On the next episode of Redefining Medicine, we are joined by Dr. Melissa Sundermann, also known as "Dr. Outdoors," a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine with nearly 30 years of clinical experience. Trained in integrative medicine at the University of Michigan and currently serving as the Medical Director of Lifestyle Medicine for Corewell Health, Dr. Sundermann is passionate about helping patients reconnect with the healing power of nature and lifestyle-based care.

In this episode, Dr. Sundermann reflects on why she stepped away from what she calls "factory medicine" - a healthcare model focused on volume, rushed appointments, and symptom-based prescribing. Wanting to build deeper partnerships with her patients, she shifted toward a more personalized, root-cause approach centered on prevention, lifestyle medicine, and long-term wellness.

Dr. Sundermann also explores the fascinating science behind phytoncides which are natural compounds emitted by trees and other living green plants. She explains how spending time in nature and inhaling these compounds may help increase natural killer cell activity, strengthen immune function, reduce stress, and support overall health.

Don't miss this insightful conversation as Dr. Sundermann shares how lifestyle medicine, nature exposure, and patient-centered care may hold the key to a healthier and more connected future of medicine.