About Forum Health Fond du Lac, WI

Functional & Integrative Care Specialist

Forum Health Fond du Lac offers holistic, personalized medicine that targets the underlying causes of a disease and health challenges.

Rather than treating the symptoms, our providers treat the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – with customized care plans that are tailored to individual needs.

With a broad range of advanced diagnostics and innovative therapies, Forum Health providers reveal otherwise hidden issues that patients may not realize impact their everyday life.

Forum Health Fond du Lac’s industry-leading physicians, nurse practitioners, and health coaches help with Addiction Recovery, Pain Management, Chronic Pain Relief, Hormone Optimization, Gut Health, Nutritional Balance, Chronic Fatigue Relief, Pediatric Health, and more.

Forum Health Fond du Lac

Dr. Steven Meress, MD, FACP, and his late-wife Julie, a Registered Nurse, founded Fox Valley Wellness in 1999. The idea actually began in 1989 while Dr. Meress and Julie were working together at a local hospital in the Emergency Room, with Dr. Meress as Department Chief and Julie as Assistant Manager.

From time to time they discussed how certain patients came into the ER expecting relief from their symptoms when they actually needed to find a cause for their symptoms. Some patients ended up in the ER due to frustration with their doctors and their diagnosis. Many times the two discussed other types of treatments that they had encountered and experienced. Discussions stemmed from the travels that both Dr. Meress and his wife have done throughout the world. They watched other cultures provide health care for little to no cost and with much less technology.

Dr. Meress started his medical training at St George University School of Medicine, where he experienced Third World Medicine in the islands of Grenada, St. Vincent, and Barbados. He finished his training in New York City, Yale University, the University of Minnesota, and England before beginning his Internal Medicine Residency at The University of Wisconsin- Marshfield Clinic.

The concept of finding the cause instead of treating the symptoms became more evident. Dr. Meress and Julie came to realize that treating the symptoms or in other words, using the “Band-Aid approach,” which traditional medicine embraces, would not fit into the philosophy of their clinic.

Dr. Meress and his team joined the Forum Health network in 2021 to eventually become Forum Health Fond du Lac.

Meet Our Providers:

Dr. Meress has been board certified in Internal Medicine and Holistic Medicine with experience in Emergency Medicine, Primary Care, Wellness and Longevity techniques.

Dr. Steven G. Meress Bio

"Dr. Meress looks into the functional processes of our metabolic systems to understand and successfully treat to heal some of the most difficult medical issues when others only could manage my symptoms."

Dr. Meress is board certified in Internal Medicine and Holistic Medicine with experience in Emergency Medicine, Primary Care, Wellness and Longevity techniques. He has been a staff physician and Chief of Emergency Medicine until founding and started Fox Valley Wellness Center (now Forum Health Fond du Lac) in 1999 with his wife Julie. Dr. Meress received Board-Certification in Holistic Medicine in 2006. He is also considered one of the foremost “Lyme-literate” physicians in the country, treating well over 1200 patients with Lyme Disease, and is recognized as one of the top thyroid doctors.

SPECIALTIES

Dr. Meress is dedicated to providing cutting-edge care with a focus on restoring health and vitality. His expertise spans hyperbaric medicine, Lyme disease treatment, thermography, and integrative therapies for cancer. He also specializes in managing cardiovascular disease, thyroid conditions, heavy metal toxicity, and weight concerns, offering personalized diagnostic and alternative therapies to meet each patient’s unique needs.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Medical Microbiology, University of Wisconsin Madison
Medical degree from St. George University in Grenada, West Indies
Residency completed at the University of Wisconsin-Marshfield Clinic

AFFILIATIONS & ACCREDITATIONS

Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Holistic Medicine
Consumers’ Research Council of America’s 2009 America’s Top Physicians recipient
International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) member

Julie Heyrman, MD, is an International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) doctor and brings an extensive wealth of expertise spanning more than two decades in providing functional and integrative medicine services.

Julie Heyrman's Bio

"With a seasoned dedication to her field, Dr. Heyrman goes beyond conventional medical practices, striving to empower her patients to thrive in both well-being and vitality."

Julie Heyrman, MD, brings an extensive wealth of expertise spanning more than two decades in delivering exceptional primary care and integrative medicine. Her distinctive approach to patient care involves a comprehensive understanding of the unique conditions impacting individuals, coupled with a commitment to facilitating their healing and fostering a life of optimal health and vitality.

Dr. Heyrman enjoys spending time with her husband, Paul, their big, furry dog, Star, and American Paint Horse, who was born and raised on her farm in Richfield, Wisconsin. She enjoys training and learning Western Dressage, trail riding, and hiking with Star. She also enjoys yoga, Pilates, and weightlifting as time permits.

