MEDICAL BOARD
Leaders in their individual fields joined together to form the International Board of Nutrition and Fitness Coaching (IBNFC). The IBNFC oversees all Medical Parameters of the Venice Nutrition System and in addition continues to add fresh, cutting edge research to each wellness presentation and program. The IBNFC Board members are below:
IBNFC BOARD<< hide

Nicole Hilburtbio >>
MS, RD, LDN, CNSD
Director of Dietetics
When she began this journey over fifteen years ago, she knew only that she wanted to be in the health care field. She lost her mother at a young age and did not fully understand what exactly what happened to her. At the time, she was too young for any technical explanation, and felt helpless and powerless to do anything to change the outcome of that crisis.
That is when she made up her mind to never again be in the dark with regard to her own health or the health of those she cared about. She ended up choosing nutrition and dietetics for two reasons: first, to gain an understanding of the general mechanisms of the human body, and specifically, the relationship of good food and good nutrition to positive health outcomes; secondly, because she has an insatiable passion for it. She knew after she finished her first nutrition course that she had found her niche. It is an ever-changing field that offers constant stimulation and opportunity for new growth and learning. She is fortunate to practice something that she truly enjoys doing everyday. Her client's victories are also her victories, and it is always a thrill for her to know that she has made a difference in their lives. As a result of the education she has received and the experience she has gained, she is now in a position to offer her skills and knowledge to those who need it. For her, being capable of filling the position of Director of Dietetics for the IBNFC (International Board of Nutrition and Fitness Coaching) is an honor and provides her with the opportunity to help educate thousands more people each year about nutrition and fitness.

Mark Macdonaldbio >>
NC, CPT
Creator of the Venice Nutrition System
Chair of IBNFC
Mark’s education in nutrition and fitness began when he was a collegiate athlete. While studying Kinesiology on a full scholarship to play Division 1 Soccer at California State University Northridge, Mark realized how out of touch the nutritional education system was. Frustrated with the lack of answers regarding nutrition, Mark set out to learn how the human body really works. Following college, he became one of the top fitness models in Los Angeles, and experimented with every type of diet to gain a competitive edge.
After years of struggling with restrictive dieting, Mark discovered the power of Blood Sugar Stabilization. He took his research and created the Venice Nutrition System while working as a nutrition consultant and sales manager at Gold’s Gym in Northridge. He spent endless years perfecting the system and coaching thousands of clients from all ages and walks of life. Mark later went on to open his own Venice Nutrition Center in Venice Beach, California. During this time he also worked as a guest speaker at corporate events, charity events, company meetings, and was featured as a nutrition expert on several TV networks.
After years of touching the lives of thousands of people locally, Mark was ready to take his successful program to the masses. This desire to help as many people as possible led to the creation of Venice Nutrition Online, a virtual replica of his one on one coaching system. In addition to VN Online, Mark, his wife Abbi and the Venice Nutrition team created Workplace Wellness to benefit the health of corporate America. Mark also founded The International Board of Nutrition and Fitness Coaching (IBNFC), with his team of doctors, a registered dietician and a professional athlete to create a dynamic certification process that allows anyone to learn and teach the Venice Nutrition system. In addition, the Venice Nutrition system has been licensed by hundreds of gyms, health facilities and businesses nationwide as a way to offer their current members and clients a sound nutrition program. Venice Nutrition continues its rapid growth with new members in every state, nutrition centers spread across the country and a software system that is the best in the industry.
Click Here to learn about the history of Venice Nutrition.

Dr. Steve S. Leebio >>
DO
Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine
Director of Medical Affairs
Having always been interested in nutrition and fitness, as a competitive athlete and a personal trainer in the past, Dr Lee has always sought out paradigms of good health to promote in his patients.
He maintained this vision during his training in internal medicine, the medical specialty that focuses on several branches of medicine including not only cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, immunology, rheumatology and nephrology, but also preventive medicine and health promotion.
Dr Lee brings to the IBNFC an extensive medical background. As a competitive athlete and a personal trainer in the past, he has always sought out paradigms of good health and nutrition to promote in his patients. Dr. Lee received his education from Western University of Health Sciences and Loma Linda University Medical where his training in internal medicine focused on a variety of branches including cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, immunology, rheumatology and nephrology, preventive medicine and health promotion. After becoming certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, he is now an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Loma Linda University, School of Medicine.
Dr Lee has extensively reviewed the Venice Nutrition system for its sound basis in medical, physiological, nutritional and scientific foundations. As he promotes great health and well-being in his patients, he continually contributes his medical expertise to the IBNFC and to its certified coaches as well as fully endorsing the principles of the system.

