What is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the health care needs of the 21st century. By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, functional medicine addresses the whole person,not just an isolated set of symptoms. Functional medicine practitioners spend time with their patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental,and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease. In this way, functional medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual.
Patient Testimony
Re: Visit Dr. Scott for ANSWERS!
I brought my 4-year old daughter into Dr. Scott’s office for allergy testing after months of illness and lack of responsiveness from her pediatrician. Dr. Scott listened to both her health history and mine and then started the testing process. It turns out that BOTH of us need to be gluten and dairy free and have additional food sensitivities. After removing gluten and dairy did not solve my problems, another test was run and we learned I also had systemic yeast. After 10+ years of being told there was nothing wrong and it was “in my head,” I had real answers. Both my daughter and I are healthier than ever and I have lost 45 lb in 6 months! I’d recommend Dr. Scott Vander Wielen to anyone! He and his wife Christine are wonderful!
– Jessica A.
Appleton, WI
Why Do We Need Functional Medicine?
Our Society is experiencing a sharp increase in the number of people who suffer from complex, chronic diseases,such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental illness, and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.
The system of medicine practiced by most physicians is oriented toward acute care, the diagnosis and treatment of trauma or illness that is of short duration and in need of urgent care, such as appendicitis or a broken leg. Physicians apply specific, prescribed treatments such as drugs or surgery that aim to treat the immediate problem or symptom.
Unfortunately, the acute-care approach to medicine lacks the proper methodology and tools for preventing and treating complex, chronic disease. In most cases it does not take into account the unique genetic makeup of each individual or factors such as environmental exposures to toxins and the aspects of today’s lifestyle that have a direct influence on the rise in chronic disease in modern Western society.
There’s a huge gap between research and the way doctors practice. The gap between emerging research in basic sciences and integration into medical practice is enormous—as long as 50 years— particularly in the area of complex, chronic illness.
Most physicians are not adequately trained to assess the underlying causes of complex, chronic disease and to apply strategies such as nutrition, diet, and exercise to both treat and prevent these illnesses in their patients.