“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just the first step.”
(Martin Luther King)
Trying something new requires a small amount of courage. There is comfort in going along with the status quo and discomfort in pursuing the unknown. Even something as seemingly simple as finding a new doctor can be a challenging task. What if his bedside manner is lacking? What if you disagree with her approach?
Today’s guest post from Dr. Tom Sult shares some great advice for finding a functional medicine doctor. Instead of letting the process overwhelm you, take one step at a time…
Step one is becoming acquainted with functional medicine (here is an introduction). If this sounds like the kind of approach you would like your doctor to take, move onto step two: searching for and identifying a doctor. Step three is taking the leap and trying something new. As with any relationship, take some time to get to know your physician – and if you don’t mesh well for some reason, remember that there are many other “fish” in the medical sea!
Dr. Tom Sult is board-certified in family medicine and integrative holistic medicine. He practices functional medicine and strives to find the fundamental cause of health issues. Dr. Sult is also an inspirational speaker and the author of Just Be Well: A Book For Seekers of Vibrant Health. For more information about Tom and the Just Be Well Movement, click here.
And now, I’ll let Dr. Sult take over…
You’re convinced: whether you are determined to get to the root of your chronic illness or whether you are in a quest for optimal health, you’re ready to see a functional medicine doctor. That’s great. But where do you start?
Functional medicine is one of the fastest growing practices in the United States, but it can still be difficult to find a doctor who has been fully trained in the principles of functional medicine. A quick Google search can lead you to a host of providers that describe their practices as “holistic” or “integrative” or “functional.” But those terms are not necessarily interchangeable. That’s even true with me: I’m board certified in holistic integrative medicine—but that’s not exactly the same as functional medicine. Functional medicine is a specific type of holistic integrative medicine.
Any doctor can approach a patient, considering their mental, physical and spiritual well being, but a functional medicine doctor has also completed vigorous training in the specialty and specific areas including gastrointestinal, detoxification, immune system, and hormones. Functional medicine doctors must complete a written exam on the material and receive a passing grade on a case report based on an Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM) template. For my specialty in functional medicine, I became an IFM certified practitioner as well.
The Institute of Functional Medicine specializes in training healthcare professionals to treat chronic disease. The IFM website is a resource to help find professionals who have completed the IFM educational program and are certified to practice functional medicine.
Although functional medicine is a growing practice, it’s not available everywhere, and it may be tempting to seek out something “similar”. But I encourage you to do what it takes to find a functional medicine doctor, even if travel is involved. The benefits you’ll receive by going to a doctor who is an expert in this specialty will be well worth the trip.
To see this article as it appears on the Just Be Well movement website, click here.
Image via Unsplash
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I found a doctor about 40 miles from my home. I’ll be calling him for an appointment next week. Thank you for the great information Dr. Sult – I appreciate it…
It’s too bad you didn’t inform your readers about ACAM (The American Academy of Advanced Medicine) or A4M (The American Academy or Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. A4M offers board certifications in Functional medicine as well as numerous other holistic and integrated medicine.
At one time I was a member of a ACAM. Their focus is a little bit different from functional medicine. They are interested primarily in Chelation therapy for toxicity and cardiovascular disease.
A4M also has a different focus. I am not a member of that organization so can’t really speak to the actual question. My experience with patients is that this organization has a strong focus on hormone replacement therapy.
What I will say is the Institute of Functional Medicine has developed a comprehensive assessment and treatment algorithm that is different, unique and separate from any other organization.
I highly recommend David Blyweiss, MD for anyone in Florida. He is a certified IFM Doctor and works with the University of Miami’s Integrative and Complementary Academic Medicine Programs bringing top Functional Medicine MDs to Miami offering CME programs to licenced professionals here in Florida. Dr Blyweiss, MD is my personal doctor and has helped me improve my health and has helped my family reverse significant chronic health issues. He is a doctor that not only has the functional training… He listen’s and cares!
Donna,
Thank you for recommending Dr. Blyweiss and for sharing your story. I am so glad you are having success improving your health and the health of your family. What could be more important!!
Wishing you a magnificent and healthy holiday season!!!
Matt
Dr. Farrah Sultan is an Internal Medicine doctor who also pratices functional medicine at her clinic in Homewood, AL (Birmingham area). She turned my life around. I would definitely recommend her to anyone. I just moved to Mobile, AL and I am trying to find a doctor down here. But Dr. Sultan does treat patients long distances away. Try her, I know you will be happy you did.
After reading this insightful article, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the importance of finding a functional medicine doctor. Dr. Tom Sult’s explanation of the distinctions within holistic and integrative medicine, particularly emphasizing the specific training and expertise required for functional medicine, is enlightening.
The step-by-step approach outlined here, starting with familiarizing oneself with functional medicine principles and then actively seeking out a certified practitioner, provides a practical roadmap for anyone considering this approach to healthcare.
What resonates with me most is Dr. Sult’s emphasis on not settling for something merely “similar” to functional medicine. The dedication to finding a doctor who has undergone rigorous training in this specialty, even if it involves travel, underscores the significance of prioritizing expertise and quality of care.
Furthermore, the mention of the Institute of Functional Medicine as a reliable resource for locating certified professionals adds credibility to the process of finding the right doctor.
Overall, this article has inspired me to take proactive steps in my healthcare journey and reinforced the value of seeking out a functional medicine doctor who can address not just the symptoms but also the root causes of health issues. Thank you for sharing this valuable information!