Carolina Longevity in Chapel Hill, NC, delivers physician-supervised metabolic and hormonal optimization under the direction of Dr. Ryan D. Schulteis, MD, who holds board certifications in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, along with certification as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. This dual expertise in internal medicine and acute care positions the clinic to address complex metabolic dysfunction and age-related hormonal decline with clinical precision. The practice focuses on evidence-based interventions that target insulin resistance, body composition, and systemic inflammation, serving patients throughout the Triangle region who seek measurable improvements in metabolic markers and physical performance.
The clinic's peptide therapy program centers on Tirzepatide and Semaglutide, two GLP-1 receptor agonists proven to improve glycemic control, reduce visceral adiposity, and enhance insulin sensitivity. Tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, is utilized for patients requiring robust metabolic intervention, while Semaglutide serves those seeking weight optimization and cardiovascular risk reduction. Both peptides are prescribed following comprehensive metabolic panels, body composition analysis, and evaluation of individual health goals. Dr. Schulteis tailors dosing protocols based on patient response, monitoring HbA1c, fasting insulin, lipid profiles, and inflammatory markers to ensure therapeutic efficacy and safety. These peptides integrate into broader treatment plans that may include hormone replacement, nutritional counseling, and exercise prescription designed to restore metabolic flexibility.
Dr. Schulteis applies his infectious disease background to understand immune-metabolic interactions, recognizing that chronic low-grade inflammation often underlies metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and accelerated aging. His internal medicine training enables comprehensive management of comorbid conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and fatty liver disease, which frequently accompany hormonal imbalances. Patients benefit from a clinician who interprets lab work within the context of whole-body physiology, addressing root causes rather than isolated symptoms. The clinic's approach to hormone optimization extends beyond testosterone and thyroid replacement to include assessment of cortisol rhythms, DHEA levels, and growth hormone status, creating individualized protocols that support energy production, lean muscle preservation, and cognitive function.
Patients at Carolina Longevity undergo in-person consultations that include detailed medical history review, physical examination, and discussion of lifestyle factors affecting metabolic and hormonal health. Initial visits typically involve comprehensive lab testing—often including advanced lipid panels, insulin resistance markers, sex hormone binding globulin, and inflammatory cytokines—to establish baseline function. Follow-up appointments track progress through objective measures: body composition changes, strength gains, sleep quality improvements, and biomarker normalization. The clinic emphasizes patient education, ensuring individuals understand how peptide therapy, hormone optimization, and lifestyle modifications work synergistically to improve healthspan. This educational component empowers patients to make informed decisions about exercise programming, nutrient timing, and stress management strategies that amplify treatment outcomes.
Located in Chapel Hill, Carolina Longevity serves patients from Durham, Raleigh, and surrounding North Carolina communities seeking alternatives to conventional symptom management. The clinic's focus on preventive medicine positions it as a resource for individuals aiming to mitigate age-related decline before chronic disease develops, as well as those already managing metabolic conditions who want optimization beyond standard-of-care approaches. Dr. Schulteis's performance enhancement protocols attract active adults and athletes looking to improve recovery, body composition, and physical output through medically supervised interventions. With a perfect 5.0-star rating across patient reviews, the practice has built a reputation for thorough evaluation, accessible communication, and measurable results in metabolic restoration and vitality enhancement.
Ryan D. Schulteis· MD
Ryan D. Schulteis, MD
Founder and Medical Director
Dr. Ryan Schulteis grew up in Hartford, Wisconsin, before pursuing biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and earning a master's degree. Following residency, Ryan built his career in hospital medicine, where he cared for some of the most medically complex patients. He served as Chief of Clinical Informatics at the Durham VA Hospital and has over a dozen peer-reviewed publications. His own health challenges, including May-Thurner syndrome and cervical disc disease, shaped his conviction that the best medicine blends prevention, optimization, and innovation. At Carolina Longevity, Ryan is committed to helping patients maximize healthspan—the years lived in strength, vitality, and independence.
Allison Gibson, DNP, AGACNP-BC
Doctor of Nursing Practice and Clinical Provider
Allison Gibson is a board-certified Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience treating adults across the lifespan. She earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from UNC Charlotte and her Master of Science in Nursing from Duke University. She began her nursing career in 2010 and has spent the last decade at Duke University Hospital's Neuro ICU. Allison is an educator, mentor, and published researcher. She co-owns a fitness studio with her husband and is passionate about integrating movement, mindset, and medicine to support long-term vitality.
Ann Clark, PA-C, RDN
Physician Assistant and Registered Dietitian
Ann is a licensed Physician Assistant, Registered Dietitian, and Certified Personal Trainer whose approach to healthcare is rooted in treating the whole person. Her care philosophy centers on individualization. She blends conventional medicine with complementary modalities such as functional lab testing, targeted nutrition, and lifestyle medicine. Ann's special interests include gut health, metabolic optimization, detoxification, cognitive performance, and building lean muscle mass. She is passionate about prevention and explores holistic health hacks popular among biohackers.
Steve Pappas, MD
Physician Partner
Steve Pappas grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, completed his residency in internal medicine at Duke University, and pursued fellowship training in infectious diseases. Steve is double board-certified in internal medicine and infectious diseases and cares for veterans at the Durham VA Hospital. In 2019, he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and underwent six cycles of chemotherapy, achieving remission in 2020. His own journey made him a passionate advocate for the role of exercise during treatment and recovery. Now in his mid-40s, Steve continues to train and compete in triathlons, CrossFit, and a wide range of sports.
Chris Ecklund, MA, LMT, NKT, CSCS, CES, PES, USAW
Performance Therapist
Chris Ecklund has spent nearly 30 years immersed in the pursuit of performance—helping athletes, professionals, and organizations reach their full potential. With a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Kinesiology and numerous certifications—including Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Corrective Exercise Specialist, USA Weightlifting Coach, and Licensed Massage Therapist—Chris built a reputation as both a practitioner and educator. He founded and served as CEO of Prevail Conditioning Performance Center, taught kinesiology at the university level, and became a Master Trainer for the National Academy of Sports Medicine. An international speaker and writer, Chris is known for translating science into actionable strategies. Based in Pittsboro, North Carolina, Chris lives with his wife, Emily, and their two children.
Gabbi Benninger, PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Gabbi earned both her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Duquesne University. Her career has centered on outpatient orthopedic care with an emphasis on manual therapy. She has advanced training in dry needling, manual therapy, women's health, myofascial release, spinal manipulation and mobilization, and specialized movement screening. Her treatment philosophy centers on making care practical and sustainable. As a physical therapist, Gabbi's greatest goal is to empower her patients to continue doing what they love without compromise.
Topics Mentioned in Reviews
Comprehensive Baseline Assessment
Includes DXA body composition and bone density, functional movement and strength assessments, VO2 max metabolic testing, comprehensive metabolic and hormone lab work, detailed medical review, nutrition consultation.
Preventative Longevity Membership
Integrates preventative care and longevity medicine for sustained health optimization, including hormone, GLP-1, and peptide management.
Precision Longevity Membership
Integrates medicine, movement, and recovery into one cohesive program with concierge style primary care services.
Elite Longevity Membership
Comprehensive and personalized experience including hormone therapy and medical weight loss.
IV Vitality Drip
Clinically curated IV infusions to rapidly replenish hydration and elevate energy.
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