I found Dr. Joanne Pizzino in Raleigh, NC by following the "find a doctor" link on the Ultrawellness Center website. She is exactly what you describe, and her functional approach has changed my life. A year ago I thought I was at the end of my rope, but thanks to Dr. Pizzino's methods I have rediscovered health and vitality. Here's her site:

http://www.whole-health-solutions.com/index.html

I am a medical provider wanting to practice functional medicine. I am currently obtaining my masters in human nutrition. living in upstate new york, we are limited in providers of functional medicine. i would like to find one not only to obtain healthcare from myself, but to network with.

I am a medical provider wanting to practice functional medicine. I am currently obtaining my masters in human nutrition. living in upstate new york, we are limited in providers of functional medicine. i would like to find one not only to obtain healthcare from myself, but to network with.

i am a patient of Dr. David Perlmutter's in naples, Florida. He is awesome and practices functional medicine. He is also a board certified neurologist. He runs a very streamlined, organized practice and I was very happy with my treatment.

I sufer from chronic sinusitis with frequent infections, allergies, migrains, acid reflex, arthritis, extremely severe menopose symptoms, hair loss, skin irritation, nail chipping, irregular sleep pattern, some blackouts. As bad as it sounds, some of the symptoms are getting better since I started your detox diet found on your ultrawellness book. I also went to my doctor to request a thyroid test after I read your article and discovered I suffer most of the symptoms described there for the past 2 years. I had that test 2 years ago and it came back normal. This time we agreed to take the next steps we missed the first time, as you recommend it, if it came normal again. However, when the results came back normal again he refused to take the next 2 steps because he though weren't necessary and I was reading too much into your book that there were no natural ways to stop aging and the symptoms that come with it, that should accept them and take the continuing taking the poison he prescribed. I told him that I would be looking for another doctor because many of the prescriptions were making feel worst and some of them make me feel weak or almost pass out. I have been looking for a doctor with same or similar practice as yours with no avail.

Dr. Hyman, you seem to truly want to help people and I admire and respect that! Good for you! Keep up the good work! I FULLY believe in functional medicine. It works! Maybe your practice is reasonable or treatments are covered by insurance, but it is beyond reach to so many, though, because the testing and treatments are SO expensive and my experience was that they were not covered by insurance. The doctor I went to demanded payment in full at the time of service and wouldn't file insurance for you. It's a shame that there is real help out there, but many cannot afford it. A woman was at the front desk of this doctor's office, in tears, because she desparately needed the help and couldn't afford it. There response was basically "too bad". What a society we live in today! I need functional medicine, again, but I don't even try because of the cost. It shouldn't be like that!

I have been successfuly practicing functional medicine in Seatle for 8 years, and I, to have patients fly in from all over the world. I am a nurse practitioner with full diagnosing and prescribing licensing to function in the same role as an MD. Please call 206-760-9266 or see my website if you would like my help.

Dr. Hyman - your work is truly remarkable. Thank you.
I am one of a growing number of Holistic Health Counselors that are working hard to bring some assistance in this deficient world of health and wellness. I say deficient not because there are not good people out there, but deficient because as you already point out there are few resources for people to find the right kind of help. I myself was not fully aware of this growing field of Holistic Health Counselors until I decided to pursue my own studies more intensely. As a holistic counselor - we are not licensed physicians nor registered dietitians, but instead are well educated and interested professionals that counsel people on healthy food and lifestyle habits. Our on-going goal is to work alongside the medical practitioners and improve the health of our joint clients so that we can limit (or better, eliminate) the need for greater medical intervention.
Dr. Hyman, you were a guest lecturer this February at the Institute I attend where a large number of professionals are training to be great Holistic Health Counselors. Your presentation was very useful and insightful. My question to you is this:
Where would you recommend we look to get the attention of those elusive practitioners that are also trying to accomplish the same goals? AND
How do we get the support and create partnerships with the practitioners that are interested in more holistic approaches so that we can work together for the benefit of our clients?
Thank you again for your exemplary work. You are a mentor and guide to many.
Best,
Arianna, HHC
www.atimetonourish.com

I highly recommend Tanya Edwards, MD at the Cleveland Clinic. Here are her qualificatons: Residency - University of Cincinnati Medical Center/University Hospital Cincinnati OH
other education: B.S. - Michigan State University East Lansing MI
M.A.,ED. - Case Western Reserve University Cleveland OH
specialty interests: integrative medicine, family medicine.
She has helped me with many conditions such as skin rashes, joint pain, sinus drainage, hypothyroid, mood swings, etc. She takes nutrition seriously, and she will LISTEN to you. She is not accepting new patients, however you can get a consult with her at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Integrative Medicine. The cost is $250, and is not covered by insurance.

