Meet Our Physicians

Dr. Amanda Marrone is a passionate advocate for lifestyle medicine and a board-certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM). With over 17 years of experience practicing rural family medicine in Smithville, Ontario, Dr. Marrone transitioned in 2020 to focus on surgical assistance at Halton, Niagara, and Hamilton Health Sciences. She also serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the Department of Family Medicine at McMaster University, where she shares her love for teaching by guiding medical students through their professional development.

Dr. Marrone’s journey into lifestyle medicine stems from her deep belief that small, sustainable lifestyle changes can transform lives. She has led numerous education groups and workshops, inspiring patients, communities, and fellow medical professionals to embrace healthier habits for optimal health and well-being. Her mission is to empower individuals to take control of their health by focusing on nutrition, exercise, and mindful living.

Outside of her clinical and teaching roles, Dr. Marrone enjoys staying active and spending time with her family. Whether cheering on her kids at their sporting events or experimenting with plant-based recipes in the kitchen, she brings the same energy and enthusiasm to her personal life as she does to her practice.

At Optimal U, Dr. Marrone is dedicated to helping patients achieve their health goals by addressing the root causes of illness and promoting a holistic approach to long-term wellness. Book a consultation today to discover how Dr. Marrone can support your journey to better health!

Dr. Sheila Lakhoo is a board-certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician with extensive experience in family and community medicine. After completing her medical training at the University of Alberta and family medicine residency at the University of Calgary, Dr. Lakhoo moved to Toronto to pursue a master’s degree in health sciences, specializing in global health at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health.

Dr. Lakhoo began her career in academic family practice at St. Michael’s Hospital, where she provided care for individuals facing poverty, mental health challenges, and addiction. During her ten years at St. Michael’s, she collaborated on groundbreaking research evaluating the effectiveness of multidisciplinary teams in delivering care to complex patients. Her experience inspired her to focus on Lifestyle Medicine, which empowers patients to take control of their health through evidence-based interventions.

In 2020, Dr. Lakhoo earned her board certification in Lifestyle Medicine and has since worked with community clinics and large organizations to implement disease prevention and reversal programs. Her holistic and patient-centered approach to care aims to address the root causes of illness and promote long-term wellness.

Outside of her clinical work, Dr. Lakhoo is an advocate, researcher, and educator in Lifestyle Medicine. She currently serves as the Secretary of the Canadian Lifestyle Medicine Advocacy Group, where she is dedicated to advancing the integration of Lifestyle Medicine into primary care across Canada.

When she’s not working, you’ll find Dr. Lakhoo enjoying time in nature, experimenting with her artistic side, or spending quality time with her child, who keeps her grounded and reminds her to live in the moment.

Dr. Noam Raiter is a dedicated family medicine physician with board certification in lifestyle medicine who is passionate about preventive and holistic care. She believes that health goes beyond treating symptoms and focuses on empowering her patients to make meaningful lifestyle changes that enhance their overall well-being. Dr. Raiter completed her medical training at McMaster University, where she first discovered her interest in Lifestyle Medicine. Her leadership roles with the Ontario Medical Student Association (OMSA) and the Canadian Federation of Medical Students (CFMS) allowed her to advocate for wellness and lifestyle-focused healthcare on both provincial and national levels.

Following medical school, Dr. Raiter joined the University of Toronto’s family medicine residency program at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, where she further explored her interests in integrative medicine and women’s health. As the Wellness Co-Chair during her residency, she conducted research and quality improvement projects to promote the health and well-being of her patients and her medical peers.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Raiter has established herself as a prominent voice in healthcare through her social media platforms, where she shares content with a following of over 180,000 people. As the host of the ‘You Are Not Too Busy’ podcast, Dr. Raiter inspires others to prioritize self-care and embrace a healthy work-life balance, even in demanding professions.

Although early in her career, Dr. Raiter has already made a significant impact by advocating for women’s health and mental health care in downtown Toronto. She is excited to bring her expertise to Optimal U’s clinic, where she combines her training in Family Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Raiter loves to travel, practice yoga, spend time in nature, and explore her creative side through pottery. Her holistic approach to health, personally and professionally, makes her a valuable addition to the Optimal U team.

Dr. Sujatha Sundaram is a board-certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician with over 30 years of experience in family medicine. She completed her medical training at Memorial University of Newfoundland and her family medicine residency at McGill University. Her community-based family practice has provided cradle-to-grave care, supporting patients through all stages of life. Additionally, she has specialized in addiction medicine, providing compassionate, patient-centered care to help individuals overcome addiction.

Throughout her rewarding career, Dr. Sundaram’s insatiable curiosity led her to explore diverse healthcare approaches, including physical and mental well-being. She became a certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) facilitator, using mindfulness techniques to improve patients’ mental health. In 2020, she pursued board certification in Lifestyle Medicine through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, further integrating holistic approaches to address the root causes of illness.

At Optimal U, Dr. Sundaram combines her expertise in addiction medicine, mindfulness practices, and lifestyle changes to promote long-term wellness and help patients achieve their health goals.

When not caring for patients, Dr. Sundaram enjoys returning to basics—growing vegetables in her garden, cooking, walking in the forest with her puppy, and spending time with her family and close friends. Her passion for balance in life, personally and professionally, makes her a compassionate and trusted guide for her patients on their journey to optimal health.

Dr. Mark Shew is a board-certified Lifestyle Medicine physician with over a decade of experience in family medicine and a strong focus on holistic, preventative care. He completed his undergraduate studies at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, and his family medicine residency at the University of Toronto. Early in his career, Dr. Shew played an active role in public health, including working with the CDC on foodborne illness outbreaks, underscoring his commitment to community health.

Dr. Shew believes in the power of small, evidence-based lifestyle changes to transform health. He integrates advanced lifestyle-based care into his practice, empowering patients to prevent and reverse chronic diseases through sustainable choices. He has helped many patients reduce their reliance on medications through personalized lifestyle interventions that improve strength, function, and well-being.

As a Clinical Lecturer in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto, Dr. Shew shares his passion for health promotion and disease prevention with the next generation of medical professionals. He also strongly advocates for evidence-based screening to identify individuals at risk of specific health conditions. He has contributed to updating cancer screening guidelines as part of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Dr. Shew is multilingual, speaking English, Cantonese, and Mandarin fluently. Outside work, he enjoys traveling, miniature photography, and spending quality time with his partner Joyce and their child, capturing treasured family moments.