What is it I do that is different to the usual GP? Why should you come to see a functional medicine practitioner?
Let me start by giving you some background.
The impetus for me getting involved in Functional or Integrative Medicine was a combination of treating a number of complex patients that were not being helped by conventional medicine, wanting to have a more holistic approach and getting older with a few health issues myself. Don’t get me wrong, being a functional medicine practitioner does not preclude being a conventional GP. Having a sound background in conventional medicine is fundamental and has served me and my patients well. For example, investigating high cortisol levels led to the discovery of an adrenal tumour in a patient who had been diagnosed with “adrenal fatigue” for many years. Incidentally this tumour was also missed by the endocrinologist involved. An abdominal ultrasound to follow up abdominal bloating, discomfort and change of bowel habits picked up this tumour. As I recall, the patient had been convinced there was something wrong and required someone to listen, go back to basics and order the appropriate investigation. She also did very well following the treatment by optimising her nutrition, activity, sleep and hormones using functional principles.
My belief is Functional Medicine is an approach that caters for the individual and aims to restore balance to the way the body functions. This includes addressing any physical deficiencies, nutrient imbalances, issues with detoxification, hormonal irregularities, mental stressors, restoring social connection and a sense of purpose. The aim is just not to treat the effect but address the root causes to prevent any diseases that may occur in the future due to genetic, environmental, psychological and physiological traits. If you don’t look, you don’t find. If you don’t find, you can’t correct the cause and all you can do is treat the symptoms.
I have done additional training in functional medicine by completing the AustralAsian Certification in Anti-ageing Medicine (ACCAM) through A5M. This is an association of functional medicine practitioners that provide post graduate education independent to companies promoting products and kickbacks common in this field. To be honest, I was blown away by how much there was that I had not been taught at university and it was all evidence based! There actually is a great deal of evidence for therapies such as dietary modifications, supplements, adaptogenic herbs, bio-identical hormones, pro-biotics and based on results of more in-depth investigations such as gut microbiome, heavy metal and genetic testing. This approach is often dismissed as “woo” by those who have not reviewed the literature or had further training and I fully admit I was one of those critics prior to starting in this field.
I have found instituting the principles of functional medicine has been very beneficial to my practice and I get better patient outcomes. Listening to my patient and what they want out of the consult is my priority. I always start with the basics of eliciting a thorough history and examination, order appropriate investigations and institute changes that would benefit everyone first before thinking about expensive investigations and supplements. This includes ensuring an appropriate diet, establishing routine, regular daily exercise, maintaining good dental hygiene, reducing harmful environmental exposures, stress management interventions and gaining restful sleep.
Additional investigations, treatments and supplements are often required for the management of complicated conditions and I rely upon the close relationships I have with other service providers such as compounding chemists, naturopaths, nurse practitioners, physiotherapists, exercise physiotherapists and psychologists to optimise patient care.
I continue to be an active member of A5M and have ongoing involvement in delivering their training and workshops.
If you feel you would benefit from a functional medicine appointment in either addressing your current health issues or to maximise your quality of life and longevity, please book in with me at The Age Less Clinic and General Practice. The initial appointment is a long appointment of at least 45 minutes. These appointments are not bulk billed, however you will find our rates are very reasonable when compared with other functional medicine practices.
