COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 65
Introduction to Functional Medicine
A Message from Our Founder
Dear Student and Future Holistic Doctor,
By now, you've likely completed Science & Medicine and gained
essential foundational knowledge. The upcoming module marks a
shift4from a broad, general focus to developing expertise in a
specialized area of study, specifically functional medicine.
Why We Created the Doctorate of Functional Medicine
We’ve always featured aspects of functional medicine in our
programs, primarily through the works of pioneering naturopathic
physician Dr. Dicken Weatherby. Initially, this content was
embedded within Science & Medicine or Natural Medicine.
However, as our curriculum evolved and each holistic doctorate
became more streamlined and focused, it became clear that
functional medicine required its own dedicated track. Thus, the
Doctorate of Functional Medicine was established as a fully
independent program.
Functional medicine has long stood apart as a unique modality.
While Dr. Weatherby’s contributions have greatly shaped its
modern application, the philosophy and roots of functional
medicine predate his work. Each expert who contributes to this
field brings their own interpretation4defining best practices, lab
testing preferences, and what constitutes true
