The Functional Medicine Alliance Podcast

In this inspiring episode, we’re joined by Dr. Gowri Reddy Rocco who shares her personal and professional journey into functional medicine. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, self-belief, and the transformative potential of personalized care. Here’s what we cover: 1. Dr. Rocco's personal journey into functional medicine 2. Self-care and support are crucial in healthcare 3. Tips for starting your own practice Reach out to other practitioners for advice 4. Invest in yourself for personal and professional growth 5. Personalization is key in treating patients 6. The importance of investing in a good accountant 7. Instill hope in others as part of healing 8. Keep learning and stay a lifelong student 9. Medicine is dynamic, exciting, and rewarding  Speaker Bio Gowri Reddy Rocco, M.D., M.S., is double board-certified in Family Medicine and in Anti-Aging. Regenerative and Functional Medicine. She has been practicing medicine for almost 20 years and is co-founder and president of Optimum Wellness & Longevity in Corona, California. Dr. Rocco has a successful practice alongside her husband and is a proud mother of three wonderful children.  Books Mentioned 1. Outlive by Peter Attia 2. Peaks and Valleys by Spencer Johnson

In today’s episode, we are joined by Jennifer Scheinman, MS, RDN, CDN, to explore the incredible role of mitochondrial health in aging and longevity, with a particular focus on Urolithin A and its profound impact on mitochonodrial health. Bio Jennifer brings over 20 years of experience as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and has worked at some of the nation’s leading health and wellness institutions. With a Master’s degree in Integrative and Functional Nutrition and advanced training in bioenergetics, Jennifer possesses an in-depth understanding of how nutrition and lifestyle factors influence mitochondrial function and the biological processes of aging. This expertise allows her to shed light on how we can optimize our cellular health to promote vitality and longevity. Currently, Jennifer serves as the Senior Manager at Timeline Nutrition, where she is at the forefront of educating both healthcare professionals and the public about the importance of Urolithin A in cellular health. She is also an accomplished speaker, writer, and media figure, and continues to serve as a nutrition coach, helping clients enhance their vitality and healthspan. Resources: Purchase Mitopure: Timeline Nutrition (Use code FXMEDALLIANCE for 10% off) Instagram: @TimelineLongevity Jennifer’s Website: NextJenHealth.com Studies Mentioned:  Nature Study on Urolithin A

Join Payal Patel, PharmD, IFMCP, as she shares her journey from traditional pharmacy to the world of functional medicine.  Payal Patel is a Functional Medicine Pharmacist passionate about uncovering the root causes of disease and empowering individuals with the resources to rebalance their bodies. With 25 years of experience in pharmacy spanning oncology, infusion therapy, and compounding pharmacy, Payal has developed a deep appreciation for the body’s capacity to heal. This passion led her to pursue advanced training with The Institute of Functional Medicine, where she earned her certification as a Functional Medicine Practitioner. Website Instagram: @DianiWellness

Episode Overview: In this episode, join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum, founder and CEO of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy. Dr. Scheinbaum delves into the pivotal role of empathy, rapport, and ethical decision-making in health coaching. She shares personal anecdotes, practical strategies for building trust with diverse clients, and her vision for health coaching as the future of primary care. Whether you're looking to enhance your coaching skills or expand your functional medicine practice, this episode offers valuable knowledge and resources to help you succeed. About Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum: Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum is the founder and CEO of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy, a collaborative effort with The Institute for Functional Medicine. With over 40 years of experience as an educator and clinical psychologist, Dr. Scheinbaum specializes in the psychology of well-being, mind-body medicine, and health coaching education. Passionate about combating chronic disease and reducing healthcare costs, she established the FMCA at age 65 to expand the health coaching profession and provide vital support for millions seeking healthier lives. Resources & Socials: Instagram: @drsandi Instagram: @functionalmedcoach The Functional Medicine Coaching Academy: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/ Heath Coach Talk: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Hk5ugYvuZwexKlWODctCL  Doctor's Guide to Health Coaching:  https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/free-ebook/  The Functional Medicine Alliance is a community and accelerator for Functional Medicine Practitioners to connect and grow professionally. Join our free Facebook community: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/443401534960274⁠

