Walls receives Dr. Oz scholarship

Former Healthy & Fit Magazine cover is recognized

Michelle Walls, 28, has been busy since she appeared on the December 2015 cover of Healthy & Fit Magazine.

Last November, she was recognized by The Dr. Oz Show, and awarded The Diversity in Medicine Scholarship for her ability to navigate adverse circumstances and her efforts in lifestyle fitness.

The Diversity in Medicine Scholarship is awarded to inspire future doctors in under served communities. Walls learned she would receive the scholarship during her appearance on the Nov. 25 Dr. Oz Show. Due to COVID-19, the university sophomore appeared on the program through a virtual link. She was under the impression that she was a finalist for the scholarship until Oz announced that she was the actual recipient.

Walls is currently a second-year medical student at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.

She has an interest in lifestyle medicine, leading her to conduct research on how physicians can increase physical activity and nutrition in all patient populations.

In 2019, she founded the 501c3 Nonprofit LiFE Inc, whose mission is to empower people to practice healthy lifestyles to prevent disease and improve quality of life. This organization hosts community engagement programs promoting healthy lifestyle fitness habits. Currently, LiFE Inc is leading a biweekly Virtual Lifestyle Fitness Accountability Group via Zoom.

“It is my goal to practice lifestyle medicine as a physician,” she said. “I’m not yet sure what specialty I will pursue, but I want to promote healthy lifestyles throughout my career. Ultimately, I’d like to help develop universal medical practices that increase preventative care by encouraging lifestyle fitness. Additionally, I enjoy sharing my personal story of overcoming a tumultuous childhood and managing my health, to inspire others.” LiFE Inc is an official registered business with 501c3 status, based in Michigan. It has ties in the Lansing area and Metro Detroit.

During the pandemic, LiFE Inc suspended services like most other enterprises, but worked behind the scenes on the business side. LiFE Inc was granted 501c3 status only in November 2020. It became a registered Michigan

business in June 2019, (which backdated the nonprofit status). Since then, it has launched the Lifestyle Fitness Virtual Accountability Group and A Day with a Coach Program, which allows participants a half-day with a professional coach to receive individual meal prep support and develop an exercise regimen.

“My fitness journey has had many ups and downs,” Walls said. “I became a certified personal trainer with the American College of Sports Medicine in 2017, and began assisting others in their fitness journey. I learned that it is important to exercise safely and eat a well-balanced diet. More is not always better when it comes to physical activity, and there are no short cuts to a nutritious lifestyle.”