As a youth in Seattle, Jeffery Clarke developed a passion for running, music and healthy living, interests that continue to play a critical role in his life. He started to play the piano at the age of 6 and now plays with a number of outstanding musicians throughout the Wenatchee Valley.

In high school Dr. Clarke was a track and cross-country runner. He went on to the University of Washington, unsure of what he wanted to study.

“The only thing I knew for sure was that I wanted to run. I went there to continue a running career.” It didn’t work out that way. “After a year and a half the coach and I decided that his coaching techniques just didn’t fit me.” He joined Club Northwest, ran with them through college, and continues to run with them today.

Under his father’s influence he formed strong opinions about healthcare. His father had gone to medical school for two years, but “in those days you had to work and go to medical school at the same time. It got to be too much and he couldn’t afford to continue.”

Dr. Clarke’s father, Sam Clarke, later co-authored a book, “Living Longer and Better: A guide to Optimal Health,” first published in 1978. “The thesis is that people need to eat right, exercise, control their weight, and when you do those things what you get is optimal health and that should be your goal. As a kid growing up and even in college I was involved in discussions and reviewing the manuscripts as the book developed. My philosophy today is exactly the same.”