In this episode, we sit down with Amylee Amos, founder of the Amos Institute and a leader in the implementation of the Bredesen Protocol. Amylee shares her insights on how functional medicine practitioners can enhance their practice by niching down, embracing lifelong learning, and cultivating a critical lens when evaluating new research. She dives deep into the importance of building community, staying open to new opportunities, and handling criticism with grace, all while reminding practitioners to remember their value, especially in the face of imposter syndrome. Amylee’s personal journey and professional expertise offer invaluable lessons for practitioners looking to deepen their impact, grow their practices, and advocate for the future of functional medicine. If you’re ready to explore strategies for success in this evolving field, while also getting practical tips on developing your practice, embracing technology, and finding mentors, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear how Amylee’s unique blend of science, compassion, and holistic approaches is helping to tackle chronic illness—especially Alzheimer’s disease—head on, and how you can apply her wisdom to make a real difference in the lives of your patients. Resources & Socials: Website Instagram: @amosinstitute  The Functional Medicine Alliance is a community and accelerator for Functional Medicine Practitioners to connect and grow professionally. Join our free Facebook community: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/443401534960274⁠

In today’s episode, we’re excited to welcome Dr. Bethany Tennant, a licensed Naturopathic Physician and Certified Nutrition Specialist, renowned for her expertise in supporting athletes through a functional medicine approach. Dr. Tennant graduated with honors in research from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. After earning her degree, she completed a post-doctoral research fellowship focusing on Parkinson's disease and nutrition. With a specialty in natural sports medicine, Dr. Tennant works with athletes at every level—from high school to the professional ranks, including USATF, D-League, FIBA, NBA, and NFL—focusing on prevention, performance optimization, recovery, pain management, and injury rehabilitation. Beyond her sports medicine practice, Dr. Tennant has also made significant contributions to corporate wellness. As the former Medical Director of a New York-based company, she advised on nutrition, exercise, stress management, and strategies for large-scale corporate health initiatives. Currently, Dr. Tennant sees patients at the 2BWell Clinic in Lake Oswego and Portland, and also offers remote consultations via telehealth. Connect with Dr. Tennant: Instagram: @dr.bethanytennant LinkedIn: Dr. Bethany Tennant Website: www.drbethanytennant.com

In this enlightening episode of the Functional Medicine Alliance Podcast, we are joined by Carrie Levine, a Certified Nurse Midwife, functional medicine practitioner, and author of "Whole Woman Health." With over 20 years of clinical experience, Carrie has dedicated her career to helping women navigate their health journeys by seamlessly integrating science and intuition. Carrie shares valuable insights from her book and discusses her holistic approach, which blends biochemistry, nutrition, and lifestyle modifications with a profound understanding of individual needs and an openness to the mysteries of health. Her expertise and compassionate care aim to empower practitioners and deepen understanding in the field of functional medicine. Join us as we explore how to reclaim women's health and wholeness through the powerful synergy of science and spirit. Connect with Carrie Levine: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Join our free community for functional medicine practitioners: https://www.facebook.com/groups/443401534960274/

Today we are joined by Dr. Navaz Habib, bestselling author of "Activate Your Vagus Nerve" and "Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve" and founder of ‘Health Upgraded’ an online functional health consulting clinic, for an enlightening conversation on the Vagus Nerve. In this episode discover practical tools and strategies to help your patients improve their overall well-being by improving vagal tone to shift out of the sympathetic state and initiate healing. Resources & Socials: www.healthupgraded.com www.vagusnervebook.com www.thehealthupgradepodcast.com Facebook Instagram LinkedIn The FxMed Alliance is a community and accelerator for Functional Medicine Practitioners to connect and grow professionally. Join our free Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/443401534960274

Today, we are discussing genetic testing with Functional Nutrigenomics Consultant and academically published author, Jaclyn Downs, MS, CHC, CD. We explore SNPs, genomics, the benefits of functional genetic testing, the MTHFR gene, functional nutrigenomics, and the interplay of genes and health outcomes. Listen now to discover how utilizing genetic testing can enhance patient care. Connect with our community of functional medicine practitioners, ⁠here⁠. ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Instagram About Jaclyn Downs Jaclyn Downs, MS, CHC, CD is the author of the book Enhancing Fertility Through Functional Medicine: Using Nutrigenomics to Solve ‘Unexplained’ Infertility (Routledge/Taylor & Francis, 2023). Jaclyn is a Functional Nutrigenomics Practitioner that helps clients and practitioners move past puzzling roadblocks and individualize protocols through the use of genomic interpretation, functional lab testing, and a meticulous intake consultation. Jaclyn's LinkedIn Jaclyn's Website Jaclyn's Resources Jaclyn's Instagram

