What Is Functional Medicine?
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Functional Medicine seeks to determine the root cause of a symptom, disease or ailment rather than identifying a drug to mask symptoms. While this approach is more time consuming and requires active involvement from both the patient and physician, functional medicine can correct underlying dysfunction in the body which can potentially stop or delay many future disease states. Functional medicine involves evaluating a person’s lifestyle and finding balance; digging into genetics and imbalances and correcting them with individualized plans. The illustration on the left, developed by the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), provides a good visual representation of the concept. When I take on a new patient, he or she completes an extensive online assessment, and by the time we finish our first appointment, my patients understand their health in the context of this framework. For many patients, this creates “aha moments” as they piece together the puzzle of their health challenges. |
For an excellent overview of Functional Medicine click on the link below and listen to the audio
My Credentials
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Is Functional Medicine "Mainstream"?Twenty years ago, the answer would certainly have been "no". Over the last decade, however, functional medicine has become more mainstream as the concepts and practices attributed to the term continue to demonstrate positive results in independent clinical trials.
This three minute video is worth watching. The video highlights Cleveland Clinic’s Institute for Functional Medicine and its IRB Approved study, which examines the effectiveness of functional medicine by utilizing PROMIS data and measures total cost of care. |
Over the years, the functional medicine approach has been met with some resistance by the established healthcare system in the U.S. Increasingly, however, functional medicine is becoming more widely understood as prominent health systems like Cleveland Clinic, The Mayo Clinic, and Providence Health embrace alternative approaches to achieving health. These systems are investing in Functional Medicine clinics to serve an increasing population of patients who are seeking a different approach to managing their health. In addition to meeting the demands of a growing market, these organizations are also committing significant research dollars on studies to prove functional medicine not only works, but is more cost-effective in the long run. Intuitively, we all know that it makes more sense to spend money on our health than paying for the “band aid". Some skepticism remains, and while it is easy to blame the many special interest groups that benefit from the status quo, there are also healthy skeptics who are wary of anything “new”...and that is a good thing. The entire medical community, including physicians and researchers, needs to keep itself in check, which is why I network with a larger community of physicians, even though I run an independent practice. Though I understand fear of change - a normal and natural reaction to new ideas - I welcome the honest skeptic and tend to simply ignore those who just have an axe to grind. It is pretty east to tell the difference. Some practices and practitioners have co-opted the terminology of functional, integrative, holistic, and/or alternative medicine without putting in the work or following the science so I certainly do not dismiss some of what the critics point out. But, I encourage you to explore alternatives to conventional medicine! Allow me to offer this cautionary note: first examine the credentials of the provider, me included. There is nothing stopping individuals with minimal or dubious credentials from promoting themselves as functional medicine providers.
Put agendas aside and let the data be your guide
My philosophy: follow where the hard science leads me and be willing to change my mind if the science bears out something other than what I previously believed. Changes in prevention and treatment recommendations are not a sign of the scientific community contradicting itself; rather, it is a good sign that those focused on the science are open to looking at new data as it emerges and making changes based on the science. The evolution of best practices regarding Covid-19 is an excellent example of this.
My primary resource, the Institute for Functional Medicine, is an evidence-based organization that invests in research and provides an excellent structure to advance the mission of data-driven functional medicine providers.
My primary resource, the Institute for Functional Medicine, is an evidence-based organization that invests in research and provides an excellent structure to advance the mission of data-driven functional medicine providers.
My Approach to Prescribing Medications
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That said, prescription medications have their place and I do prescribe them. Medications are often necessary to keep in place as a short-term “bridge” when I take on new patients and work with them to eliminate as many drugs as possible. My view on medications and supplements is 'both/and', not, 'either/or'. The ultimate goal? As few pills as possible, whether prescription or supplement! Whenever possible, I seek the more natural approach rather than reach for the prescription pad.
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My Approach to Providing SupplementsI subscribe to the adage, "Food is Medicine". My ultimate goal is to unleash the healing power of the body, which includes eating the right foods and reducing the overall pill consumption of my patients. I do advocate the use of supplements and sell them to my member patients. However, just as I believe MDs should not take money from pharmaceutical companies as it could create a conflict of interest, I do not profit from supplement sales. This saves my members anywhere from 40% to 50% off retail prices and is one of many Flourish Health Member Benefits.
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