Here at BLI we are different.
How do we know we’re different? Because that’s exactly what our clients keep telling us. BLI has been in business since 2006 and was founded on the passion and commitment that Dr. Elizabeth Yurth had for finding a better way to treat her patients, using the kind of diagnostic testing and treatment protocols that so many of her patients just couldn’t find anywhere else. That passion and commitment drives everything we do. We think that makes us different.
But what we think is really important is what our clients say makes us different:
We’re different because we listen, actually listen, to you when you tell us all the things that are negatively impacting your health and quality of life. Our initial consultations are typically an hour or more. During that time we want to hear about all of the concerns that are negatively impacting your quality of life and quality of aging. That is a big part of designing your personalized treatment protocol. It’s not just what the tests say, it is also what you say. Think about it. When was the last time you were able to spend a solid hour-plus talking about your health and quality of life concerns at all, more or less with someone that actually has the expertise and training to do something about it? No being rushed out the door, no remembering the really important questions on the way home from the appointment. That makes us different.
We’re different because we don’t subscribe to the “magic wand” theory of medicine. We don’t give you some magic prescription pill and send you on your way saying that will take care of everything. It would be great if it were true. But really, there are no silver bullets to aging well. There are however, proven and well-researched approaches that will improve your physical well-being and quality of life. Aging well is a complex process, and we have the expertise and knowledge to guide you gracefully through it.
We’re different because we don’t use a cookie-cutter or one-size-fits all treatment approach that many of our anti-aging brethren use. Every client is evaluated individually. Every treatment protocol is unique to you the client. And every tweak, every modification, to that custom treatment program is based on your unique clinical response to that treatment plan and your unique individual lab results. And now with our rapidly expanding focus on epigenetics, the study of “gene expression” or what turns genes (good or bad) on and off, our ability to create treatment plans as unique as your personal genome, is starting to become a reality.
And finally, we’re different because we strive to use technology to make your client experience better. Yes, that’s right, a healthcare enterprise that is actually focused on customer service and using technology not to generate revenue for expensive procedures, but to actually make sure you the client have a great experience. From our highly advanced cloud-based EHR (Electronic Health Record) system, to our extremely sophisticated diagnostic and genetic testing, along with a whole host of applications and features we have planned for the future, we use technology to help you be better informed, make better decisions about your treatment plans, and to truly enjoy your journey of aging well.
Basically, here at BLI we think we’re different because we actually take the time to practice medicine the way it should be practiced, one client at a time, providing the solutions that actually help our clients age well. And while that doesn’t say a lot about healthcare today, it is quite simply, true. So come experience “tomorrow’s medicine today” and see why Boulder Longevity Institute is one of the fastest growing boutique Anti-Aging clinics in the country.
Elizabeth Yurth, MD, ABAARM, FAARM, FAARFM, CPS, Medical Director & Founder Boulder Longevity Institute, Senior Partner, Boulder Center For Orthopedics
Dr. Elizabeth Yurth is a graduate of the University of Southern California Keck Medical School, where she graduated at the top of her class with Honors including AOA, the Dean’s Award, and several other awards for academic excellence. She completed her Internship and Residency at the University of California – Irvine and is Board Certified Physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Following her residency, Dr. Yurth was selected for a very competitive and highly prestigious fellowship in Spine and Sports Medicine with Stanford affiliated Sports, Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Medicine Associates (SOAR). There, she had the opportunity to work with the San Francisco 49ers, Stanford Women’s Soccer and Basketball teams, Santa Clara University Women’s Soccer and Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams, and with the San Jose/Cleveland Ballet. While at SOAR she trained with some of the foremost leaders in the field of both spine and sports medicine.
After several years in Northern California, Dr. Yurth, a Colorado native, had the opportunity to move back home to her beloved Boulder and be with family here. She has been practicing orthopedic medicine in Boulder at Mapleton Hill Orthopaedics, now Boulder Centre for Orthopedics, for almost 25 years and continues working in that field along with her longevity practice.