SPECIALTIES

Dr. Heyrman specializes in integrative medicine, offering personalized care for obesity, mold exposure, Lyme disease, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, and thyroid disorders. She also addresses COVID-related conditions and provides advanced treatments like GAINSWave, FemiWave, and therapies for sexual health, including erectile dysfunction and Peyronie’s disease.

EDUCATION

Medical School, St. George University British West Indies
Residency, Medical College Wisconsin St Mary’s Hospital Milwaukee WI
Fellowship, Integrative Medicine – Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine

AFFILIATIONS & ACCREDITATIONS

American Board of Family Medicine
Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine
International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS)
ILADS Fundamentals Certification
American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine
Ozone without Boarders
Advanced Healthcare

Alicia Barkholtz, FNP-C is certified in Adult and Family Medicine through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She has experience in many different areas, which makes her a well-rounded integrative provider. Her specialties include hormones, weight loss, and thyroid function.

Alicia Barkholtz's Bio

"The day I became Alicia's patient was a turning point in my health journey. She took her time, sincerely listened, and thoroughly investigated the root cause of my symptoms."

Alicia Barkholtz, FNP-C, is a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) at Forum Health Fond du Lac and sees patients virtually at Forum Health Knoxville. She has a robust set of skills and knowledge from her experience in urgent care, med/surg units, and the COVID unit in 2020.

Alicia’s journey into integrative medicine began during her undergraduate studies when a close family member fell gravely ill and traditional medicine couldn’t provide answers. She turned to Fox Valley Wellness Center, now Forum Health Fond du Lac, where Dr. Meress diagnosed her family member with advanced Lyme disease. His integrative approach facilitated significant healing, igniting Alicia’s passion for holistic care. Since then, she has been deeply committed to integrative and functional medicine.

Alicia’s practice style is collaborative, working closely with patients to develop individualized treatment plans that balance happiness and health, recognizing that it’s unique for each individual.

Outside of the practice, Alicia is an outdoor enthusiast who loves running, hunting, fishing, and spending time in nature. She cherishes time with her husband, Jordan, their energetic springer spaniel, Kip, and their wonderful daughter, Haven.

SPECIALTIES

Specializing in weight loss, women’s health, chronic pain, hormone imbalance, thyroid disorders, and gut health, Alicia addresses the underlying causes of health challenges. With a focus on whole-body wellness, she empowers patients to restore balance, feel their best, and thrive at every stage of life.

EDUCATION

Nursing, Wisconsin Lutheran College
Master’s degree, Concordia University

AFFILIATIONS & ACCREDITATIONS

Certified in Adult and Family Medicine through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners

Dr. Borden received his doctorate from the United States School of Naturopathy and is board certified through the American Naturopathic Certification Board (ANCB) as a Certified Traditional Naturopath (CTN).

Dr. Brian Borden's Bio

"Dr. Borden is so well-schooled and extremely knowledgeable. It's fascinating to see what's going on in your body so minutely."

Dr. Borden was originally drawn to natural healthcare through the acquaintance of various ‘bio-feedback’ screening techniques and has since been blessed with the opportunity to work in close collaboration with Medical Doctors, Chiropractors, Dentists, and other Naturopaths. His primary specialty is Computerized Bio-Resonance Screening (CBRS – a derivative of EAV) – a type of bio-feedback employed to uncover obstacles, deficiencies, and imbalances that impede efforts toward wellness. Dr. Borden is experienced in the use of various homeopathic, herbs, nutraceuticals, and detoxification methods in an effort of enabling people to systematically improve their level of health.

SPECIALTIES

Dr. Borden specializes in dental naturopathy, thermography, EAV/ElectroDermal screening, detoxification, and neural-emotional release. By addressing the root causes of health concerns, he helps patients achieve balance, healing, and long-term vitality.

EDUCATION

Doctorate of Naturopathy, United States School of Naturopathy

AFFILIATIONS & ACCREDITATIONS

Board certified through the American Naturopathic Certification Board (ANCB)
Certified Traditional Naturopath (CTN)

Michael Buyze's Bio

Michael has been practicing Acupuncture since 1998. He holds a Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine and Exercise Physiology. He is currently a faculty member at The Midwest College of Oriental Medicine. Michael assists people in finding relief from various conditions including insomnia, acute and chronic pain syndromes, smoking cessation and PMS. He has had much success with patients with fertility issues.

