My journey into functional medicine began when I realized that conventional medicine often fell short for many of my physical therapy patients. A striking moment came while interviewing a middle-aged man with over 20 medications. I felt an internal cringe and left work that day convinced there had to be a better way. Resisting traditional medications, especially thyroid meds, I embraced the wisdom of Hippocrates: “Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food.” Frustrated by limited patient outcomes, I sought alternative solutions.
In 2018, I completed the FM fast track course, driven by a desire to help others but held back by fears—of pharmaceutical companies, my own knowledge, and the overwhelming amount of new information. At that time, functional medicine was often viewed skeptically, which added to my resistance. Despite these obstacles, including time constraints and uncertainty, I pressed on.
Key influences on my journey were Garric and his team, along with transformative readings like The Bible and the FM fast track program. I learned that a body in balance can heal itself, a truth that became pivotal for me.
Seven years after my initial training, I faced declining reimbursement rates and patient health issues. Frustrated, I started a new Personalized Functional Medicine practice. This investment was significant, both financially and personally, but I knew it would lead to meaningful change in lives.
My biggest challenges included navigating the complexities of pathways, nutrition, and proper marketing. Juggling a busy PT practice while learning a new model tested my resolve, but as I gained knowledge, skepticism from colleagues and patients diminished.
Today, my approach to new patients is continually evolving. I prioritize listening to their concerns and offering tailored solutions. For instance, I recently treated a 25-year-old man with joint pain, successfully using grapefruit seed extract to alleviate his symptoms. My vision is to empower individuals to take control of their health, understanding their bodies’ unique needs and bridging gaps in imbalances and deficiencies.
I am particularly passionate about helping those with chronic joint pain, as it can severely impact quality of life. My personal health journey continues, applying functional medicine principles to my own challenges, which strengthens my ability to assist others on their paths to health and vitality.