Dr. Yurth’s interest in Longevity or “Human Optimization Medicine” arose from some of her frustrations in her orthopedic medicine practice. “So often patients would come in with injuries that just would not heal, or injury after injury, complaining that they just felt like everything was falling apart or they just didn’t feel ‘good’ anymore.” As Dr. Yurth strived to find better ways of treating her patients, she discovered that when the body was given the nutrients and hormones that it required, when it was started down the path of optimization, people could recover – rapidly and completely! Patients with chronic pain complaints and recurring injuries finally started feeling good again!
With this knowledge, Dr. Yurth began to pursue formal studies in Functional and Regenerative Medicine. Along with her almost 25 years in practice in non-surgical orthopedics, and her Stanford-affiliated Fellowship in Sports and Spine Medicine, Dr. Yurth has received her American Board of Anti-Aging/Regenerative Medicine (ABAARM) Board Certification from the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), has completed her Fellowship in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine (FAARM) and her Advanced Fellowship in Anti-Aging Medicine, Regenerative and Functional Medicine (FAARFM) also through A4M. She has also completed an advanced fellowship in Epigenetic and Human Potential Medicine. Training which includes a major focus on epigenomics, nutritional genomics, and genomic interpretation and analysis. Dr. Yurth is one of the first practitioners in the nation to have received advanced certification in peptide therapy through the American Academy of Anti-Aging and is one of the earliest members of the International Peptide Society. Dr. Yurth, as a Member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, has completed over 500 hours of formal CME (Continuing Medical Education) training in the areas of Longevity, Functional Medicine, Regenerative Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, and Regenerative Peptide Therapy.
In 2006 Dr. Yurth founded and became the Medical Director of Boulder Longevity Institute (BLI). Dr. Yurth created BLI to provide a venue where she could educate and share with her clients the powerful information she has learned about nutrition, hormones, and human optimization in a personalized one-on-one setting. Led by Dr. Yurth’s expertise, training, and focus on patient education and communication, Boulder Longevity Institute provides a completely unique, positive, and valuable patient experience, totally unlike that which has become the norm in medicine today.
Dr. Yurth resides in Boulder, Colorado with her husband and five children. She is extremely active with running, weight training, skiing, biking and spending time with her kids. She is always excited to meet new people through her clinic at Boulder Longevity Institute and work side-by-side with them to help guide them gracefully through the complex process of human optimization and aging well.
Tammy Cayou, RN, MSN, CPNP
Tammy Cayou comes to Boulder Longevity Institute after a long career in pediatrics. She has worked at Children’s Hospital in Denver in critical care and cardiology. After receiving her Master’s and nurse practitioner certification, she worked as an NP with the Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery at University of Colorado. Tammy has obtained her prestigious fellowship in metabolic and functional medicine.
After the birth of her daughter and a cross country move to northern Virginia in 2005, Tammy was a nurse practitioner at a large pediatric practice in Leesburg, Va. Her focus was on breastfeeding, parenting, nutrition and the health of not only the child, but the entire family.
In the fall of 2013, Tammy and her family decided to move back to Colorado to be closer to family and the outdoor lifestyle they enjoy. Tammy has always been interested in functional medicine and how to help patients and families live healthier, richer lives through nutrition, lifestyle choices and excellent, proactive healthcare. She met Dr. Yurth in 2015 while undergoing treatment for an arthritic hip and a subsequent hip replacement. Realizing that Boulder Longevity Institute’s ideals and goals for maximizing human potential and the prevention of disease matched her interests and career goals, Tammy joined BLI in March of 2015.
Tammy is currently working on her fellowship in metabolic and functional medicine and is growing her practice within BLI. Her goals are to work with clients of all ages, but would love to work with children and families in order to help future generations grow healthy together. She is excited to help people prevent disease instead of treating disease.
Living in north Boulder with her husband, 2 children and 2 dogs, Tammy actively enjoys hiking, reading, cooking, being with her family and friends and learning how to help make her corner of the planet more healthy!
Lesia Atkinson – MSc Human Nutrition
Lesia Atkinson received her Masters of Science in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport, CT. She has enjoyed teaching nutrition to groups of all ages, firmly believing that educating others to make small, healthy changes to eating habits can lead to better health and an improved quality of life.
