COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 85
He earned his ND and went on to publish foundational works such
as Signs and Symptoms Analysis from a Functional Perspective and
Blood Chemistry and CBC Analysis [8][10].
In 2001, he launched OptimalDX, a software platform now used by
clinicians and universities worldwide to enhance lab-based
diagnostics. You'll learn more about it in this program [8][10].
Dr. Jolene Brighten
A licensed naturopathic doctor and functional medicine expert
specializing in hormonal health, fertility, and post-birth control
syndrome. She earned her ND and became known for her
bestselling books Beyond the Pill and Is This Normal?. You’ll find
these books in our DFM Amazon Storefront. Dr. Brighten is a
leading voice in integrative women's health [6][15].
Functional Medicine Today
Today, functional medicine spans disciplines including MDs, NDs,
DCs, RDs, nurses, and certified health coaches [1][6][2][3].
The movement is defined by its systems biology focus,
commitment to root-cause resolution, and personalization based
on genetics, labs, and lifestyle [6][9][14].
It continues evolving alongside microbiome science, detox
pathways, mitochondrial health, and precision nutrition
[6][17][16][18]. As the field gains recognition, more academic
institutions are incorporating functional medicine principles into
their curricula [2][10].
Recent research has demonstrated improved outcomes for
chronic disease management using functional medicine
approaches compared to conventional care models [14][11].
Studies have shown particular promise in addressing autoimmune
conditions [17][13], metabolic disorders [9][15], and gut-related
pathologies [10][18].
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