Answers to all your questions:

I am not currently see a doctor who specializes in Functional Medicine yet, but eager to find one, like you.

Lucky enough that my current doctor is open to this type of medicine. If not, I will definitely change to one does.

Yes, I do plan on seeing you or another practitioner of Functional Medicine in the future. I've had a couple email communications with your staff (Thanks for Kathie's respondes). I've been trying to find out where do you practice. Thanks you for today's communication which disclosed your contact information other than email.

I am an acupuncturist and have primary care status in California, I write to inform you and the public that there are practitioners other than MDs who are equipped and well-informed to practice functional medicine and have been applying what's in your books for years already. I love your books, and found having all the info in one place great, for me and for patients to read and learn. I hope there can be more emphasis on how naturopaths and acupuncturists and other Complementary and Alternative Medicine practitioners play a significant role in teaching people how to eat and live a healthy life.

I am interested in functional medicine. As a nurse practitioner, I see the ravages of improper lifestyle (diet, exercise, spirituality) daily. I cannot afford to attend the IFM seminar, it is priced way beyond my CME budget. I can't help but think that if IFM is truly interested in training more pracitioners, they would make their training affordable.

Dr. Hyman,

Yes, I've seen a functional medicine doctor in my area for some time. He has not been able to help me with my struggle with reflux. I now have erosions in my esophagus and have given in and am currently taking a ppi to try to heal the erosions. I also went to a fasting center in Ohio and did a 35 day water-only fast. Although I felt great at the end of the fast, it also did not stop the reflux. I've also checked in to possibly seeing Dr. Billica who does FM in Colorado. Thats' as far as I've gotten, but no one has been able to help me thus far

Excellent news for those suffering from symptoms of metabolic stress (e.g., difficulty focusing; moodiness; unhealthy cholesterol or blood pressure; glucose and insulin imbalance; difficulty controlling weight; lack of energy) or those who have advanced to metabolic syndrome, a potential precurser to obesity; heart disease; cancer; stroke; diabetes; macular degeneration). BioNovix,Inc. recently patented a highly bioavailable form of xanthohumol, called MeridiumXN. This powerful remedy for metabolic imbalance works at the molecular level to help eliminate metabolic waste and toxins from our body. Consumers report benefits such as: lower cholesterol and blood pressure; better sleep; regular bowel movements; improved eyesight; better mental clarity; a "sense of wellness" and better weight control. While we may have difficulty reducing stress, we can do something in the face of it now!
www.morebionovix.com

I see medicine being a successful area to get involved in and the future brings opportunities closer to you than ever.

I have worked with a holistically oriented physician and a chiropractor for several years, but this is new information to them as well as to me. Your clinic is too far (the opposite coast), so I am going to have to learn how to evaluate some of the people on the Functional Medicine database, and seek out additional help, particularly if I want any of the advanced testing you recommend in your book. At least I don't feel as totally alone, thanks to the Internet resources you have made available.

I have worked with a holistically oriented physician and a chiropractor for several years, but this is new information to them as well as to me. Your clinic is too far (the opposite coast), so I am going to have to learn how to evaluate some of the people on the Functional Medicine database, and seek out additional help, particularly if I want any of the advanced testing you recommend in your book. At least I don't feel as totally alone, thanks to the Internet resources you have made available.

Dear Dr. Hyman,

I currently do not see a doctor that practices Functional Medicine. I looked up the two that are in my area and called them. Although, I suffer from several health issues, my main concern is my four year old son. Neither of the doctors in my area see children under the age of 8. I was devastated when I heard this. My son suffers from Asthma, Eczema, extreme perspiration, scalp itching, allergies, 24/7 stuffy/runny nose. He has had 4 bronchitis and 3 pnemonias in less than two years. Just writing about it puts me in tears. We have tried a vast number of medecines and other treatments but to this day nothing has truly helped my son. Many times I feel helpless and wish I could take all his pain/discomfort away. We live in the mid states and your office is a distance away but next year we might be seeing you instead of a trip to Disney World. I'm certain it will be well worth it.

