Functional medicine is a framework for looking at health that focuses on the individual as a whole person.

Rather than asking only, "What diagnosis does this person have?" functional medicine asks, "Why might this person be experiencing these symptoms, and what factors could be contributing?"

This can include looking at nutrition, digestion, nutrient status, hormones, sleep, stress, lifestyle, inflammation, environmental factors and other aspects of health that may influence how you feel.

Functional medicine is not a magic wand, and it is not about finding one test or supplement that will fix everything. It is a process of gathering information, identifying priorities and working together to make meaningful changes over time.

The modern functional medicine movement developed in the 1980s and was heavily influenced by Dr. Jeffrey Bland, a biochemist and researcher who helped develop and formalize the functional medicine model. He later founded the Institute for Functional Medicine.

However, the underlying philosophy is not new. Looking at nutrition, lifestyle, environmental influences and the interconnectedness of the body has been part of many healing traditions and areas of healthcare for a very long time.

What is newer is the development of a structured clinical framework for bringing these concepts together.

I think of functional medicine as another tool in the healthcare toolbox rather than a replacement for conventional medicine.

This is actually where my own story with functional medicine began.

I originally went into chiropractic because I loved sports, athletics and the human body's ability to recover from injury. I had personally experienced physical therapy for knee injuries, and I became fascinated with how the body could heal and adapt.

When I entered chiropractic school, however, I discovered that the classes that really captured my attention were the ones focused on nutrition, biochemistry, vitamins, minerals, hormones and the body's internal physiology.

That was the part of healthcare that made me want to keep learning.

I began incorporating these concepts into my practice when I graduated in 2012, and learned there was a term for a framework of practice called "functional medicine."

In 2020, I decided to formalize that area of my education through Functional Medicine University. What was designed to be a multi-year educational process, I was able to complete in less than a year because of the additional time I had available that year.

That education helped fill gaps in my knowledge, gave me a more structured framework for evaluating patients and exposed me to many clinicians practicing functional medicine in different ways.

Since then, I have continued to build my own approach through additional education, clinical experience and working with patients.

There is no single "functional medicine doctor" degree. Functional medicine is a clinical framework that can be incorporated by appropriately licensed healthcare professionals within their individual scope of practice.

My background is as a Doctor of Chiropractic, and my functional medicine care is provided within my professional scope of practice.

This is one of the most important distinctions to understand before scheduling.

Functional medicine at FLOW is not primary care.

Your primary care provider plays an important role in your healthcare. They can provide routine medical care, evaluate acute illness, prescribe medications, manage medical conditions, order appropriate diagnostic testing, coordinate referrals and help you navigate the healthcare system.

My role is different.

I do not provide acute medical care, I do not prescribe medications and I am not available as a 24/7 medical resource.

My functional medicine practice is focused primarily on wellness, prevention, health optimization and supporting people who want to take a more active role in addressing contributing factors to their health concerns.

You should have an established primary care provider or another appropriate plan for managing acute medical needs.

No.

Functional medicine at FLOW is not intended to replace your primary care provider.

I strongly encourage every functional medicine patient to have an established primary care relationship and a plan for managing acute illness and medical emergencies.

If you have a serious or rapidly developing illness or injury, please seek appropriate medical care through your primary care provider, urgent care or an emergency department rather than contacting me through the functional medicine practice.

No.

I do not prescribe medications through my functional medicine practice.

If medication is appropriate for your situation, I encourage you to discuss that with your primary care provider or appropriate medical specialist.

There is absolutely a time and place for conventional medical treatment, medications, procedures and specialists. Functional medicine does not replace those things.

Functional medicine at FLOW is not designed to function as a primary care or specialty referral practice.

I may recommend that you discuss certain concerns with your primary care provider or another healthcare professional when appropriate, but I do not manage specialist referrals as part of my functional medicine practice.

This is another reason it is important to maintain an established relationship with your primary care provider.

Yes.

I believe healthcare works best when providers work together rather than in isolation.

Functional medicine should complement appropriate conventional medical care, not compete with it.

I encourage patients to continue working with their primary care provider and other healthcare professionals as appropriate for their individual needs.

There are two primary ways people typically work with me.

1. Wellness, prevention and optimization

Some patients don't have a major health problem. They simply want to understand their current health more thoroughly and be proactive.

They may want to:

• Establish a baseline of their overall health

• Take a closer look at nutrition and nutrient status

• Better understand their cardiovascular and metabolic health

• Review hormones or other areas of health when appropriate

• Evaluate their current supplement routine

• Identify areas they can improve before they become larger problems

• Establish health goals for the coming year

For these patients, I often use a comprehensive blood panel and may incorporate additional testing when appropriate.

The goal is not to order every test available.

The goal is to gather the information that is relevant to you and use it to create a practical plan.

Many patients in this category ultimately see me once or twice per year for ongoing wellness and prevention.

2. Goal-specific or condition-focused support

Other patients come to me because they have a specific concern they want to investigate or support.

This might include:

• Digestive or gut health concerns

• Hormone-related concerns

• Nutrient deficiencies or imbalances

• Frequent illness or concerns about immune resilience

• Inflammation

• Known autoimmunity

• Metabolic health

• Chronic symptoms that have not been fully explained

• Other health concerns where they want to take a deeper look at potential contributing factors

The appropriate approach depends on the individual.

Sometimes additional testing is helpful. Sometimes you have already had extensive testing and we can work with the information you already have.

The first appointment helps us determine which approach makes the most sense for you.

No.

And that is okay.

Functional medicine may not be the right fit if you are primarily looking for medication management, acute medical care, a quick fix or someone else to take responsibility for your health.

There is absolutely a time and place for conventional medicine, medications, procedures, surgery and specialty care.

Functional medicine is a good fit for people who want to understand their health more deeply and are willing to actively participate in improving it.

I also believe that mindset matters.

I believe the human body has an incredible capacity to heal, adapt and become healthier when we provide it with the right environment and support.

That does not mean every condition can be reversed or that lifestyle replaces necessary medical treatment.

It means I believe you have an important role in your own health.