What Types of Doctors Practice Functional Medicine Approaches?
Functional medicine is practiced by a variety of healthcare providers, including medical doctors (MDs), doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), naturopathic doctors (NDs), chiropractors, and nurse practitioners (NPs), all of whom are trained to address the root causes of illness and take a holistic approach to health. MDs and DOs who practice functional medicine may specialize in fields such as internal medicine, family medicine, or neurology. They use functional medicine principles alongside conventional treatments to offer a comprehensive approach to health care. Naturopathic doctors (NDs), who are trained in holistic healing, focus on natural therapies like nutrition, herbs, and lifestyle changes to support overall health and wellness.
These providers often collaborate with other specialists, such as nutritionists, dietitians, and acupuncturists, to create individualized treatment plans for patients. Functional medicine practitioners work with patients to not only treat illness but also optimize health through preventative measures, lifestyle changes, and personalized care. To become certified in functional medicine, many practitioners seek additional training through organizations like the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), which offers a curriculum focused on identifying and treating the underlying causes of disease using functional medicine principles.
