Functional Medicine: Changing the Landscape of Medical Care
- Jessica Meyers
- May 22
- 4 min read
In recent years, functional medicine has emerged as a transformative approach to healthcare—one that shifts the focus from disease-centered treatment to a more patient-centered model. As chronic health conditions continue to rise globally, functional medicine offers a promising alternative to conventional care by addressing the root causes of illness, rather than merely managing symptoms.
This paradigm is not only reshaping how practitioners treat disease, but also how patients experience care.
What Is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine is a systems-based approach to healthcare that seeks to identify and address the root causes of disease. It integrates traditional medical practices with evidence-based complementary therapies, focusing on the whole person—body, mind, and environment.
Rather than treating a diagnosis as a singular problem, functional medicine examines the complex interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that influence long-term health and chronic disease. The goal is to restore optimal function of the body’s systems by correcting imbalances and dysfunctions, often through personalized lifestyle and nutritional interventions, targeted supplementation, and advanced diagnostic testing.
For example, where conventional care may treat depression with medication alone, a functional medicine approach might explore nutrient deficiencies, hormone levels, gut health, and psychosocial stressors as potential contributors.
Who Can Be Certified in Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine is a specialty that complements a wide variety of professional backgrounds in healthcare. Certification is available to licensed healthcare practitioners such as:
Medical doctors (MDs)
Doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs)
Physician assistants (PAs)
Nurse practitioners (NPs)
Chiropractors (DCs)
Registered dietitians (RDs)
Naturopathic doctors (NDs)
Pharmacists
Physical therapists
To become certified, these professionals typically complete a rigorous training program through accredited organizations such as the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) or School of Applied Functional Medicine (SAFM). The certification process involves comprehensive coursework in clinical nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, and evidence-based integrative therapies, followed by testing and continuing education requirements.
The diversity of eligible professions highlights the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of functional medicine.
What Is a Functional Medicine Doctor or Provider?
A functional medicine provider is a licensed clinician trained in the principles of functional medicine, with additional expertise in systems biology and holistic patient care.
This role is not limited to physicians. Physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals with functional medicine training are fully capable of delivering high-quality, root-cause-oriented care. Regardless of title, functional medicine providers typically:
Conduct longer and more in-depth patient consultations
Evaluate lifestyle factors such as diet, stress, sleep, and exercise
Utilize advanced laboratory testing and personalized diagnostic tools
Create individualized treatment plans based on patient history, biology, and preferences
These providers emphasize collaboration with patients, empowering them to take an active role in their healing process.
Why Choose a Functional Medicine Provider?
Patients are increasingly seeking functional medicine providers because this model addresses the shortcomings of traditional healthcare, particularly in managing chronic diseases. Here are several key reasons to consider working with a functional medicine practitioner:
1. Root-Cause Resolution
Rather than simply managing symptoms, functional medicine providers aim to discover the underlying causes of illness. This approach often leads to more sustainable health improvements.
2. Personalized Care
Functional medicine does not follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Treatment plans are tailored to the unique needs, goals, and health histories of each patient.
3. Whole-Person Approach
Mental, emotional, and physical health are all taken into account. Providers consider how stress, relationships, nutrition, and even environmental toxins may be affecting overall wellness.
4. Patient Engagement
Patients are viewed as active participants in their healthcare journey. Functional medicine fosters a collaborative environment where education and empowerment are central.
5. Advanced Testing and Tools
Functional medicine providers use specialized tests to assess gut health, hormone levels, micronutrient status, food sensitivities, inflammation markers, and more—often revealing imbalances that conventional lab panels miss.
6. Chronic Disease Focus
This model is particularly well-suited for managing autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal issues, hormonal imbalances, fatigue, metabolic dysfunction, and mental health concerns.
Final Thoughts
Functional medicine is revolutionizing the way we think about and deliver healthcare. By focusing on the individual as a whole and exploring the root causes of disease, this model empowers both patients and providers to move beyond symptom suppression toward genuine, lasting healing.
Whether you are struggling with a chronic condition or seeking a more proactive, preventive approach to health, functional medicine offers a comprehensive and personalized path forward.
Meet Jessica Meyers, PA-C – Applied Functional Medicine Certified Provider
Jessica Meyers is a certified PA and Applied Functional Medicine Certified Provider, with over 12 years of clinical experience as a physician assistant. Licensed in seven U.S. states, Jessica offers telemedicine consultations to patients seeking a deeper, more individualized approach to healthcare.
Her passion lies in helping individuals uncover the root causes of their symptoms and regain control over their health. Jessica combines the scientific rigor of traditional medicine with the holistic perspective of functional medicine, providing compassionate, collaborative, and data-driven care.
If you're ready to explore a new approach to healing, Jessica is here to help—wherever you are.
Interested in working with Jessica Meyers?
📍 Telemedicine available in CA, AZ, MO, TN, FL, NC, VA
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