Functional Medicine is a systems biology-based approach that asks how and why illness occurs and restores health by addressing the root causes of disease for each individual. 

My approach to Functional Medicine is highly individualized, taking into account each person’s genetic make-up and addressing the central environmental and lifestyle factors for that person.  

We need to understand that a diagnosis of a disease can be due to more than one cause, and that one specific cause or symptom can lead to different diseases.  It all depends on the individual.  

By helping you crack the code of your own body, you will be empowered to address the underlying causes of your symptoms, bringing forward the most optimal version of you!

As a Physician Assistant who has practiced emergency medicine for over a decade, I fully acknowledge the need for Conventional Medicine in acute and emergency care. It is lifesaving!  But when it comes to chronic disease, I find Conventional Medicine has a lot of limitations.  Most of medical education is taught as a model of illness, not a model of wellness.  Conventional providers know how to treat disease, but they’re not all great at preventing it, or reversing the underlying cause.  Most medications act as band aids, masking the root cause (or causes), allowing us to get back to the activities and lifestyle that caused us to have the illness in the first place!  Your symptoms are a messenger. I can help you learn what they’re trying to say.

The other big problem I find is that there have been huge advances in medical research, allowing us to get deeper insights on the root causes of disease, yet insurance companies prevent access to such modalities.  Did you know it can take up to 17 years for research evidence to reach clinical practice?  This means that there might be emerging research that could help you right now, but traditional practitioners won’t start using it for a couple of decades.  My goal is to guide you on your journey, bridging the gap between the latest research and current practices, to help navigate the world of advanced and customized health.

I am a Functional Medicine Practitioner and Physician Assistant.  I studied at The George Washington University in Washington, DC to earn my Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.  My undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, also from GWU.  I have completed extensive training in clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, and lifestyle counseling through the Institute for Functional Medicine, as well as the School of Applied Functional Medicine.

No, I am a Functional Medicine Practitioner and Physician Assistant.  I studied at The George Washington University in Washington, DC to earn my Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.  My undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, also from GWU.  Therefore, I do not practice medicine in this setting and do not diagnose or treat diseases or medical conditions. I focus my online practice on promoting health and optimal function. My services are not meant to substitute or replace those of a medical doctor, but rather work in conjunction with them.

No. I do not prescribe or make recommendations about prescription medications or controlled substances in this setting. Your primary care practitioner should manage all medications they prescribe. I may suggest natural, noninvasive methods such as nutrition, herbs, supplements, stress management techniques, and lifestyle changes to address the underlying causes of disease and promote optimal function and health.

Unfortunately, no. At this time I am unable to accept insurance for my online clients’ testing and services.  My services are generally considered above the standard of care and therefore elective, as far as the insurance industry is concerned.  I hope that one day Functional Medicine is the standard of care for all!

I do both!  I work mostly online via telephone or through video chat (Zoom) in a protected web portal.  If you’re interested in working with me in-person, set up a Discovery Call and we can chat about it!

The answer to this is based on the individual.  It depends on the complexity of your condition, how long you’ve had it, how much time and energy you’re willing to devote to your program, and how well you respond to the interventions.  In general, most of my programs are a minimum of 6 months, with the option to extend past that point for continued success.  However, most of my clients see improvements within the first month of working with me.

Schedule an initial free Discovery Call! You will fill out a brief application so I can learn about your health goals and needs.  You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have. There is no obligation. If we feel like we’re a good fit, we will move forward to an Initial Comprehensive Case review, in which we would go over your health history in detail and discuss any past labs that you have through a Functional Medicine lens. I truly love this work and I’m so grateful to provide these services: spending quality time with my clients, and helping them achieve optimal health and wellness.  I would be honored to be part of your journey!