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Sulagna Misra, MD, BCMAS, hosted by Sophia Deahl, MS, RD as we tackle the critical conversations we need to be having. In this episode, we dive deep into pressing issues such as the challenges we face in regard to insurance and our healthcare systems, the growing distrust of patients post-pandemic, the rise of AI, and doctorpreneurship. Dr. Misra shares her insights on how the COVID-19 pandemic has financially impacted medical professionals and our overall well-being, highlighting the profound connection between financial wealth and health. Dr. Sulagna Misra, MD, BCMAS, is the Founding Physician at Misra Wellness®, a Direct Primary Care (DPC) medical practice specializing in weight loss, men's health, integrative medicine, primary care, and aesthetic medicine. With certifications in Integrated Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Aesthetic Medicine, Dr. Misra offers comprehensive medical and aesthetic services. Raised in New York City, she practiced at Mount Sinai Hospital before transitioning to serve as an Integrative Medicine practitioner and Laboratory Director in Midtown Manhattan. Now based in Los Angeles, California, Dr. Misra is passionate about patient advocacy, bringing the doctor and patient relationship back to the center of the healthcare model, and reinstituting both the terms health and care in healthcare. She advocates for price transparency and provides personalized consultations, emphasizing patient education and continuous communication, guided by the tagline "Feel, Heal, Reveal," to support patients on their journey towards optimal health and wellness. She has recently been featured in US News and World Report, Men’s Health, Authority Magazine, International Business Times, and SF Examiner.  Website: https://www.misrawellness.com/  Socials:  Facebook Instagram

Today we are welcoming Scott Rattigan, 'The Functional Lawyer' on to the show to discuss the Top 4 Legal Questions to Ask When Starting (or Auditing) Your Functional Medicine Practice. In this episode, Scott addresses your most pressing questions, including licensing, telehealth regulations, HIPAA compliance, private practice forms, Medicare considerations, navigating cash pay systems, and much more. Tune in to get invaluable insights and ensure your practice is on the right legal track. -- Scott Rattigan is an attorney, a nationally recognized speaker, the bestselling author of The Practice of Telemedicine, the founder of Functional Lawyer, and co-founder of Origins Incubator. Scott was inspired to help the functional medicine community after helping his wife (Linda Matteoli, D.O.) build her functional medicine practice, and watching her colleagues searching but not finding solid legal and business foundations to reduce unnecessary risks. Through Functional Lawyer and Origins Incubator, he has helped more than 1,000 practitioners to protect their license and their practice through law-firm quality documents and through legal and business education and consulting. Socials: Website: https://www.functionalawyer.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/functionallawyer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/functionallawyer Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/functionallawyer Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/functional-lawyer Resources: Origins Incubator: a physician- and attorney-led mentorship program that supports you in safely and efficiently building your successful dream practice. Book: The Practice of Telemedicine: A Complete Legal Guide for Licensed Healthcare Professionals — Join the Alliance! Expand, connect, lead, and learn with us. Gain unique insights and broaden your expertise in functional medicine and business through exclusive events, forums, reading clubs, and a social networking space that fosters personal and professional growth. Website: www.fxmedalliance.com Instagram: @FxMedAlliance

On today’s show Sophia sits down with Justin Perr MS, RD, functional medicine dietitian, to discuss Adrenal Health. Specifically he dives deep into the anatomy and physiology of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis, the importance of this stress response system, and why the term ‘adrenal fatigue’ isn’t all that accurate. Furthermore, he describes the symptoms of HPA axis dysfunction & it’s long term consequences. Finally, he finishes off by acknowledging the importance of nutrition for preventing hpa axis dysfunction and ways to support adrenal health with both diet and nutraceuticals. Justin Perr is a registered dietitian with a mission to boost your well-being. Justin's professional journey started in New Orleans, studying at Tulane University, where he realized the immense impact of nutrition on health. Today, he specializes in the fascinating connection between the body and the brain. With a master's in nutrition, healthspan, and longevity from USC, he's your go-to expert in cognitive decline, autoimmune diseases, and adrenal dysfunction. Justin blends conventional medicine with holistic healing to empower you on your path to vibrant health. To connect with Justin & learn more about his practice, Preserv Wellness: Instagram: @JustinPerr_RD TikTok: @JustinPerr.RD Website: PreservWellness.com What We Discuss: (1:24) Justin's personal health journey (5:12) The adrenal glands (7:15) Stress & the stress response (17:56) Chronic stress/burnout (21:19) Signs and symptoms of low cortisol & high cortisol (25:10) Eustress vs distress (good versus bad stress) (28:15) Long term consequences of adrenal 'dysfunction' (34:31) The role of nutrition for adrenal health (34:50) Nutrition for adrenal health (46:48) Testing for adrenal dysfunction Sophia's Socials: Website: www.SophiaDeahl.com Instagram: @SophiaFunctionalRD TikTok: @SophiaFunctionalRD Youtube: @SophiaFunctionalRD

