Heart Transplantee to Healer: Regenerative Medicine Breakthroughs with Mark Durante

In Episode 220 of the Growing Older, Living Younger podcast, Dr. Gillian Lockitch talks with Mark Durante, heart transplant survivor and founder of Rize Up Medical. Mark reveals how regenerative therapies like stem cells, exosomes, and PRP transformed his life when nothing else worked. He shares the RIZE Method—a powerful framework for health and longevity—and explains why personalized medicine is the future for healthy longevity. Episode Timeline  0:00 – Podcast Introduction  Dr. Gillian Lockitch introduces the 2025 theme: “Age is just a number,” and sets the stage for a conversation about reversing disease and aging through regenerative medicine.  3:52 – Mark’s Life-Altering Health Journey  Mark shares how unexplained neuropathy led to a shocking heart failure diagnosis and two heart transplants—ultimately diagnosed as idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy with a genetic component.  9:08 – Discovering Regenerative Medicine  After exhausting conventional options, Mark finds relief with stem cell therapy and begins a deep dive into biologics. A 50% reduction in neuropathic pain medications sparked a lifelong mission.  14:35 – Exploring Regenerative Therapies  Mark explains PRP, exosomes, and acellular stem cells—how they work, why they matter, and how they’re used safely, especially in immunocompromised patients like himself.  14:51 – Gillian’s Personal Health Setback  Dr. Lockitch shares her story of recently battling persistent atrial fibrillation despite a disciplined, healthy lifestyle and overall vitality. Her experience underscores the need for resilience and multiple healing paths.  24:15 – The Power of Genetic Testing  Mark and Gillian discuss the importance of gene expression testing and the surprising insights it can offer—like Mark’s personal intolerance to folate and the genetic roots of his heart failure.  27:00 – The RIZE Method Unpacked  Mark introduces the four pillars of the RISE Method—Recognize market needs, Innovate targeted therapies, Zero In on what works, and Educate patients and practitioners.  27:39 – Final Thoughts on Aging and Longevity  Both speakers reflect on the importance of being present, embracing prevention early, and combining therapies for long-term function. Mark shares his goal of living to 125 with purpose and clarity.  Learn about RIZE and Mark Durante's work here: https://www.rizeupmedical.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-durante/ mark@rizeupmedical.com Schedule your one-on-one call with Dr. Lockitch here