I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Lonna Larsh MD a few years ago as she was the President of a group of MD’s who specialized in Functional Medicine (see video below).
I myself have studied natural functional medicine from top teachers in the country such as Dr. Michael Gaeta SEE HERE. He is an incredible holistic medicine doctor and does virtual sessions with people.
I offer many laboratory tests as well as functional assessment of your body through exam to come up with comprehensive programs for my patients health. After all fertility is natural and is a natural outcome of being healthy.
Functional Medicine: A Holistic Approach to Health and Healing
In recent years, the field of medicine has been expanding beyond conventional practices, embracing a more holistic and personalized approach to healthcare. One such approach gaining prominence is functional medicine. Unlike traditional medicine that often focuses on treating symptoms, functional medicine seeks to address the underlying causes of health issues, aiming for comprehensive well-being rather than mere symptom suppression.
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine is a patient-centered approach that views the body as an interconnected system, where all components influence each other. It acknowledges the intricate relationship between genetics, environment, lifestyle, and individual health. Rather than approaching symptoms in isolation, functional medicine practitioners strive to understand the root causes of imbalances and dysfunctions within the body.
Key Principles and Practices
Personalized Care: Functional medicine recognizes that each individual is unique. Practitioners take the time to understand a patient's medical history, genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors to tailor a personalized treatment plan.
Holistic Perspective: Instead of compartmentalizing body systems, functional medicine considers the interactions between them. This approach helps identify how issues in one area might be contributing to problems elsewhere.
Focus on Prevention: Functional medicine emphasizes disease prevention by identifying and addressing risk factors and imbalances before they lead to more serious health issues.
Integration of Modalities: Functional medicine combines the best of both conventional and alternative approaches. It may incorporate nutrition, exercise, stress management, supplements, and medications when necessary.
What is Functional Medicine Used For?
Functional medicine can be applied to a wide range of health conditions, both chronic and acute. It is particularly effective in addressing complex and chronic diseases where the conventional approach might fall short. Conditions like autoimmune disorders, infertility gastrointestinal problems, hormonal imbalances, metabolic disorders, and chronic pain can benefit from functional medicine's comprehensive analysis and personalized interventions.
Certification and Regulation
In the United States, the field of functional medicine is not officially recognized as a medical specialty by organizations like the American Medical Association. However, there are reputable organizations that provide certifications and training for healthcare professionals interested in practicing functional medicine. Some of these include:
Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM): IFM is a prominent organization that offers educational programs, conferences, and certification in functional medicine. Their certification program equips healthcare practitioners with the knowledge and tools to implement functional medicine principles in their practice.
American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABOIM): While not exclusively focused on functional medicine, ABOIM offers certification in integrative medicine, which often includes functional medicine principles. This certification recognizes practitioners who have demonstrated proficiency in both conventional and integrative approaches.
Functional Medicine Certification Program (FMCP): Offered by the Functional Medicine University, this program provides online training and certification in functional medicine. It aims to educate practitioners on the application of functional medicine concepts.
In conclusion, functional medicine is a holistic and patient-centered approach that seeks to uncover the root causes of health issues and promote overall well-being. It addresses the complex interplay between genetics, lifestyle, and environment, aiming to prevent and manage chronic diseases. While not recognized as a medical specialty, various organizations offer certifications to healthcare professionals interested in practicing functional medicine, ensuring they are well-equipped to provide comprehensive care to their patients.
If I can be of assistance to you or anyone you know, please forward this Substack. I take United, Cigna and VHP insurances and offer in clinic or telehealth virtual consultations.
Thank you,
Dr. Shasta Ericson DAOM