Functional Medicine in Philadelphia Area

Functional Medicine in Philadelphia Area

Functional medicine has been around for almost three decades now, yet many people and prospective patients that could possibly benefit from its use have never even heard of its existence before, nor know precisely what it really is if they have previously heard the term.

What Exactly Is Functional Medicine?

Basically, functional medicine is a form of "Integrative Medicine" that intensively focuses on the actual "root causes" of diseases and illnesses. Based on the interactions between the environment and the patient's endocrine, immune and gastrointestinal systems, a certified practitioner can then develop an "individualized" treatment plan for each specific patient. Another way to define what the practice is medically is simply to point out that the approach of Functional Medicine is to determine the "how and why" an illness occurs and then restore a patient's health by addressing the root causes of the disease for that individual patient.

By addressing the root cause, rather than just treating the symptoms, practitioners may find out that one condition has many different causes and, likewise, one cause may result in many different conditions. As a result, Functional Medicine treatment targets the specific manifestations of a disease in each particular and individual patient.

Proponents of functional medicine are known for questioning and sometimes opposing the established medical community knowledge and models, instead adopting a model of disease based on the notions of "antecedents", "triggers", and "mediators". These are meant to correspond to the disease's underlying causes, the immediate causes, and the particular characteristics of a patient's illness respectively. A functional medicine practitioner will then devise a "matrix" from these which then acts as the basis for the patient's individualized treatment plan.

A Brief History of Functional Medicine

The practice was basically started in 1991 when introduced by its founder chemist Jeffrey Bland. Along with Susan Bland, Jeffrey founded the Institute for Functional Medicine in 1991 as a division of his HealthComm Company that specialized in the manufacturing of metabolism and weight loss products. At first they were met with resistance from various established medical experts and institutions as a "pseudoscience" whose basic concepts, treatments, and practices were generally not supported by medical "evidence". However, after numerous documented patient successes and testimonials, plus the establishment of Centers for Functional Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and at George Washington University, the practice quickly gained widespread acceptance throughout the majority of medical professionals and practitioners in the US.

What is the Kalish Institute of Functional Medicine?

Founded in 2006 by Dan Kalish, DC, IFMCP, the Kalish Institute is the "Gold Standard" training program dedicated to building Integrative and Functional Medicine practices through clinical experience and courses. The Kalish Institute has helped develop practice models for over 1,000 practitioners world-wide. Graduates of The Kalish Institute include practitioners ranging from the Director of Integrative Medicine at Mayo Clinic to Cleveland Clinic Functional Medicine physicians.

The Kalish Method™ focuses on The Three Body Systems™ – Neuroendocrine, GI and Detox. It uses three types of lab tests, a very specific series of natural supplements, patient communication techniques, and practice management tools, to enable practitioners to manage common chronic health conditions in their patients.

After aligning with the Institute of Functional Medicine, the Kalish Institute became the most respected name in Functional Medicine education and practice procedures. Bruce Sloane, MD, FACS of Philadelphia Urology Associates is just one example of a renowned physician who underwent their extensive training program and is Certified by the Kalish Institute to practice Functional Medicine in the Philadelphia area.

About Philadelphia Urology Associates

At Philadelphia Urology Associates, you will receive expert and experienced guidance and care. We understand what you're going through and will "gently" guide you through what are, unfortunately, extremely intimate and personal health matters. Dr. Bruce Sloane and the entire staff will do whatever is possible to help you.

Dr. Bruce Sloane is a nationally renowned specialist in Men's Health issues and Age Management Medicine. Dr. Sloane also underwent an extensive training program and is Certified by the Kalish Institute to practice Functional Medicine in the Philadelphia area. Throughout Philadelphia County and the surrounding areas like Delaware County, patients seek his expertise and advice to treat their urological problems such as erectile dysfunction and other sexual performance issues. Using state-of-the-art equipment and having extensive specialized education and training, Dr. Sloane will find the treatments and solutions that will work for you.

If you have any questions about the treatments available for any urological disorders, we urge you to contact us now online or call us at (215) 563-1199 today to discuss how we can help you!