Dr. Bryen Bellbio >>
Director of Spinal Wellness and Rehabilitation
At the age of 20, Dr. Bryen Bell faced a tragedy that forever changed his life. While playing in a competitive collegiate rugby game, he suffered a serious neck injury. When traditional doctors and medical procedures proved futile, he sought out the help of a local chiropractor. After an exam, x-rays and a series of corrective spinal adjustments, Dr. Bell’s pain, numbness and dysfunction disappeared and his health was restored again. He was amazed that his recovery was due to opening the nerve channels through corrective chiropractic adjustments and spinal alignment and thus his career path was born.
Dr. Bell began his studies with an undergraduate degree from the University of Portland in Business Management (B.S.), and a Chiropractic Degree (D.C.) as well as a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology (B.S) from Cleveland Chiropractic College of Los Angeles. Today, Dr. Bell owns and operates BAC To Health Chiropractic Group of Beverly Hills and serves as the Clinic and Wellness Director. He is the founder of BACfit, an elite ergonomic program for business and corporate professionals. Dr. Bell is also the current President of the California Chiropractic Association, LA Metro Division. Additionally, he is the sixth-year Head Chiropractor for the Los Angeles Avengers of the AFL, the Team Chiropractor and Medical Director for the Angel City Derby Girls, L.A.’s premier Roller Derby Team and Ergonomic Consultant to the World Famous USC Trojan Marching Band. He has also been featured on Fine Living, the Style Network and the TLC Cable Network as one of the nations Top Health Specialists.
Dr. Bell is dedicated to making non-drug solutions the first choice in health care and strives to help as many people as possible, including professional athletes to live a pain free, productive lifestyle. He is loved by his patients not only for his professionalism, but also for his warm, caring nature. Dr Bell practices with his Wife Dr. Alithea Corter-Bell in the Heart of Beverly Hills. They have a one-year-old daughter named Mikayla and another child on the way.

Brad Leggettbio >>
NC, CPT
Director of Fitness
Brad Leggett’s childhood was one that any football fan could only dream of. As the son of National Football League Veteran Earl Leggett, who played for 12 years and coached for 25 more, Brad spent as much time as he could with his father at practices. This allowed Brad the rare opportunity to be surrounded by some of the greatest NFL players of all time. "Even at a young age, I was exposed to cutting edge training techniques. When I was 18 years old, my father had his player All Pro defensive end Lyle Alzado, take me to work out at Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach, California. That experience changed my life forever."
Brad attended the University of Southern California to study Public Administration and to play football. Brad earned accolades in his senior year as an All-Pac 10 Center and an All-American Honorable Mention. "I played in 3 Rose Bowls at USC and it was one of the most exciting times of my life. I learned through hard work that anything is possible."
Those intense years of hard work and discipline paid dividends. In 1990, Brad joined the New Orleans Saints and stayed with the team for three years. "I played with some amazing teams and met some amazing players in the NFL." says Brad. It was after the 1992 season, while struggling to gain weight to remain competitive on the field, Brad began to fully understand the importance of nutrition in his search for a higher level of fitness. Brad’s new passion for nutrition was born.
Leggett befriended Venice Nutrition owner, Mark MacDonald. "Mark taught me the importance of eating correctly. I learned how to stabilize my blood sugar to build lean muscle and I saw improvements in my physique and energy level. That knowledge changed the way I looked at nutrition." They joined forces to enhance Mark’s already successful Venice Nutrition program.
In addition to working with Mark’s nutrition program, Brad built a successful personal training business at Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach, California. He trained clients from all backgrounds including Olympic Gold Medalists, Professional Athletes, as well as CEO’s and moms. “The best trainers in the world train at Gold’s Gym. I’ve spent time with the top trainers in this country and I have learned a lot from them." After several successful years in Venice Beach, California, Brad’s work ethic and drive to expand his nutrition program brought him to the east coast.
Brad now lives in Georgia and operates two Venice Nutrition centers. He is also the Director of Fitness for the International Board of Nutrition and Fitness Coaching, which certifies coaches to work for Venice Nutrition. Brad works with clients daily through his personal training business at the Forum Athletic Club. His workouts can only be described as unique and challenging. He incorporates every type of training into his client’s routines, including strength, pilates, circuit, cardiovascular and ploy metric work. Brad firmly believes that nutrition should be the foundation in one’s healthy lifestyle and the correct exercise can enhance results dramatically. "You can work hard in the gym for an hour, but it’s the other 23 hours of the day that matter the most; that is why nutrition should be the cornerstone in anyone’s health structure."
From his father’s teachings, to his days in the NFL, to operating his own nutrition business, Brad has always had the advantage of learning from the top experts in the fitness and nutrition industry. He has trained with professional football players, strength coaches and the top nutrition experts, taking advantage of all the advice and unique training techniques they had to offer. "I have learned from the top experts in their respected fields, and for that I am grateful. Now I can pass on all that I have learned with my personal training clients and members of Venice Nutrition ."
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