As a way of understanding the differences in my practice style, let us look at the example of obesity.

Traditional Doctor’s Office Approach

In a traditional doctor’s office, diet would be discussed (hopefully) or at least a minimum you would be weighed and measured to determine a Body Mass Index (BMI). The doctor would then suggest that you lose weight and would provide a diet to follow. If you have developed complications from excess weight like diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea, then the doctor would most likely add medication or treatment until the complications were controlled.

Typical Functional Medicine Approach

A functional medical practitioner would likely assess your current health status and perform a thorough evaluation into your medical history to determine your unique needs. They would order testing to determine the underlying cause of existing symptoms, to determine a personal protocol tailored to your unique needs that would include measures such as a change in diet, stress reduction, mindfulness techniques, vitamin and herbal supplements and lifestyle recommendations, etc.

Functional medicine aims to address the root cause of a disease and treat the cause by optimizing bodily processes such as digestion, detoxification, immune function, energy regulation, and hormonal balance.

They would then see you back over a period of several months and likely retest to make ensure you have made progress.

Both Approaches Fall Short

I have problems with both approaches. Neither of them has taken into account the Creator of the Universe. Their techniques of medicines, yoga, and other stress reduction measures may help some but they do not deal with the issue of underlying sin.

God designed our bodies to hold extra calories very tightly so that they could be used when we did not have enough to eat. He has allowed science to understand the hormones and genetics involved in this process and can determine the cause of someone not maintaining a healthy weight.

With this example we need to be willing to look at all our behaviors and our diet critically and scripturally, to help us obey God in all aspects of our lives.

The Aim With This Practice

I will endeavor to center our lives in Christ to be obedient to the greatest commandment, seeking to make our health, like all aspects of our lives, honoring and glorifying to Him. I will make sure that root causes are found and will help you determine the best course of action for you as an individual as well as a family.

I will do everything in my power to help you reach your God given potential.

-Dr. Shere Conway