Functional Medicine Practitioner

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  • I need to find a functional medicine doctor - ideally with an M.D. - to treat a recurring G.I. problem that my highly-lauded gastroenterologists can't help. I've read that integrative medicine is different from functional medicine, but I don't quite understand how. If you have experience with functional medicine - good or bad - I would very much appreciate reading about your experience. I'm uneasy when it comes to taking Chinese medicine or homeopathy. I don't want to fall into the hands of alternative  practitioners who promise the moon and aren't well trained, so I need as much advice as you can offer.

    Thank you!

    Dr. Myrto Ashe is an excellent functional medicine doctor and MD. I used her many years ago to treat a gut infection that left me completely debilitated, and that Western Medicine basically derided as a problem in my head. She has gotten much more expensive since I used her, so I don't know whether she will be accessible to you, but I wanted to send off her name as a recommendation so that at least you can explore the option. Her website is: https://www.unconventionalmedicine.net/

    I highly recommend reading Brave New Medicine by Cynthia Li, MD. The author is a local functional medicine doctor with personal experience with autoimmune disease. The book was a game-changer for me when I was going through challenging health issues. You'll learn more about functional medicine in general, and her story and approach in particular.

    Dr Myrto Ashe has lots of experience working as a conventional MD before transitioning her work to Functional Medicine. She is very knowledgeable and personable. 
    https://www.unconventionalmedicine.net

    You can try Hill Park Integrative Medicine in Sebastopol.My dear friend had years of issues finally diagnosed as SIBO and other related gut issues. It' a marathon, not a sprint when it comes to these complex medical issues. 

    I used them for osteopathic treatments which were insanely beneficial fo  my overall health. 

    No insurance is accepted, but you can submit a Supebill if you have a  PPO insurance plan, i believe.

    Good luck

    I would check out Integrative Wellness Arts (InWella), which is fully virtual. I had excellent success with them healing my gut. I hadn't previously associated so many of my other issues with poor gut health, and they provided a clear and effective plan. They leave no stone unturned. 

    I'm sorry you're experiencing this. I've had a great experience with Lorena Hillman, M.D. at Sutter Integrated Health & Healing. I was having a health issue my conventional doctors weren't able to help me with. After a few sessions with Dr Hillman we uncovered the problem and now with a pretty simple adjustment I'm so much better. 
    https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/holistic-integrative-medicine/institute-health-healing

    Best of luck 

  • Functional medicine MD

    Sep 28, 2020

    Hi, 

    I am wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a functional medicine practitioner in the area or able to do telemedicine? I am trying to heal and get to the root of metastatic papillary thyroid cancer and neuroendocrine lung cancer. 

    Many thanks,

    Sara

    I wish I had names for you, but I don't. Following the thread as I would also like to find a functional medicine doctor.

    I've been seeing Cynthia Li in Berkeley and have found her to be VERY helpful.

    Hello! I can give a strong recommendation for Dr. Todd Maderis at Marin Natural Medicine Clinic in Larkspur (he does telemedicine as well as in-person). I have been his patient for about 3 years and he has helped me tremendously with mold toxicity, Fibromyalgia, low hormones, adrenal fatigue among other issues. He was referred to me by a close friend. Both she and her daughter saw him for chronic Lyme disease.  Wishing the very best of luck and treatment to you with your diseases. I hope he's a good fit.

    Michelle Hirsch at beyondthemountainwellness.com is a true healer, skilled in functional medicine and is also a Licensed acupuncturist. She has been incredibly helpful with my tiredness, hormonal balancing and identified I had remnants of two parasites that I’ve just been living with for quite some time. I highly recommend her.

  • Hello community,

    We go diligently to our experienced and well-regarded pediatrician for regular check-ups, but they last all of 15 minutes, and provide no real insight into the nature of the girls' development, nor does the doctor really address our questions outside of the conventional medical fold. We are looking for someone who is trained as a doctor, but is thoroughly versed in more "holistic" approaches to health, particularly of young children. We are open to either a pediatrician or a "family doctor" who can see all of us, but are really looking primarily for our two young daughters. We already have a resource pool of acupuncturists, homeopaths, chiropractors, etc., so we are seeking a physician who is perhaps an N.D. or a functional medicine doctor. We live in the East Bay, so would love to find a practitioner there, particularly for acute matters if a visit is called for last-minute, but if you know someone amazing over either bridge, please let me know. Please note: Pediatric Alternatives in Mill Valley (highly regarded) is *not* accepting new patients. Thanks for your suggestions.

    Dawn Jacobson, MD, functional medicine, in Walnut Creek, is welcoming, and thorough. She practices a few days a week. My appointments with her went 75 minutes each. And I'm fairly healthy!  She integrates, if you wish, an Ayurvedic approach. Highly recommend her, perhaps best in conjuction with someone who does traditional testing/has that equipment. (Office is next to Heather Farms.)          dawnjacobsonmd.com

    I strongly recommend Dr. Joan Margaret. Her website is old, but the care and wisdom I receive from her and the circle has been life changing for me.

    www.labryshealthcarecircle.com

    Hmm, maybe the problem is your insurance or your practice. My kids go to Berkeley Pediatrics and I'm pretty sure each child is allotted 30 minutes for an annual well-check. With 3 kids, it feels like we spend an entire afternoon there!  Our pediatrician is thorough and spends time with all of us together, me and each kid together, and the older kids alone. We cover lots of ground. I've liked all of the docs that we've seen there, with the exception of one who is no longer with the practice.  But I'm honestly not sure if my (excellent and expensive) insurance dictates the length of the well-check visit, or if it's a Berk Peds thing.

    Have you tried Dr. Jennifer?

    http://threefoldmed.com/

    We like her practice.

    We use Dr. Amy Maidenburg of Sage Pediatrics in Oakland for my two daughters. Amy is thoughtful, takes as much time as needed (easily an hour), is personally available for consult around the clock, and takes a very holistic approach. She even did a house call after the birth of my second daughter! She is well networked and specializes in young children. My kids love her home-like office on Piedmont Avenue, garden outside, and most of all their relationship with her! http://www.sagepediatrics.com/