Lauren CasperThe Total Health Institute, founded in 2000 by Dr. Keith Nemec, has become controversial in alternative medicine. This modest building in a Chicago suburb now faces lawsuits, patient complaints, and a state investigation, igniting debate about regulation in alternative cancer care.
In 2014, the Illinois Appellate Court upheld a wrongful death lawsuit against Nemec and the institute in In re Estate of Mankowski. The court rejected all challenges, validating the plaintiff’s appointment as special administrator and upholding the damages awarded.
Laura McDaniel, 52, a former patient now suing the institute, claims she was left with worse health and depleted savings after two years of treatment. Her lawsuit, filed in DuPage County Circuit Court, alleges ineffective treatments and exaggerated claims about their benefits. It also questions Dr. Nemec’s qualifications.
Dr. Nemec, who holds alternative medicine certifications but isn’t a licensed medical doctor in Illinois, defended his practice in a written statement, citing two decades of helping patients with integrative approaches.
Court records and interviews with former patients reveal complaints about high costs, pressure for lengthy treatments, and disappointing results. Anthony Bavaro, whose wife sought treatment for stage 4 breast cancer, described feeling exploited during a vulnerable time.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation confirmed an active investigation into the institute’s practices. These developments coincide with growing interest in alternative medicine.
A 2021 National Health Interview Survey found one-third of American adults used some form of alternative therapy in the previous year. The percentage of adults aged 18-44 who received any mental health treatment in the past 12 months increased from 2019 to 2021. In 2021, nearly 1 in 4 adults (23.2%) in this age group reported receiving mental health treatment, which includes counseling, therapy, or prescription medication for mental health issues.
The increase was observed across different urbanization levels: large metropolitan areas increased from 16.8% to 22.2%, medium/small metropolitan areas increased from 21.1% to 24.6%, and nonmetropolitan areas increased from 20.0% to 25.2%. This trend highlights a growing recognition and response to mental health needs among young adults.
The controversy has sparked debate in the medical community. Dr. Mark Thompson, an oncologist at the University of Chicago Medical Center, expressed concern about unproven treatments’ impact on cancer patients. Dr. Sarah Chen, a licensed naturopathic doctor in California, argued for the value of responsible alternative medicine practitioners.
As scrutiny intensified, Dr. Nemec rebranded his practice as Revolution New Medicine and relocated to Carol Stream, emphasizing brain optimization and holistic healing. Critics view this as an attempt to escape mounting pressure.
The case highlights challenges in overseeing alternative medicine practices, which often operate in a regulatory gray area compared to conventional treatments. Dr. Robert Califf, a former FDA commissioner, noted the need for new approaches to monitor and evaluate alternative treatments.
The controversy has also prompted calls for better patient education and open dialogue between doctors and patients about alternative treatments.
In conclusion, the investigations continue, and lawsuits progress; the empty Total Health Institute building in Wheaton is proof of the ongoing debate over alternative medicine regulation, with potential impacts reaching far beyond these Chicago suburbs.
The doctors exposed on Lauren Casper:
- Dr. Sam Rizk Reviews: Unstoppable Bleeding After Rhinoplasty
- Dr. Simon Ourian Reviews & Epione Beverly Hills Fraudulent Practices
- Dr. Scott Kamelle Accused of Fatal Misconduct
- Dr. Keith Nemec: Total Health Institute Lawsuits and Complaints
- Dr. Sonny Rubin Fake Customer Reviews
- Dr. Scott Kamelle Accused of Fatal Misconduct
Dr. Keith Nemec reviews tell a different story; quick checks reveal 4.8//5 stars submitted by more than 20 patients. Barb VandeBunte review says The price is ridiculous…there was no improvement. Lots of scam and hype.
Total Health Institute reviews show no negative feedback about this alternative cancer care unit in Carol Stream, IL. In fact the recent review by Bay reads “My mother was ill and could not be cured in my country. We went to many doctors and spent a lot of money, but it still did not get better. and then I found Dr Keith and asked for his help. It changed my mother’s diet in a completely opposite and different way. Analysis report values changed completely within 3-4 months. I am lucky to have met such an experienced and equipped doctor. We pray to Dr Nemec and his team”
However, one thing to notice is that they have somehow interchanged the address of Total Health Institute with Revolution New Medicine, and the old website redirects to Total Health Healing. That means there must be something going on.