Functional Medicine Doctors represent a paradigm shift in healthcare, moving beyond simply treating symptoms to identifying and addressing the root causes of chronic diseases. These practitioners employ specialized training and a holistic approach, considering the intricate web of factors that contribute to your overall well-being. This encompasses your physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual health, to create a comprehensive understanding of your condition. At the heart of their practice is “patient-centered” care. This means a functional medicine doctor dedicates time to truly understand you – your lifestyle, medical history, family background, and unique health needs – to develop a personalized treatment plan that targets the underlying imbalances causing your health issues.
Understanding the Credentials of a Functional Medicine Doctor
When exploring functional medicine, it’s crucial to understand the landscape of practitioners. While the term “functional medicine doctor” is widely used, not all practitioners hold a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. For instance, professionals like physician assistants and chiropractors may incorporate functional medicine principles into their practice, but they have not completed medical school to obtain an MD.
Another type of medical professional who may practice functional medicine and be referred to as a functional medicine “doctor” is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). DOs undergo rigorous medical training similar to MDs, possessing comparable education and credentials to practice medicine. They complete residencies, are authorized to prescribe medication, and are licensed to practice medicine. Like MDs, they can also pursue board certifications in various specialties.
Both MDs and DOs, as well as practitioners from other healthcare backgrounds who practice functional medicine, often pursue additional specialized training in functional medicine. It’s worth noting that while organizations like the American Association of Family Physicians accredit some functional medicine courses, standardization in this field is still evolving compared to conventional medicine.
Therefore, when choosing a functional medicine doctor, thorough research is essential. While non-MD/DO practitioners may offer functional medicine approaches for chronic conditions, it’s important to be aware that the scientific evidence supporting some of these methods may be limited. In certain instances, treatments offered by practitioners without medical doctor credentials could even pose risks. For your safety and well-being, if you decide to seek care from a functional medicine doctor, prioritize those with MD or DO credentials and ensure they are licensed to practice medicine in your state.
The Patient-Centered Approach of Functional Medicine Doctors
Functional medicine doctors distinguish themselves by their commitment to understanding the whole person. Instead of focusing solely on isolated symptoms, they delve into your complete health history to pinpoint the fundamental factors contributing to illness. This involves gathering extensive information about your medical background and your lifestyle. You can expect a functional medicine doctor to spend considerably more time with you compared to a conventional doctor. This extended consultation allows them to gather the detailed information necessary to craft a truly personalized and effective treatment strategy aimed at restoring your optimal health.
