Shealy Wellness founder names successor

Dr. Norm Shealy has no plans to retire.

Dr. Sergey Sorin joined the clinic in 2016.

• 
• 

Local pain management clinic Shealy Wellness LLC shifted its leadership after its founder first launched the business in 1971.

Dr. Norm Shealy, 83, named Dr. Sergey Sorin, 43, CEO and medical director of Shealy Wellness.

The company does business as a clinic via International Institute of Holistic Medicine LLC in Springfield at 2840 E. Chestnut Expressway, and as a mail-order business through Shealy Wellness LLC at Shealy’s family farm in nearby Fair Grove.

Shealy said he had been seeking a successor for 40 years, and unable to do so, had given up before he met Sorin three years ago.

“I knew immediately he was the right personality,” Shealy said. “To me, the business can’t continue without a physician.”

Sorin joined the company in 2016, serving in vice president, president and medical director roles, according to his LinkedIn profile. He’s board-certified in family practice with emergency room experience. Shealy Wellness specializes in holistic approaches to chronic pain, anxiety, depression and other ailments. Services include electrotherapy, acupuncture, biogenics and music therapy, among others, according to the company’s website.

Shealy, who in 1971 founded what was then known as the Shealy Institute, stayed as president at the firm through the transition. Patients will have access to both physicians.

“I don’t think I’ll ever retire ’til I drop,” he said.

In preparation for the leadership succession, Shealy said in December 2016 that he gave a 49 percent stake in the firm to Sorin.

“When I drop dead or whatever, which I don’t plan on for at least another 25 years, he will get it all,” Shealy said, noting Sorin did not pay for his portion of the firm. “My intention is to be sure that the right person is here forever.”

At the International Institute of Holistic Medicine, Shealy said the company signs on about 250-300 new patients per year. He declined to disclose revenue.

Shealy’s website biography page indicates his clinic has served more than 30,000 patients since its inception.

In 2015, MSU awarded Shealy with its annual Bronze Bear Award for donating his 250-acre farm in Fair Grove to the university. Shealy said, as part of the donation, he has lifelong use of his home and office building on the property.