A diverse array of healthcare practitioners, including chiropractors and physician assistants, practice functional medicine. While many professionals in this field are referred to as functional medicine specialists, not all practitioners hold medical degrees. A distinctive feature of a functional medicine doctor is their qualification as either a Medical Doctor (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). Both types of doctors undergo rigorous medical training and possess the authority to prescribe medication.
Read on to learn how functional medicine doctors can both prescribe medication and treat chronic diseases holistically and effectively.
Conventional vs. Functional Medicine
Conventional medicine’s primary purpose is to diagnose and treat acute conditions and injuries, such as a broken wrist or a yeast infection. In these cases, doctors can use specific treatments like surgery or medication to treat the immediate issue.
However, this conventional approach often falls short when it comes to preventing and managing chronic conditions and complex diseases, such as digestive issues or diabetes. Many healthcare providers lack adequate training in holistic strategies, such as dietary adjustments, exercise regimens, stress management techniques, and other lifestyle modifications to support their patients in achieving optimal health.
This is where functional medicine emerges as a transformative model. Certified practitioners undergo specific, specialized training. Unlike traditional approaches, functional medicine adopts a comprehensive and holistic perspective focusing on the individual’s overall well-being. By addressing the root causes of health imbalances and recognizing how different body systems interact, functional medicine aims to restore health and proactively promote and maintain optimal wellness.
Patient-Centered Approach
Functional medicine doctors use a patient-centered approach. The patient is considered a unique individual, viewed as a whole rather than merely a collection of symptoms. Two individuals experiencing the same symptoms may have two very different causes for their symptoms. Different causes can necessitate different treatment plans. This individualized, holistic perspective is grounded in scientific principles, using cutting-edge functional diagnostic testing to identify the unique underlying factors contributing to your health concerns.
Because of this unique approach, your connection with your functional medicine doctor often differs from that with your primary care physician. In functional medicine, the doctor-patient relationship is characterized by a collaborative partnership. Your doctor values your input and empowers you to take an active role in your health journey while maintaining accountability for your choices regarding your condition and treatment.
Functional medicine practitioners allocate significantly more time to each patient than conventional practitioners. They use this extended time frame to thoroughly explore the patient’s health history and current concerns, aiming to gather comprehensive information essential for creating an effective treatment plan. This comprehensive assessment entails an in-depth review of the patient’s biological systems and encompasses various facets of their life, including childhood experiences, environmental exposures, sleep patterns, exercise habits, stress levels, and dietary habits.
It’s important to find a functional medicine doctor who you feel comfortable working with and who will provide individualized care to address your unique health concerns.
Comprehensive Assessment
By considering the various aspects of a patient’s life, including genetic predispositions, environmental influences, and current symptoms, functional medicine practitioners gain invaluable insights into the potential underlying causes of the patient’s symptoms. This holistic approach enables practitioners to tailor treatment strategies that address the root causes of illness and promote sustainable improvements in the patient’s overall health and well-being.
This assessment provides patients with valuable insights into their previous experiences and life events and inspires them toward positive change and active participation in their treatment.
Lifestyle factors are paramount when considering treatment options, diverging from the conventional approach of primarily relying on prescription medication or surgical interventions. However, if there is an urgent medical need, your functional medicine doctor can prescribe medication and advise you on conventional medical procedures as needed.
Prescribing Medication
When functional medicine doctors incorporate prescriptive medications into a patient’s treatment plan, it usually aims to reduce or eliminate the amount of prescription drugs the patient needs.
Rather than solely relying on medications to manage symptoms, functional medicine doctors prioritize identifying and addressing the root causes of illness or dysfunction. This often involves implementing lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, exercise regimens, stress management techniques, and sleep optimization to promote overall well-being and address the underlying imbalances contributing to the patient’s condition.
In cases when medications are deemed necessary to manage symptoms or support the healing process, functional medicine doctors carefully evaluate the benefits and risks of medications. They aim to prescribe medications judiciously, considering the patient’s unique circumstances, preferences, and health goals. Additionally, functional medicine practitioners regularly monitor and reassess the treatment plan to track progress, adjust medication dosages as needed, and explore opportunities to minimize reliance on medications over time.
Conditions and Illnesses
Dr. Sarita Mahtani is board-certified in internal medicine and earned her certification in functional medicine from the Institute for Functional Medicine. She’s a functional doctor in Charlotte, NC, and practices at SouthPark Functional Medicine. Dr. Mahtani employs a functional medicine approach and also uses non-traditional medicine to treat a wide range of illnesses, including:
- Anxiety and depression
- Autoimmune conditions
- Chronic Pain & Fibromyalgia
- Digestive issues
- Diabetes and pre-diabetes
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Hypertension
- Migraines
- Osteoarthritis
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS treatment)
- Psoriasis treatment
- Thyroid issues
While functional medicine specialists encompass a diverse range of healthcare professionals, it’s important to note that a functional medicine doctor is a Medical Doctor (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) capable of prescribing medication. Other practitioners may not be licensed to write prescriptions.
Functional medicine doctors spend extended time with patients, conducting comprehensive assessments to uncover the root cause of the illness or concern. By addressing root causes and considering the interconnectedness of our biological systems, functional medicine aims to restore health and promote optimal wellness.
Dr. Mahtani exemplifies this approach. She employs functional medicine techniques to treat a wide range of conditions, integrating lifestyle modifications and, when necessary, prescription medication to address her patients’ needs comprehensively.
Dr. Mahtani will guide you toward better health and overall wellness through precise analysis, compassionate care, and extensive expertise. Book an appointment with Dr. Sarita Mahtani, MD, today to take control of your life and achieve a healthier future.
