My journey from Ophthalmology to Functional Medicine

My journey to Functional Medicine was through a crisis in my family. A family member got very sick and almost died. He was only 17, just starting his life. He became very ill while on a youth period of service. He suddenly developed type 1 diabetes and profound, debilitating neurological symptoms that baffled every doctor he saw. He was seen extensively at prestigious medical centers, including Mayo Clinic, without receiving a diagnosis or relief from enigmatic, generalized symptoms. For two years he was not able to go to school and for long stretches could not even get out of bed.

I was trained as an ophthalmologist and loved my job. In particular, I loved the magic of surgery that could restore vision to the blind. I spent much of my professional spare time helping to develop and improve systems of eye care in underserved parts of the world. However, I also saw many patients with chronic eye problems for which there was no easy cure. For many, relief of symptoms or slowing the inevitable deterioration of chronic diseases was all we could offer. I realized all medical specialities experienced chronic diseases for which the conventional approaches fell frustratingly short of success. Often, undesirable or even tragic side-effects are the norm.

For acute and surgical problems, we have great answers, but for chronic problems, not so much. I often had patients who would come to my office with a bag full of medications and a doctor for every ailment, still complaining that they were suffering. There had to be a better way. I was always interested in any evidence-based approach that might complement what I had to offer. My own study of nutrition was extensive, since medical school did not provide much education in that area. What I learned convinced my husband and me to adopt a healthier diet and lifestyle. I even developed an inflammatory problem of my own (uveitis) that baffled all the doctors I saw, but responded to an anti-inflammatory diet. Despite this, I did not seek answers in earnest until my family member got ill and the traditional medical system failed him. As I was seeking for answers, I came across Functional Medicine and started to take some courses. The more I learned the more convinced I became that this could help him.

In early 2020 when he was struggling to function, I planned to take him to Cleveland Clinic - the only academic medical center with a department in Functional Medicine. However, the pandemic made travel impossible. That is when I decided to apply what I was learning by delving into the Functional Medicine approach, and found to my astonishment that he gradually got better. It took many months, but he finally dramatically recovered and is now back to full activity, resuming his studies as an honor student.

As I was applying what I was learning, I recognized so many among my family and friends were suffering from their own chronic health issues and also seeking answers. As I shared my learning and applied the knowledge I was gaining, I realized that questions I harbored for most of my career were being answered and people were regaining health. I began to see from a new perspective - where all a person’s health issues were connected. Suddenly everything made sense and I could see more clearly. I knew then that we must pursue wellness instead of simply treating disease. I became passionate about learning as much as I could through the Institute for Functional Medicine.

Something else happened, too. As much as I loved my career, by this time I had given up doing surgery. What I was left with were mostly the chronic problems for which my traditional training only offered partial answers. These were important treatments, but from my new perspective, I realized they were incomplete. Without addressing underlying root causes, I could no longer practice my profession in the usual way. I could not "unsee" the new paradigm. A lifestyle/nutritional approach was not just desirable, it was indispensable if people were to get well.

Many of my colleagues have been surprised, and even skeptical about my new direction, feeling perhaps that I have abandoned the “standard of care.” Far from it - I honor all that I have learned and uphold the value of what mainstream medicine has to offer. I just no longer feel it is enough. A Functional Medicine approach seeks root causes and is more effective for chronic problems. Instead of taking a pill for every ill, it challenges both doctor and patient to enter into a true collaborative partnership to discover and address the underlying issues with a new awareness that will restore the body to balance and health.