Sincerely,
Veronica

My husband and I are both on day 4 of the UltraSimple Diet. He has rashes on his extremities and itches. I noted in the "UltraSimple Diet" book that one of the side effects is itching, but it's beginning to look like he has poison ivy.

Has anyone else experienced itching like this?

I cannot hear - I am deaf myself. I wonder if you have included open captions in your video lessons?

Thank You.

I called your facility "way back" when your book and blogs started but had no reply from anyone...I had called to see if you were taking patients still. So, I assumed you were not. However, it is now looking like you may be. I am North of Albany, NY. There is a wonderful health practitioner in Schenectady, NY. Her name is Anne DeRocher. You might find her a terrific resource and vice versa. Interesting that you don't want this entry because I have submitted too many times...this is my first submission, the other was a phone call.

Dear Mark,
I recently bought all three books, and I am trying to access the information tests, and check list for starting the ultimate simple diet but cannot seem to get it I have downloaded acrobat and still no success of seeing the information that your book suggests. What can be done? I am already starting the diet but would like the printable version of what is in the book so that I can write out my progress in bigger letters.
Thank you if you can help me soon.
Frustrated dieter on wait.

I thought I was addressing a private e-mail at your facility not being added to a blog. Please check the e-mail and remove mine. Thank you.

I live in Fort Myers, FL am looking for an MD in the area that practices functional medicine. I am delighted to hear about your success with Dr Perlmutter. Does he take insurance? Thank you!

I notice from your ultrametabolism update that hypothyroidism is a huge problem in America.

You need look no further than fluoride in the drinking water for a major cause for this.

Fluoride used to be used as a treatment for hyperthyroidism because it lowers thyroid function so effectively.

Losing weight might be a bit more complicated than just stopping drinking fluoridated water, but it has to help.

Rio

I ordered your book back on 5/14: order #1001260125. When is it going to be delivered?

This is like a breath of fresh air. I remember hearing health food store owners in the 1970s talking about how it is the condition of our own system that allows disease to either find a home or not. Since that time we have seen the increase in intrusive medicine, constantly forcing drugs onto us that have harmful side effects or even cause death. This has gotten out of control. It's time that what you are calling "Functional Medicine" goes mainstream, and very quickly. We need this in our society NOW!

so is there a list of doctors in each state that practice this functional medicine like Dr. Hyman? I live in Buffalo New York and would like a name or two.

I tried to take the survey, but on the third step, there are 6 ranking-type answers, but only 5 numbers to choose from. I could not finish the survey, because it would not let me go past that step. Sorry!

Dear Docs:

I have had psoriasis for decades. I've licked it twice.
1)In 1985, after meeting with "Alan," I went on Natural Hygiene (aka Fit For Life II), strictly, and the psoriasis--already with me 11 years--disappeared in 3 months, along with 30 unnecessary pounds. Then I went off the wagon, and both came back.
2)In 1994, I got into a sexual relationship with an "advanced" spiritual teacher. After 4 months with her, the psoriasis had all gone but a dime size spot on my left side. We split up. In a few weeks it was all back. Go figure.
The Natural Hygiene method seems simpler than your system, and I'm not sure my will alone will keep me on either one. (I am out of communication with Alan.)

Also, I have had--for about two years--a thickened sensation in the lower surface of all my 61-year-old toes, as if they'd become little sandbags. Also I have more tired foot pain than in previous years. [That all started after a particular gout bout--which I get in my right big toe every two years or so, and nowhere else. When the swelling and pain subsided that time, the sandbags remained.] Any ideas about that?

Thanks.
Eric

PS: I'm a 77 in your long questionnaire, and a 27 on belly/hip ratio.

I use reduced glutathione at the recomm. of
the Institute for Health Realities in Colorado Springs. Break open a capsule under tongue w/lemon water. Also good to take when getting a cold. Works wonders.

I have the Leiden Factor V (five)Mutation....Does this condition cause extreme fatigue? Also, I have many small nodules under the skin (some deeper than others)and there is soreness in all those areas. (Does fibromyalgia cause those symptoms?)