Modern society is seeing a substantial increase in the frequency of chronic, complex diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and mental illness. The conventional medical system, which is practiced by most of today’s doctors, is focused on acute care, or the assessment and treatment of short-duration illness or trauma. For example, when a physician treats a patient with a broken leg or appendicitis, they apply prescribed, specific treatments such as surgery or drugs to treat the immediate symptom or problem.

However, the acute care focus of conventional medicine lacks the tools and methodology to treat and prevent chronic, complex conditions. In most instances, conventional treatments do not consider each person’s genetic makeup or factors like exposure to environmental toxins. In functional medicine, the doctor considers aspects of the modern lifestyle that directly affect patients’ chances of contracting a chronic disease.

Practitioners of functional medicine think outside the box, considering the intricate nature of interactions within a patient’s physiology, history, and lifestyle, which may cause illness or disease. Each person’s unique genetic composition is carefully considered, along with internal (spirit, body, and mind) and external (social and physical) factors that affect their total function.

In functional medicine, doctors integrate traditional medicinal practices with what are sometimes considered integrative or alternative medicine. Here, the doctor and patient focus on prevention via exercise, diet, and nutrition, as well as the use of lab testing and additional diagnostic methods. Finally, the doctor may use a mix of botanical and pharmaceutical medicines, supplements, diet therapy, detox programs, and stress management methods.

As stated previously, functional medicine’s focus is on the patient, and doctors promote health as something to strive for beyond merely being free of disease. By listening to patients and learning their stories, doctors can bring the patient further into the process and customize treatments to address each person’s individual needs.