Our Story

Medical Institute for Sexual Health (MI) was founded in Austin, Texas in 1992 by Joe S. McIlhaney, Jr., MD, a prominent obstetrician/gynecologist and infertility specialist. In the 1980’s, Dr. McIlhaney observed that many women needed infertility and cancer treatments resulting from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) they had acquired years earlier. While doing research for a women’s healthcare book, he recognized the extraordinary magnitude of the STD epidemic. He founded MI in response to these observations.

What began as an education presentation at a local high school evolved into a growing nonprofit organization with national and international influence. Today, MI is a leading voice, providing medically accurate, research-based sexual health information to diverse audiences, ranging from healthcare professionals and educators, to policymakers, parents, and youth. Medical Institute conducts outreach through conferences, trainings, brochures, videos, and books.

Mission

We dig deeply into credible sexual behavioral science, dispelling damaging misconceptions and providing healthy guidance for individuals for their daily decisions regarding sex, marriage, and family.

Vision

Our exceptional research will be broadly disseminated,
 resulting in a life-affirming society across America.

Team Members

John Shoemaker

chief executive officer

Gene Zhu

Chief financial officer

Marilyn Henderson, MSN, FNP-C, RN

Director of science

Carol Steele

operations manager

Amy Hamilton

Amy Hamilton, PhD

Senior Research Fellow

Headshot of Alexandra Bleasdell

Alexandra Bleasdell, MSN, FNP-C, RN

RESEARCHER

Board of Directors

Jack Lesch, MD

chairman of the Board

Chance Benbow

Board Member

Dawn Franks

Board member

Joneen Mackenzie

board member

Meg Meeker, MD

BOARD MEMBER

Don Nelson, MD

BOARD MEMBER

Jerry Regier, PhD

BOARD MEMBEr

John Shoemaker

ceo

Advisory Board

Anne Edward

LGBTQ SPECIALIST

Steve Foley, MD

PEDIATRICIAN

David Hager, MD

ob-gyn: STD Infections

Don Hilton, MD

Neurological surgeon

John Long, MD

Family Medicine

Carol Tanksley, MD

ob-gyn

Catherine Wheeler, MD

OB-GYN

Joe Zanga, MD

PEDIATRICIAN

Joe S. McIlhaney, MD

Founder & Board emeritus

Joe S. McIlhaney, Jr., MD, is a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist who resides in Plano, Texas. During his years as a practicing physician, he focused his attention on reproductive technologies. He introduced laparoscopy, gynecologic laser surgery, and microsurgery to the central Texas medical community. In 1984, along with three other physicians, Dr. McIlhaney was instrumental in founding one of the first successful non-university IVF programs in the country. He also initiated one of the first women’s health centers in Texas at St. David’s Hospital. McIlhaney’s research focused his attention on the problems rampant in the United States and around the world, including STIs, condom and contraceptive failure, and HIV/AIDs. Dr. McIlhaney retired from Medical Institute in September 2026. He enjoys time with his wife, Suzanne, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.