Tedd Mitchell

Dr. Tedd Mitchell is the President and CEO of the Cooper Clinic, an internationally recognized center of excellence in preventive medicine. The clinic’s founder, Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, coined the phrase aerobics in in 1968, setting off what would become a world wide fitness phenomenon.Dr. Mitchell was raised in Longview, Texas, as a son of a physician and developed interest in medicine early on in life. Throughout high school Dr. Mitchell excelled in academics as well as athletics, graduating in top 2% of his high school class and more than 25 years after graduating continues to hold high school swimming records. After graduating from high school in 1980, Dr. Mitchell accelerated his pre-medical education, graduating in just three years. He attended Kilgore College initially, and afterwards completed his undergraduate education at Stephen F. Austin State University in 1983. During this time he was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa national junior college honor fraternity as well as the Gamma Sigma Epsilon National Chemical honor society. He was also selected as the outstanding senior of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.Dr. Mitchell attended medical school at The University of Texas Medical Branch from 198301987, during which time was selected for “who’s Who” among American Colleges and Universities. He enjoyed leadership roles while in medical school, serving as class president both his junior and senior years. After graduation he pursued training in internal medicine, and upon completion of is residency remained to serve as the Chief Medical Resident for the University of Texas Medical Branch. During his training, Dr. Mitchell developed a special interest in sports medicine. Upon the recommendation of a faculty advisor Dr. Mitchell performed an elective rotation at the world famous Cooper Clinic and became intrigued with the idea of using exercise and lifestyle as tools in preventing illness. Upon completion of his chief year, Dr. Mitchell was invited by Dr. Kenneth Cooper to join his staff, becoming the Medical Director of The Wellness Program in 1991.Dr. Mitchell served as the Medical Director for the Cooper Wellness Program from 1991 until 2005. During this time he was worked full time as a staff physician at the Cooper Clinic. In addition to clinical work, he participated in numerous studies looking at the effects of activity and life style on health, authoring or co-authoring dozens of research papers and abstracts. He also lectured often to both lay and scientific groups, fulfilling a long standing interest he has had in teaching.In 1998 Dr. Mitchell joined USA Weekend as a health writer, establishing a weekly column called “Health Smart”. For his writings he has received the 2006 Clarion Award as well as the 2008 Walter C. Alvarez Award for Excellence in Medical Communication.In 2006 Dr. Mitchell became the president of the Cooper Clinic, overseeing the operations of the entire medical practice. He continues to have an active patient schedule as well as his administrative duties, and continues to remain active in scientific research as well.Dr. Mitchell’s love of writing has led to collaborative efforts with other health experts, culminating in the publication of the books Fit to Lead (2004 St. Martin’s press) and Move Yourself (2008 Wiley Press). He also has enjoyed a role in developing public policy regarding health and fitness by serving on the President’s Council ofr Physical Fitness and Sports as well as a member of the Board of Trustees for the American College of Sports Medicine in 2007. Dr. Mitchell’s home life is as busy as his work life. His wife, Dr. Janet Tornelli-Mitchell is also a physician at The cooper Clinic. The couple met while in medical school, and have been working together ever since that time. They have 3 children who, like their parents, make physical activity a part of the daily routine. When not busy with work or home responsibilities, the Mitchells can generally be found at their ranch just outside of Dallas.