The acute care model of medicine that is largely practiced in the US operates on a more “reactive “
model. A patient presents with symptoms, the history, and physical examination lead to possible
diagnoses and then labs and/or imaging studies may be used to confirm a specific diagnosis. A
treatment plan is then established and started. This type of practice does work well for many diseases
but the point is this starts after the diagnosis. As a Radiation Oncologist for nearly 25 years, this is the
model I followed daily.
Functional Medicine takes a more “pro-active” approach that seeks to identify “root causes” and
predisposing factors that may lead to disease processes and development in the future. Diabetes is an
excellent example. Much of the damage that diabetes can create has already happened by the time
diabetes is diagnosed due to elevated fasting blood glucose/sugar levels. Treatment at that time with
diet, exercise, and prescription medication is, therefore, reactive. Elevated fasting insulin levels can be
detected even prior to the development of pre-metabolic syndrome. The Functional Medicine approach
is to teach diet, modifiable lifestyle factors and control of fasting insulin levels years before diabetes is
diagnosed and therefore is proactive.
Functional Medicine begins in the gut. Diet changes are a major component of Functional Medicine
treatment approaches and are usually step one in the healing process. Modifiable lifestyle factors such
as sleep, exercise, mediation and stress relief also play a role in this uniquely personalized approach to
medicine. Not to replace acute care medicine but to augment the practice of all medicine.