Functional medicine takes a root-cause approach to health, focusing on how different biological systems—such as immune function, energy production, hormone balance, and gut health—interact. Instead of just managing symptoms, it identifies underlying imbalances and supports the body’s ability to heal. A key component is advanced investigate lab testing to gather precise data for personalized care.

Functional medicine is an approach, not a medical discipline. Any licensed medical provider can choose to study it, but not all training programs are equal. The gold standard certification is from the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), where practitioners train with leading medical and naturopathic doctors. Other programs are often based on a single educator’s curriculum, which maybe beneficial, but less comprehensive.

When choosing a functional medicine provider, check their certifications and medical license—some claim to practice functional medicine without formal training or certification, while others claim to practice without a medical license. See Dr. Laura’s certifications here

Dr. Laura will review your health goals, symptoms, and history, asking about your diet, movement, stress, sleep, and overall lifestyle. She also considers emotional, mental, and spiritual health, as everything is connected.

Your session will focus on detective work—putting together the puzzle pieces to understand your symptoms. At times, deeper discussions about your health journey may arise. By the end of the appointment, you’ll collaborate on which lab tests to order and initial action steps to take. Within a few days, you’ll receive clear, written notes with a practical, step-by-step plan.

Dr. Laura’s plans are simple, actionable, and personalized—she avoids overwhelming protocols. She typically starts with:

• Dietary modifications and gut health support
• Movement, sleep, and stress management recommendations
• Emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being support
• Targeted herbs and supplements (only if needed)

As a certified nutritionist and licensed herbalist, Dr. Laura carefully selects supplements to address deficiencies or provide therapeutic results—without overloading you.

Dr. Laura often sees patients who have been put on long, overwhelming supplement lists by other practitioners. Her approach is to keep it minimal, ensuring that each supplement has a clear purpose and timeline.

She also supports patients who prefer to get everything from food. However, in some cases, food alone may not be enough to achieve results.

Functional medicine is a process, not a one-time visit. Most patients see Dr. Laura every 4–6 weeks until they reach their goals. This is why she created the Monthly Healing Program.

Complex gut or immune cases may require more sessions, especially if the condition is longstanding.

Most people need 3–4 visits before moving to maintenance care.

Yes, she judicially orders functional lab tests to assess the gut microbiome, digestive function, food sensitivities, intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”), and hormones. She also orders expanded versions of “regular” bloodwork.

No, Dr. Laura does not prescribe pharmaceuticals or HRT. She works with herbal medicine and supplements under her license. However, she does:

Support the body’s ability to metabolize pharmaceuticals and minimize side effects

Advise patients on prescription medications and HRT options