Eudēmonia Summit, the transformational gathering dedicated to the science and practice of human flourishing, today announced the formation of its first Scientific Advisory Board.
The inaugural Advisory Board members include William Li, MD, and Advisory Board Chair, Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA; Austin Perlmutter, MD, and Darshan Shah, MD. Each will provide strategic guidance to ensure the Summit maintains the highest standards of scientific rigor while fostering discovery, open dialogue, and healthy debate.
These distinguished physicians and experts will serve on the board for the next two years, actively advising and shaping the future of the summit, its themes, and programming. They will also be key speakers at the summit for 2026 and 2027.
“The formation of this Advisory Board marks an important step in Eudēmonia’s evolution,” said Sean Hoess, CEO and founder of Eudēmonia Summit. “As the scientific landscape surrounding longevity, healthspan, and human optimization continues to evolve, the Advisory Board will play a critical role in evaluating emerging evidence, identifying key trends, and fostering conversations that bridge scientific discovery with real-world application. Their guidance reinforces Eudēmonia’s commitment to convening world-class experts, challenging conventional thinking, and advancing a more evidence-driven future for health and well-being.”
Now entering its third year, Eudēmonia Summit has rapidly become one of the premier health and well-being events in the world. The 2026 summit returns to West Palm Beach, Florida, on November 5–8, 2026, with organizers expecting more than 8,500 attendees. The event combines the energy of a festival with substantive content from frontier scientists, clinicians, and practitioners.
The Advisory Board’s expertise will help strengthen Eudēmonia’s commitment to credible, science-backed programming amid a growing global demand for trustworthy health information. Additional details on the board’s contributions and the full 2026 speaker lineup will be shared in the coming months.
William W. Li, MD
In addition to chairing Eudēmonia Summit’s Advisory Board, Dr. William Li serves as President and Medical Director of the Angiogenesis Foundation, a nonprofit institution he cofounded that is at the forefront of re-conceptualizing disease prevention and treatment through the science of blood vessel growth. Dr. Li has dedicated over twenty years to advancing clinical research in cardiovascular health, diabetes, cancer and dozens of other vessel-dependent conditions. He is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Eat to Beat Disease and Eat to Beat Your Diet, and his seminal TED Talk on the impacts of nutrition on cancer has reached millions globally.
A Harvard-trained physician who earned his M.D. from the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Li has held faculty positions at Harvard Medical School, Tufts, and Dartmouth. His work has been featured in premier scientific journals such as Science, The New England Journal of Medicine, and The Lancet. He remains a prominent international advocate for evidence-based innovation and the pursuit of human health.
Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, FACOG
Dr. Jessica Shepherd is a board-certified OB/GYN, menopause expert, and leading voice in women’s health and longevity. As founder and CEO of Sanctum Med + Wellness and Chief Medical Officer of Hims & Hers, she specializes in perimenopause, menopause, sexual health, fibroids, endometriosis, and holistic approaches to midlife wellness. A highly regarded clinician and surgeon with advanced training in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, Dr. Shepherd is the author of the book Generation M: Living Well in Perimenopause and Menopause, which offers evidence-based, practical guidance for women navigating this life stage.
She is a frequent media expert appearing on Good Morning America, The Today Show, CNN, and other major outlets, and is known for her advocacy in addressing healthcare disparities and empowering women with clear, science-backed information. Dr. Shepherd earned her M.D. from Ross University School of Medicine, completed her OB/GYN residency at Drexel University, and a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at the University of Louisville, where she also received her MBA.
Austin Perlmutter, MD
Dr. Austin Perlmutter is an internal medicine physician, researcher, and a preeminent expert in brain health and lifestyle medicine. As the Chief Science Officer of Big Bold Health and CEO of Lichen Air, his work investigates the critical intersection of inflammation, modern environments, and cognitive performance. He co-authored the New York Times bestseller Brain Wash, which examines how lifestyle habits influence mental clarity and mood, and he leads pioneering clinical research on the intersection of diet and lifestyle programming for brain health.
An internationally recognized speaker and media contributor, Dr. Perlmutter has been featured on PBS, NPR, Fox and Newsweek. He earned his M.D. from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and is a dedicated advocate for empowering individuals with evidence-based strategies to optimize neurological and overall health. Through his clinical and scholarly work, he provides practical tools to navigate the physiological challenges of the modern world.
Darshan Shah, MD
Dr. Darshan Shah is a board-certified surgeon, longevity physician, and founder and CEO of Next|Health, the pioneering global health optimization and longevity clinic. One of the youngest physicians in the United States, he earned his M.D. at age 21 through an accelerated program and trained at the Mayo Clinic before transitioning his focus to preventive and performance-based longevity medicine. A published author, Harvard Business School alumnus, and host of the EXTEND Podcast, Dr. Shah explores cutting-edge science and practical protocols for extending healthspan and human performance.
A passionate advocate for data-driven wellness, he blends advanced clinical care with innovative technologies at Next|Health to help individuals optimize their health and live longer, higher-performing lives. He is also heavily involved in the business community, including Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), a global network for chief executives and business leaders who have attained significant success early in their careers.
Eudēmonia Summit is an annual gathering dedicated to the science and practice of human flourishing. The name “Eudēmonia” derives from the ancient Greek concept of “eudaimonia,” often translated as “human flourishing” or “life well lived.” The name reflects the summit’s focus on helping individuals to build healthy, meaningful, and connected lives. The 2026 summit returns to West Palm Beach, FLa., November 5-8. 2026.
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