops and high-impact advocacy events. By leveraging local insights, and global expertise, we can amplify our collective impact, ensuring that the voices of these dedicated professionals are heard worldwide, fostering a healthier, more informed global community.
Recently, IMA Action, the 501(c)(4) advocacy arm of the Independent Medical Alliance, was launched to support much needed policy reform in American healthcare and many of IMA’s senior fellows will help drive suggested policy positions from IMA Action.
“The healthcare system is at a crossroads, and we are committed to leading the charge for transparency, accountability, and patient-centered care,” added Dr. Varon. “The future of medicine is in the hands of those who dare to stand for truth, and IMA is proud to lead this movement.”
To learn more about IMA International Fellowship Program and its senior fellows, visit IMAhealth.org/about/senior-fellows
About IMA (Formerly FLCCC Alliance)
The Independent Medical Alliance™ is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization and coalition of physicians, scientists, and other healthcare professionals united by a mission to restore trust and transparency in healthcare. The organization’s mission is one driven by Honest Medicine™ that prioritizes patients above profits and emphasizes long-term wellness and disease prevention through empowerment of both physicians and their patients. With a focus on evidence-based medicine, informed consent, and systemic reform, IMA is driving a movement to create a more compassionate and effective healthcare system.
For more information about the Independent Medical Alliance, visit www.IMAhealth.org
Brief bios of the new FLCCC international senior fellows are below:
Clayton Baker, senior fellow, internal medicine
Clayton Baker, MD, is an internal medicine physician with over 25 years of clinical experience. He has held numerous academic medical appointments, including Clinical Associate Professor of Medical Humanities and Bioethics at the University of Rochester. His work has been published in leading journals such as JAMA and the New England Journal of Medicine. During COVID, Dr. Baker actively opposed medical mandates and advocated for reopening schools and businesses. He regularly writes on medical reform and medical freedom, with his work featured in the Brownstone Institute and other outlets. His first book is forthcoming.
Kristin Held, senior fellow, ophthalmology and ophthalmic surgery
Kristin Held, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist and ophthalmic surgeon specializing in direct patient care and surgical models. She received her medical degree from the University of Texas Long School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She has served as president of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) and has advised on healthcare policy for national political campaigns and congressional leaders. Dr. Held is the founder of Eye Surgeon Direct and co-founder of AmericanDoctors4Truth.org. She is widely published and speaks nationally on healthcare policy, medical freedom, and patient-physician relationships.
Mollie James, senior fellow, general surgery
Mollie James, DO, MPH, is a general surgeon, critical care specialist, and founder of The James Clinic, a leader in integrative concierge medicine. She combines traditional medical expertise with holistic care, focusing on root-cause treatments and patient empowerment. A strong advocate for medical freedom, Dr. James has been at the forefront of treating complex medical conditions and speaking out against medical mandates. She hosts the Uncensored Medicine podcast and engages over 124,000 followers on social media, challenging conventional healthcare narratives and promoting individualized patient care.
Sherry O’Donnell, senior fellow, family medicine
Sherry O’Donnell, DO, is a family physician specializing in holistic and integrative medicine. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Oklahoma State University and has over two decades of experience leading humanitarian medical missions across 35 countries. Dr. O’Donnell is the founder and medical director of Herbie Medical Clinic, providing care to underserved populations. An ordained pastor and author, she is actively engaged in leadership initiatives for Christian women and has served as adjunct faculty at Seton Hall and Western Michigan University. Dr. O’Donnell is a strong advocate for medical freedom and constitutional rights, shaped by her front-line experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Molly Rutherford, senior fellow, family medicine & addiction medicine
Molly Rutherford, MD, MPH, is a board-certified family physician and addiction specialist. She founded Bluegrass Family Wellness, a direct care practice offering primary care, addiction treatment, and functional medicine. She earned her Master of Public Health in epidemiology and health policy from Johns Hopkins University while working at the NIAID. During the pandemic, Dr. Rutherford provided direct, off-label treatments and worked with My Free Doctor via telemedicine. She attributes her success in medical practice and business ownership to her faith and remains committed to patient-centered healthcare.
Daniel Stock, senior fellow, family & integrative medicine
Daniel Stock, MD, is a family physician with over 32 years of experience. A diplomate of the American Board of Clinical Lipidology, he specializes in cardiovascular prevention, functional medicine, and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. Frustrated with third-party payer systems, Dr. Stock founded a direct-pay family practice to maintain medical independence. He is actively involved in legislative reform, serving as Director of the Citizens’ Coalition for Legislature Accountability and as a Legislative Liaison for Convention of States Indiana. He lectures nationally on medical freedom, patient empowerment, and health policy reform.
Michael Turner, senior fellow, integrative medicine
Michael Turner, MD, is an Integrative Medicine physician, health and wellness coach, and CEO of a national concierge medical practice. A graduate of Stanford University, Harvard Medical School, and The Mayo Clinic, he specializes in personalized, integrated healthcare, focusing on nutrition, supplementation, fitness, and men’s health. Since 2020, Dr. Turner has been treating COVID, Long COVID, and vaccine-related injuries using evidence-based protocols. He is a published researcher, speaker, podcast host, and author, with a growing audience on his Manna podcast and blog.
Craig M. Wax, senior fellow, family medicine
Craig Wax, DO, is a board-certified family physician, health policy expert, and media host. He trained at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and has been a vocal advocate for individual health rights and medical freedom. Dr. Wax hosted Your Health Matters at Rowan University for 20 years and has served on national healthcare policy councils. He has co-authored peer-reviewed studies, including publications with Dr. Peter McCullough, and has been featured in Medical Economics and other national outlets. A frequent speaker on media and policy platforms, Dr. Wax continues to champion patient autonomy and informed consent.
Katherine Welch, senior fellow, pediatrics
Katherine Welch, MD, is a pediatrician specializing in health and human rights. A graduate of Indiana University School of Medicine, she completed her residency at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. She spent 22 years serving marginalized communities in Asia and Europe, including refugees, orphans, and trafficking survivors. Now based in Indiana, Dr. Welch runs a solo direct primary care practice, Imago Dei Restorative Health, and leads Relentless, an organization combatting human trafficking. She also consults with the Resilience Health Network, guiding individuals seeking recovery from gender-related medical interventions.
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