Patient-Centered Functional Medicine: A Paradigm Shift

Course Description: Many individuals are suffering from obesity, anxiety, depression, chronic disease and autoimmune conditions. Our current health model focuses on symptoms, which often fails to confront both the root causes and long-term solutions. We must consider a new model of comprehensive care that assesses the whole person by looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors which can influence long-term health as well as chronic disease and not just an isolated set of symptoms. In essence, functional medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual. As health professionals, we have an obligation to guide individuals to "optimal health,” defined by the World Health Organization as physical, emotional, spiritual, mental and social health. To do that effectively, each patient’s modifiable lifestyle factors, including sleep and relaxation, exercise and movement, nutrition, stress, and social relationships, must be factored in to achieving wellness.  This new evidence-based paradigm shift looks at Antecedents-Triggers-Mediators (ATMs) of disease, the gut-brain axis, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of health, inflammation, toxic loads, immune health, and much more. Utilizing this patient-centered, evidence-based approach, we can help our patients get to the root of their issues and improve their outcomes.