After ten years of teaching in a classroom situation, Lesia is excited to have the opportunity to work one on one with clients. She knows that each client has a unique background which requires research into their nutrition history and health issues. With these pieces of information she develops a personal plan to help the clients achieve greater wellness. Becoming part of the well-established BLI team allows Lesia to benefit from working under the guidance of Dr. Yurth and gives her access to the most up-to-date research on nutrition and related health issues. Recently she has focused her studies on the human gut microbiome, how it affects our health and how gut issues can be helped with changes in diet.
She is particularly excited about the opportunity to integrate her comprehensive nutrition approach with the overall wellness and longevity protocols provided at BLI, to truly offer her clients good health and good nutrition for life.
Andrew Wax, CPS
Andrew joins Boulder Longevity Institute a Certified Peptide Specialist and Regenerative Therapy Consultant, heading our exciting new Next-Generation Regenerative Medicine Program and directing the nation’s first Medically Managed Peptide program for human optimization. He is one of the first practitioners to have received advanced certification in peptide therapy. Andrew also carries degrees from University of Colorado in Integrative Physiology, Psychology and Biochemistry as well as a certification in Neuroscience. He has spent extensive time in Alzheimer’s research as well as research in epigenetics and most recently in the new, evolving field of peptide science.
He is an accredited member of the International Peptide Society and has his advanced certification in Peptide Therapy through the American Academy of Anti Aging and Regenerative Medicine. He is one of the first providers in the United States to have this certification. Andrew has extensive clinical orthopedic experience having spent the past few years working at Mapleton Hill Orthopaedics and BoulderCentre for Orthopedics. He has researched and developed cutting edge protocols for biologic regenerative therapies. He brings to Boulder Longevity Institute his unique and extensive knowledge of the use of peptides, nutrition, and other novel regenerative therapies in the creation of our one of a kind Regenerative Program. He has also completed training in implementation of orthopedic PRP and stem cell treatments.
As a four time national powerlifting champion, All-State rugby player and avid CrossFit athlete, Andrew is no stranger to injuries and the desire for rapid and optimal recovery. This combination of personal experience and substantial scientific background makes Andrew unique in his ability to sit with our clients and design their personalized program to aid in recovery from injuries, optimize health, improve performance and maximize longevity.
Brianne Davis, RN
Brianne Davis graduated from Simpson College, in Iowa where she is from, with a degree in Biology. She then went on to Grand View College and got her bachelor’s in nursing. After graduation she married and then moved to Illinois, where she worked on a general medical/surgical floor for about a year before moving to California with her husband. For a little over six years she worked at Lucile Packard Children’s hospital on the oncology/hematology/bone marrow transplant floor. In 2011 Brianne and her family moved to Boulder. She took a few years off from nursing to be at home with her children, but eventually missed working as a nurse and was introduced to Boulder Longevity Institute through her friend and now colleague, Tammy Cayou. Having always been someone who is very health conscience and focused on supporting the body through good nutrition, fitness, and preventative medicine, BLI seemed like a great fit. Brianne is very excited about pursuing her training, and ultimately practicing in the field of functional and anti-aging medicine and helping clients achieve their optimal longevity and wellness.
Courtney J. Van Bussum
Courtney Van Bussum graduated Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University with a Bachelors of Science in Biomedical Engineering. Though thankful for the analytical and problem-solving skills ingrained in her from a rigorous engineering curriculum, Courtney’s true passion has always been health and wellness. She believes in treating the whole person through a functional and preventative medicine approach. Her experience ranges from instructing yoga and fitness classes, serving as a youth mentor for healthy lifestyle interventions, interning with functional medicine practices, and co-founding two medical device startups.
After graduation, Courtney chose to return to her roots and revive her involvement in Boulder Longevity Institute. She trained closely under Dr. Elizabeth Yurth to become a certified Genomic Coach, so that she can help people to optimize health from their genetic roots.
Courtney currently resides in Scottsdale, Arizona and maintains a close, though remote, relationship with BLI. In her spare time, Courtney loves to hike and practice yoga. She is an avid lover of exploring Arizona’s “foodie” scene and tries to make trips back to see her family in Boulder as much as possible.