In today's podcast episode Sophia discusses the functional medicine approach & how it differs from the conventional healthcare model. This episode is perfect for you if you are interested in working with a functional medicine provider, becoming a functional medicine provider, or are generally curious about functional nutrition & the functional medicine approach. -- Sophia Deahl MS, RD, LD is a functional medicine dietitian specializing in gut health & hormones. She is the founder of Collective Wellness, a private practice, where she works with clients one-on-one to find the root cause of gut health and hormone imbalances & address it with nutrition and lifestyle medicine. You can learn more about Sophia and her practice at SophiaDeahl.com Connect with us on instagram: @SophiaFunctionalRD --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/collectivewellness/support

In this episode, we discuss natural methods to balance hormones with diet & lifestyle. Time Stamps: 01:30-3:23 - Gut Health for Hormone Balance 3:24-4:01 - Estrogen Dominance Signs & Symptoms 4:02-11:42 - Key Tips to Improve Gut Health for Hormones 11:43-15:17 - Promoting Detox of Excess Hormones 15:18 -18:35 - How Stress Impacts Hormones 18:36 - 21:12 - Supporting the Thyroid -- Sophia Deahl MS, RD, LD is a functional medicine dietitian specializing in gut health & hormones. She is the founder of Collective Wellness, a private practice, where she works with clients one-on-one to find the root cause of gut health and hormone imbalances & address it with nutrition and lifestyle medicine. You can learn more about Sophia and her practice at ⁠SophiaDeahl.com⁠ Connect with us on instagram: ⁠@SophiaFunctionalRD⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/collectivewellness/support

In this episode we talk about living in the present & finding gratitude. If you are scared of change, like I used to be, this episode is for you. -- Sophia Deahl MS, RD, LD is a functional medicine dietitian specializing in gut health & hormones. She is the founder of Collective Wellness, a private practice, where she works with clients one-on-one to find the root cause of gut health and hormone imbalances & address it with nutrition and lifestyle medicine. You can learn more about Sophia and her practice at ⁠SophiaDeahl.com⁠ Connect with us on instagram: ⁠@SophiaFunctionalRD⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/collectivewellness/support

Today's mini episode is about shifting our mindset on challenge, stress, balance, & seeing the silver lining. -- Sophia Deahl MS, RD, LD is a functional medicine dietitian specializing in gut health & hormones. She is the founder of Collective Wellness, a private practice, where she works with clients one-on-one to find the root cause of gut health and hormone imbalances & address it with nutrition and lifestyle medicine. You can learn more about Sophia and her practice at ⁠SophiaDeahl.com⁠ Connect with us on instagram: ⁠@SophiaFunctionalRD⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/collectivewellness/support

In today's episode, we talk about stress & more specifically: What stress is The stages of stress & burn out Recognize the signs and symptoms of stress  Understand the role and importance of balancing cortisol Why cortisol and stress isn't just 'good' or 'bad' Learn to balance cortisol levels via natural lifestyle practices and a holistic approach Dietary approaches to managing stress -- Sophia Deahl MS, RD, LD is a functional medicine dietitian specializing in gut health & hormones. She is the founder of Collective Wellness, a private practice, where she works with clients one-on-one to find the root cause of gut health and hormone imbalances & address it with nutrition and lifestyle medicine. You can learn more about Sophia and her practice at ⁠SophiaDeahl.com⁠ Connect with us on instagram: ⁠@SophiaFunctionalRD⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/collectivewellness/support

Today we are talking about all things elimination diet to help identify food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances. We dive deep into the symptoms, testing options, and the differences between the three. -- Sophia Deahl MS, RD, LD is a functional medicine dietitian specializing in gut health & hormones. She is the founder of Collective Wellness, a private practice, where she works with clients one-on-one to find & address the root cause of their gut health or hormone imbalances with nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and functional lab testing. You can learn more about Sophia and her practice at www.SophiaDeahl.com Connect with us on instagram: @SophiaFunctionalRD --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/collectivewellness/support

In this episode we talk briefly about why we age, and the role of genetics and lifestyle. -- Sophia Deahl MS, RD, LD is a functional medicine dietitian specializing in gut health & hormones. She is the founder of Collective Wellness, a private practice, where she works with clients one-on-one to find & address the root cause of their gut health or hormone imbalances with nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and functional lab testing. You can learn more about Sophia and her practice at www.SophiaDeahl.com Connect with us on instagram: @SophiaFunctionalRD --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/collectivewellness/support

In this episode we dive into the causes of leaky gut and associated conditions as well as treatment and diagnostic methods. You can learn more about leaky gut on the blog. -- Sophia Deahl MS, RD, LD is a functional medicine dietitian specializing in gut health & hormones. She is the founder of Collective Wellness, a private practice, where she works with clients one-on-one to find & address the root cause of their gut health or hormone imbalances with nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and functional lab testing. You can learn more about Sophia and her practice at www.SophiaDeahl.com Connect with us on instagram: @SophiaFunctionalRD --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/collectivewellness/support