Joseph Mercola, DO, FACN, is the owner and founder of Mercola.com since December 1997, where in addition to leading the content team, Mercola serves as a visionary catalyst. As the owner and founder of Dr. Mercola Natural Health Center since July 1985, Mercola has dedicated extensive efforts to natural health practices. Earlier experience includes a position as a Kidney Transplant Coordinator at the University of Illinois Medical Center from May 1977 to June 1978, responsible for orchestrating organ donations and transplants. Educational qualifications include a Doctor of Osteopathy degree from Midwestern University earned between 1978 and 1985 and a prior degree from the University of Illinois Chicago from 1972 to 1976.