Jill Sellars, Patient Care Coordinator
Jill Sellars, PHR is the Coordinator of Patient Services. She graduated Magna Cum Laude form Metropolitan State College in 1991. There she obtained a Bachelors Degree in Health Care Management with a Minor in Sociology. Before attending Metro State, Jill studied at Colorado State University and earned a certificate in Gerontology. She also maintains her certificates as a Professional in Human Resources both from HRCI and SHRM.
Prior to joining BLI in 2013, Jill worked as the Operations Manager at the People’s Clinic and the Business Office Manager of the Boulder Surgery Center for a combined total of 21 years. When the opportunity to presented itself to join Dr. Yurth and the staff at BLI, Jill jumped on it, considering it “one in a lifetime” offer. Jill considers every day and every interaction at BLI a learning opportunity and thoroughly enjoys her role as “hero support”, assisting providers whose primary goal is to help patients achieve optimal wellness.
Jill is a Superior resident but a Boulder native who truly loves her community and its surroundings. She and her husband Steve are the proud parents/stepparents of four wonderful grown children – Meghan, Kelsey, Drew, and Zac. Jill’s passions include: photography, genealogy, and running. In fact, in addition to her job at BLI, Jill also coaches for Revolution Running and loves the people and connections running has given her.
Catherine Hobbs, Accounting
Catherine has experience ranging across many states and many disciplines. She received her B.A. in Sociology at The College at Brockport, the State University at New York. She then went on to receive her Certificate in Paralegal Studies at the Denver Paralegal Institute in Colordao. She worked for many years as a paralegal involved in Litigation and Family Law. Her work took her from Colorado Springs, CO to Rochester, NY to Menomonie, WI. After living in the state of Wisconsin for 20 years she relocated to Boulder, CO.
She was hired by Boulder Longevity in April 2014 to serve as the Financial Manager. Along with spending most of her time keeping the finances in order at BLI, she also spends a large amount of time working with her church, South Boulder Bible Church as her Pastor’s personal assistant, using her years of paralegal and financial experience to help her church community.
Catherine is married to Forrest, now in the 35th year, and is the mother of three amazing, high-achieving children. Her oldest son has his Ph.D. in Ecological Biology and currently teaches at a university in Indiana; her daughter is pursuing a Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling; and her youngest son is a motivated and successful entrepreneur. Catherine has eight wonderful grandchildren under the age of 11, whom she adores, seven of which are girls, and is compelled to visit them as often as possible.
David Van Bussum, CEO and co-Founder
David W. Van Bussum is the co-founder and CEO of Boulder Longevity Institute, providing business, marketing, and financial guidance to the enterprise. As an entrepreneur with an extensive background in technology and marketing, Mr. Van Bussum has founded or co-founded over half a dozen companies in the last fifteen years with a significant emphasis in the healthcare and healthcare technology areas.
Prior to joining Boulder Longevity Institute, Mr. Van Bussum co-founded and served as the CEO and Chairman of NetMedical Corporation, a healthcare-specific telecommunications utility, co-founded and served as President of MetriXPro, Inc. an internet-based financial services company, was a principal in, and served as Vice President of Business Development for, Anamatix, Inc, a web-based clinical care company focused on musculoskeletal rehabilitation, and was the President and Chairman of Sanitas Valley Partners, Inc., a retail venture he founded with interests in the outdoor industry.
Before embarking on his entrepreneurial path, Mr. Van Bussum held Director of Sales, Director of Marketing, International Business Development, and IT Management positions with Fortune 500 Companies in the Aerospace and Telecommunications industries including McDonnell-Douglas (now Boeing), Bay Networks, and Nortel Networks.
Mr. Van Bussum has a Distributed Studies Computer Science Degree from the University of Colorado in Boulder and a certification in Advanced Telecommunications Management from the USC Marshall School of Business.
When not attending to the growth and development of BLI, he can be found prowling the sidelines as a youth coach for any one of his five children, working out and practicing yoga with his lovely wife, or running Masters Track.