Melissa has been working in healthcare since 1999 when she received her Certified Nursing Assistant license.

Melissa Schroeder's Bio

Melissa has been working in healthcare since 1999 when she received her Certified Nursing Assistant license. Melissa graduated in 2010 from Lakeshore Technical College with an Associate’s Degree in Medical Administration Specialist and Medical Transcription. Melissa started at the clinic in March of 2010 as a receptionist and transcriptionist. She became the Office Manager in May of 2012 and has helped the clinic grow with adding new providers and services to better serve our patients. Outside of work, Melissa is married with 3 children and 4 stepchildren. She likes to spend time with family and friends, attend her children’s sporting events and travel the world.

Dena Entringer's Bio

Dena attended nursing school at UW Oshkosh and graduated in 2005. Dena has been in the medical field since 2000 and has worked as an Assisted Living Aide and with Laboring and Postpartum Mothers, Infants, and Surgical Patients. Dena has been working for the clinic since 2012. Outside of work, Dena is married and has two daughters that she enjoys spending time with. She also enjoys reading, knitting, scrapbooking and spending time at the family cabin.

Pam has been in healthcare for over 30 years. She has experience working in Long Term Care, Clinic & Hospital settings, and Hospice.

Pam Koehler's Bio

Pam has been in healthcare for over 30 years. She has experience working in Long Term Care, Clinic & Hospital settings, and Hospice. She worked at the clinic when it was Fox Valley Wellness Center as a CNA/Medication Tech and Hyperbaric Technician. During her departure from the clinic, Pam graduated from Fox Valley Technical College in May of 2021 with a degree as a Certified Medical Coding Specialist. Pam is married with two children and four grandchildren. She absolutely loves spending time with her family along with spending time with friends. Pam enjoys lake life, kayaking, boating, gardening, reading, and snuggle time with her grandbabies.

Kim has worked in the healthcare field for over 40 years. She started in Long-term Care working as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Kim Dean's Bio

Kim has worked in the healthcare field for over 40 years. She started in Long-term Care working as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Kim has been working for the clinic since 2002 where she started as the front desk receptionist and is now the manager of the supplement department and an HBOT technician.

Dawn attended nursing school at Fox Valley Tech and graduated in 2008. Dawn has been working in the medical field since that time working in the medical/surgical unit, cardiac unit and recovery room.

Dawn Davis's Bio

Dawn attended nursing school at Fox Valley Tech and graduated in 2008. Dawn has been working in the medical field since that time working in the medical/surgical unit, cardiac unit and recovery room. Dawn is married with one daughter. Outside of work, Dawn enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Becky has been in the healthcare field since 2000 when she became a Certified Nursing Assistant and worked in the nursing home and hospital settings.

Becky Kremer's Bio

Becky has been in the healthcare field since 2000 when she became a Certified Nursing Assistant and worked in the nursing home and hospital settings. Becky joined the clinic in 2009 and has helped the lab department grow throughout the years. Becky is also the thermography tech and a Licensed Esthetician. While she is not working, Becky enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is married with two children.

Carol Medved's Bio

Carol holds a CNA license from Moraine Park Technical College and an Associate’s Degree in Marketing. Prior to Forum Health, Carol worked at Kohler Company as an International Business Transportation Coordinator. Carol is one of our friendly faces at the front desk and has recently trained to become a HOCATT tech. Outside of work, Carol is a mother to two children and a grandmother to a wonderful grandson. Carol enjoys spending time with family and friends; however, her grandson trumps all.

Our Approach

Forum Health Fond du Lac offers holistic, personalized medicine that targets the underlying causes of a disease and health challenges. Rather than treating the symptoms, our providers treat the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – with customized care plans that are tailored to individual needs. With a broad range of advanced diagnostics and innovative therapies, Forum Health providers reveal otherwise hidden issues that patients may not realize impact their everyday life.

OUR MISSION:

To provide healthcare guided by professional standards developed through expertise, training, and experience of peers and professional organizations.
To offer safe, high quality, professional services in a caring and supportive atmosphere
To facilitate a healing response with the least invasive and safest approaches possible.
To strive to identify any causes or triggering factors that underlie symptoms.
To know each patient not only medically, but also as a unique person.
To commit to ongoing education of the medical and supportive staff of the Center, striving for the highest standard of healthcare guided by cutting-edge knowledge.
To encourage patients to be informed and involved in their own healthcare decisions, knowing that informed and pro-active recipients of healthcare have better treatment outcomes.
To foster happiness of all who work here, knowing that laughter and fun result in fulfillment both in our lives and in the lives of those who trust their care to us.