By Dr. Amy Davis, MD
When I first started practicing medicine an excellent physician was one who used scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preference to care for patients. The primary doctor was expected to be thorough and knowledgeable in all the body systems. The last 15 years this comprehensive model has been replaced by the impersonal “doctor scientist” who relies on often biased scientific research. A doctors’ clinical experience and the patient preferences have been minimized.
Current healthcare is fragmented with many subspecialties each with a narrow focus of the body. Patients and doctors are increasingly frustrated. US healthcare is the most expensive in the world yet consistently ranks last in overall health, efficiency, satisfaction and access. The current model is unsustainable with 20 trillion dollars in spending expected in the next 20 years.
Functional Medicine is a new way of thinking. It offers very real science-based solutions. It is proactive, predictive and personalized. It empowers patients to actively participate in their own health journey. By shifting from a disease-centered focus to a more patient centered approach, Functional Medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms. As a Functional Medicine physician I spend time with my patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among lifestyle, environment, and genetic factors that can influence long-term health. In this way Functional Medicine supports your unique expression of health and vitality.
How can we find our way to health if we are using the wrong road map?
Functional Medicine focuses on patterns and connections, finding the causes that lead to symptoms. Solutions focus on creating balance.
The Functional Medicine strategy is based on a personalized map of health risks with traditional and novel biomarkers. The functional assessment includes:
- Modifiable Personal Lifestyle Factors – diet, exercise, sleep, and stress
- Digestion & Absorption
- Defense and Repair
- Energy
- Detoxification
- Communication –
- hormones & neurotransmitters
- Transport – circulation
- Structural integrity – gut lining,
- cell membrane, bones and muscles
Putting it simply – Two questions need to be asked:
- Do you need to get rid of something? – poor diet, allergens, infections, toxins, stress.
- Do you have an unmet need required for optimal function? – whole real food, nutrients, healthy gut bacteria, exercise, stress reduction.
Dr. Amy Davis M.D.
Crossing Back to Health
11477 Olde Cabin Rd. Suite 100
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
636 778-9158
www.crossingbacktohealth.com