Tempe's vibrant, health-conscious community has a new advocate in its corner. Meet Dr. Heavens, a physician with 25 years of experience in family and acute care medicine, who recently opened a practice dedicated to helping patients live longer, healthier, and more vital lives. His mission is clear: to shift health care from a reactive system that treats illness to a proactive model that prevents it, empowering patients to thrive at every stage of life.
Born and trained in Canada, Dr. Heavens has practiced medicine in both Canada and the United States, giving him a seasoned perspective on the human condition and the many stages of life. Over the years, he has treated thousands of patients, gaining insight into the ways environment, lifestyle, and culture shape health outcomes.
When he relocated to the Southwest, he began focusing more deeply on geriatrics. Living and working in Arizona, with its large population of older adults, gave him the opportunity to observe aging in real time. “I have seen people aging,” he reflects, “and I have seen people aging well. My goal is to help patients enjoy those years, live fully, and embrace longevity.” This passion for vitality in later life informs the structure of his new practice, which is designed to give patients the tools, attention, and strategies they need to extend not only lifespan but also health span.
At the heart of Dr. Heavens’ philosophy are three simple yet powerful pillars: diet, sleep, and exercise. While all three are essential, he is quick to emphasize one above the rest.
“Exercise is the most important practice,” he insists. “I tell all my patients it will be part of every prescription I write.” For him, exercise is not just a recommendation; it is medicine. Regular movement improves cardiovascular health, supports cognitive function, strengthens immunity, and enhances overall quality of life. Combined with good nutrition and restorative sleep, it forms the foundation for long-term vitality.
Rather than waiting for illness to appear, Dr. Heavens takes a preventive approach. He identifies risk factors early and intervenes before they lead to chronic disease or acute health crises. “Prevention is powerful,” he says. “When we take steps today, we can avoid years of suffering later.”
To bring this preventive model to life, Dr. Heavens partnered with MDVIP, a network that equips physicians with advanced tools and the time necessary to deliver truly personalized care.
One standout resource available to his patients is Cleveland Heart Labs testing, a non-invasive and detailed screening for cardiovascular health. These tests can detect risk factors for heart disease and stroke long before symptoms develop, giving patients the opportunity to take action and potentially prevent life-threatening events like heart attacks.
His practice also incorporates fitness testing, body composition analysis, gait assessment, and strength testing. These measures are not simply data points; they are indicators of resilience and predictors of future health outcomes. By tracking these metrics over time, Dr. Heavens helps patients create tailored plans that address their unique needs and goals.
What sets Dr. Heavens apart is not only his expertise but also his accessibility. Unlike many traditional practices where patients may wait weeks for an appointment, his new model offers same- or next-day visits and even 24/7 physician availability.
“This practice allows me to give the time and personalized attention each patient deserves,” he explains. “I want to look deeply into their health, mitigate risks, and help them build lifestyles that support vitality at every age.”
Patients benefit from extended appointment times, direct communication, and a care plan that evolves with them. This combination of advanced diagnostics and individualized attention creates a partnership between doctor and patient—one rooted in prevention, empowerment, and long-term wellness.
A Vision for Tempe’s Health-Conscious Community
Tempe has long been known as a hub for active, wellness-minded residents—from students and young professionals to retirees seeking a lifestyle that balances activity and relaxation. Dr. Heavens’ arrival adds to this culture, providing a medical anchor for individuals and families committed to healthy living.
His practice is not about quick fixes or temporary solutions; it is about building health resilience for the long run. By weaving exercise into treatment, emphasizing nutrition, and encouraging restorative sleep, he equips patients with tools that extend beyond the clinic into everyday life.
The impact of this approach is profound. A patient who once felt overwhelmed by the complexity of health advice may now leave with a clear, actionable plan tailored to their goals. A retiree concerned about losing independence may gain confidence knowing their physician is helping preserve mobility and strength. Younger patients also benefit from strategies that protect their future selves, reducing the risk of chronic disease decades down the line.
For Dr. Heavens, longevity is not simply about adding years to life; it is about adding life to years. His work is part of a broader movement within medicine to reimagine health care as a proactive partnership—one that empowers individuals to take charge of their well-being with expert guidance and support.
In his words: “I want my patients to feel vibrant, capable, and supported in their pursuit of health. With the right strategies, aging can be a time of growth, energy, and fulfillment.”
“I want my patients to feel vibrant, capable, and supported in their pursuit of health."