Functional Medicine & Clinical Nutrition

Why Do We Need Functional Medicine?

Our society is experiencing a sharp increase in the number of people who suffer from complex, chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental illness, and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.

The system of medicine practiced by most physicians is oriented toward acute care, the diagnosis and treatment of trauma or illness that is of short duration and in need of urgent care, such as appendicitis or a broken leg. Physicians apply specific, prescribed treatments such as drugs or surgery that aim to treat the immediate problem or symptom.

Unfortunately, the acute-care approach to medicine lacks the proper methodology and tools for preventing and treating complex, chronic disease. In most cases it does not take into account the unique genetic makeup of each individual or factors such as environmental exposures to toxins and the aspects of today’s lifestyle that have a direct influence on the rise in chronic disease in modern Western society.

There’s a huge gap between research and the way doctors practice. The gap between emerging research in basic sciences and integration into medical practice is enormous—as long as 50 years—particularly in the area of complex, chronic illness.

Most physicians are not adequately trained to assess the underlying causes of complex, chronic disease and to apply strategies such as nutrition, diet, and exercise to both treat and prevent these illnesses in their patients.

Functional medicine addresses the underlying causes of disease, using a systems-oriented approach and requires participation from both the patient and practitioner. Shifting away from the traditional “sick-care model” to a more patient-centered approach, functional medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms. As Functional Medicine practitioners, we spend time listening to our patients, asking many questions, and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease.

How is functional medicine different?

Patient-centered care. The focus of functional medicine is on patient-centered care, promoting health as a positive vitality, beyond just the absence of disease. By listening to the patient and learning his or her story, the practitioner brings the patient into the discovery process and tailors treatments that address the individual’s unique needs.

An integrative, science-based healthcare approach. Functional medicine practitioners look “upstream” to consider the complex web of interactions in the patient’s history, physiology, and lifestyle that can lead to illness. The unique genetic makeup of each patient is considered, along with both internal (mind, body, and spirit) and external (physical and social environment) factors that affect total functioning.

Integrating best medical practices. Functional medicine integrates traditional Western medical practices with what is sometimes considered “alternative” or “integrative” medicine, creating a focus on prevention through nutrition, diet, and exercise; use of the latest laboratory testing and other diagnostic techniques; and prescribed combinations of drugs and/or botanical medicines, supplements, therapeutic diets, detoxification programs, or stress-management techniques.

OUR PROCESS:

  • If you a curious how the program would fit your needs – give us a call! We would be more than happy to go over details and answer any questions you may have.
  • Fill out our new patient paperwork. Click here to access. Alternatively – give us a call and we can send you a paper copy as well.
  • After you are done with the paperwork, give us a call to set up your first consultation. You will also have to get the paperwork back to us before your first visit with Dr. O’Keefe. You can send, scan or email it back to us.
  • 1st visit with Dr. O’Keefe: during this 1 hour appointment, Dr. O’Keefe will go over your paperwork, medical history, and main symptoms and concerns. Based on this information – a general plan will be put together with information about lab testing. During this appointment we can also give you a general estimation of financial and time commitment.
  • Get any necessary lab work done.
  • After test results are received – we will contact you to schedule your follow-up visit.
  • 2nd visit with Dr. O’Keefe: during this second appointment, Dr. O’Keefe will go over all lab results as well as detail your specific treatment plan. This could include a supplement prescription as well as diet and lifestyle recommendations. At this visit you will also receive a detailed report, specific to you and your treatment plan.
  • Next 2-3 months – follow treatment plan.
  • We will then contact you to re-test and/or follow-up.

Your Nutrition Report

What sets our report apart from others:

  • Individualized supplement recommendations & dosages specific to test findings, age, sex, & weight .
  • Dietary recommendations with meal recipes.
  • Compare color-coded current and previous test results on the same page
  • Complete laboratory analysis to document and monitor current disease processes and tendencies toward disease
  • Correlation of tests results with symptoms, lifestyle habits or medication side effects that could contribute to the abnormality.
  • Comprehensive list of lifestyle recommended based upon individual test results.
  • Click here for sample of report: Download Here

Laboratory Testing

We use the following lab companies:

Supplements

We use the following supplement companies in our practice:

  • Standard Process
  • Douglas Laboratories
  • Nutri-Dyn
  • Metametrix
  • Pure Encapsulation

Contact Information

Get In Touch With Us Today

If you would like to schedule an appointment or if you have questions regarding anything on our website, please feel free to reach out to us!