Ep. 439 | Physician Reveals: The TRUTH About Blood Testing | Iron Overload & Why You Should Donate Blood & More with Dr. Leland Stillman

Apr 5

Are expensive blood tests useful or are they a racket for making money?

Board-certified physician Dr. Leland Stillman shares when to get tested, which markers matter most, and how to understand results in context. With 13+ years of clinical experience, he reveals common mistakes that lead to misdiagnoses and unnecessary treatments.

Learn simple at-home steps to optimize hormones, lower disease risk, and increase vitality before considering medications. Discover Dr. Stillman’s framework for using labs to create positive momentum, not anxiety.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The biggest mistake uninformed patients make with testing
Dr. Stillman’s essential baseline labs and why
How to interpret hormone panels (and why levels fluctuate)
Surprising impacts of iron overload and heavy metal toxicity
Sustainable ways to improve health before taking pharmaceuticals

ABOUT Dr. Leland Stillman

Dr. Leland Stillman studied Biology and Environmental Health at Connecticut College and received his medical doctorate from the University of Virginia. He then trained in Internal Medicine at Maine Medical Center. He practiced as a Hospitalist for three years following his residency training. He went on to establish his own practice just before COVID. He has a longstanding interest in alternative medicine, and now focuses on functional and integrative medicine in his practice.

(I became a doctor to help people achieve their highest potential. Whether you are struggling with a chronic illness or are seeking the next level of performance in your work, your relationships, or your vocations, I can help you achieve the excellent health that you desire and deserve. You probably realize that modern medicine is focused on “treatments” rather than “cures.” I have little interest in “treating” disease – I am determined to cure disease. Hippocrates, one of history’s greatest physicians, said, “The physician treats, but nature cures.” And I do believe this is possible, even in seemingly, “incurable,” cases. This is why, after completing medical school and specializing in Internal Medicine, I chose to study natural and functional medicine. When you work with me, we develop a comprehensive plan to restore and optimize your health, using the most scientifically advanced diagnostics and therapeutics available, alongside ancient healing practices that have stood the test of time.

My interest in optimal health and performance began with my own experiences as a patient. As a child, I suffered from ear and sinus infections, and ADHD. Despite going to the best doctors and having access to excellent medical care, I continued to struggle to be healthy. I was frustrated by the unseen forces that I knew were holding me back. My curiosity grew so intense that I decided to become a physician. I studied Environmental Health at Connecticut College and received my medical doctorate from the University of Virginia. I specialized in Internal Medicine, completing a three-year residency at Maine Medical Center. Over the course of my career, I have been fortunate to study with some of the greatest minds in medicine. My mentors have included naturopaths, acupuncturists, chiropractors, and homeopaths, as well as medical doctors. As I learned more and more about the true determinants of health, I began to achieve higher and higher levels of performance and well-being for myself. I take the best of many disciplines and therapeutic modalities, and work with you to develop a comprehensive plan to achieve your health and performance goals.

Today, I work with people all over the world. I use a systemtic approach that addresses all aspects of your diet, lifestyle, mindset, and environment that impact your health. When you work with me, I don’t just “treat” you, I teach you how to live a healthy life. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach either – everything is tailored to your unique case, from your diet to your exercise routine. Hippocrates said that, “The greatest medicine of all is teaching people how not to need it.” That is exactly what I do. Apply to work with me today.)

ABOUT THE BLUEPRINT PODCAST

The Blueprint Podcast is for busy professionals and Household CEOs who care deeply about their families, career, and health. Host Dr. Erik Korem distills cutting edge-science, leadership, and life skills into simple tactics optimized for your busy lifestyle and goals. Dr. Korem interviews scientists, coaches, elite athletes, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and exceptional people to discuss science and practical skills you can implement to become the most healthy, resilient, and impactful version of yourself.

On a mission to equip people to pursue audacious goals, thrive in uncertainty, and live a healthy and fulfilled life, Dr. Erik Korem is a High-Performance pioneer. He introduced sports science and athlete-tracking technologies to collegiate and professional (NFL) football over a decade ago. He has worked with the National Football League, Power-5 NCAA programs, gold-medal Olympians, Nike, and the United States Department of Defense.

Erik is an expert in sleep and stress resilience. He is the Founder and CEO of AIM7, a health and fitness app that unlocks the power of wearables by providing you with daily personalized recommendations to enhance your mind, body, and recovery.