Collaborative Medicine

This week's topic: MCAS Overview Test your knowledge on MCAS! Which 3 systems are particularly sensitive to mast cell degranulation? When anti-histamines don't help in a patient with persistent flushing, what common over-the-counter treatment can you try before a prescription? You suspect a patient has MCAS, but all diagnostic testing comes back normal. What are 4 plausible reasons for the normal results? Overview of today's email: MCAS Overview Resources for taking a deeper dive into MCAS...

This week's topic: Tips on Building a Knowledge-base Like many in functional medicine, I always feel like I need to know more. I'm even behind on rewatching videos from conference from 2 years ago! Sound familiar? When I was seeing 8-12 patients a day at a previous functional medicine job, I realized I couldn't deliver efficient, high-quality care without organized support. So I created a "Knowledge-base" which I use for quick access, and link my notes from conferences to the knowledge-base...

This week's topic: Functional Medicine & Surgery Like many in the functional medicine space, I’m both a patient and a clinician. Going through 2 surgeries at the end of last year forced me to reflect on the nuances of - and how we can influence - the process of healing. The back story: I twisted my knee early in 2025, and despite PT and integrative therapies, my knee kept locking. An MRI showed a complex meniscus tear, and I made the choice to have surgery in November. My second surgery was...

This week's topic: Glucose Dynamics Have you seen situations that didn't make sense? Elevated fasting glucose in someone who leads a very healthy lifestyle A hemoglobin A1c of 5.7% that doesn't make sense with fasting glucose of 85 Weight gain in a patient whose metabolic labs look "perfect" Overview of today's email: Glucose Dynamics Clinical tips Save the dates! If you've ever attended a webinar, but struggled to apply what you learned in practice, join me for a 2-week intensive where we'll...

This week's topic: Mercury and Human Health Are you well-versed in the health effects of mercury? There are 3 primary forms of mercury; which form can cross the BBB and affect the brain? What molecule in fish complexes with methylmercury (MeHg) and may prevent mercury from being absorbed? Which is the best method for evaluating MeHg body burden: blood, urine, or hair? Which form of mercury does DMSA or DMPS mobilize best? You can find the answers to the above questions below! To prepare for...

This week's topic: Impact of Arsenic on Health Are you well-versed in the health effects of chronic arsenic exposure and how this can impact your patients? In which common diagnoses might it be good to evaluate for chronic arsenic toxicity? Which is more toxic: inorganic or organic forms of arsenic? What is the top source of arsenic in the U.S.? What is a key biological process that is required for effective arsenic excretion? I took a deep dive into the literature, especially with regards to...

This week's topic: Impact of Lead on Health Are you well-versed in the health effects of lead? In which common diagnoses might it be good to evaluate for acute and chronic lead toxicity? Where is most lead stored in the body? What are the top 3 most common sources of lead in the U.S.? Is there a chelation agent that is better for removing lead from the brain? Read the email for answers to these questions (and learn more)! Overview of today's email: Lead and health Practical clinical tips on...

This week's topic: Tips for Testing Heavy Metals Diving into environmental medicine today, and discussing heavy metal testing! Overview of today's email: Brief review of heavy metals Practical clinical tips for testing 1. Overview of heavy metals Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements that are high density ("heavy"), and can be essential or toxic. Examples of "essential" heavy metals include zinc, copper, and manganese. Toxic heavy metals include mercury, cadmium, and arsenic. As with...

This week's topic: IBD Gastrointestinal symptoms or conditions are one of the top reasons that patients seek out Functional Medicine care, and IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) is one of those conditions. Overview of today's email: Overview of IBD Root causes to consider Practical clinical tips Did you know I launched a mentorship earlier this year? In this (intentionally) small collaborative community, I aim to get to know each member and their unique challenges as we navigate the nuances of...

This week's topic: Chronic Diarrhea/Loose Stools Overview of today's email: Definition and overview of diarrhea Potential causes Practical clinical tips Did you know I launched a mentorship earlier this year? In this (intentionally) small collaborative community, I aim to get to know each member and their unique challenges as we navigate the nuances of real-world functional medicine. Click on one of the buttons below to learn more about the FMC and/or apply! I Want to Learn More I'm Ready to...