Millions of people across the world have lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 induced pandemic. However, the digital world brings hope for new opportunities. Business concepts based on digital platforms that once didn’t attract much clientele, today seem to flourish and thrive economically. Take, for instance, online learning platforms as a concept. How many institutes or learning platforms really profited out of such models?
But today, the scenario has taken a 360-degree turn. Every institute has resorted to e-learning, and every individual has come to terms with this new normal. Similarly, new concepts and business models are being born, although out of necessity, but have immense scope for the future. One such interesting concept is Functional Medicine. Although this concept has been existing for some time now in countries like the US and UK, it is fairly new to India and holds a key to new opportunities in coming times. Elyse Wagner, Founder and Chief Wellness Officer, Functional Medicine Coaching Academy sheds light on the concept and explains ways by which people can become a certified Functional Medicine coach.
What is Functional Medicine, and what is its proof of concept?
Functional Medicine asks how and why illness occurs and restores health by addressing the root causes of diseases for each individual. The Functional Medicine model is an individualised, patient-centred, science-based approach that empowers patients and practitioners to work together to address the underlying causes of diseases and promote optimal wellness. It relies on a detailed understanding of each patient’s genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors and leverages that data to direct personalised treatment plans that lead to improved patient outcomes.
Functional Medicine coaching: Our coaches come to us from all over the globe with a range of different backgrounds. Many of them leave the programme and tend to either open up a private practice (virtual or in-person), work with a Functional Medicine practitioner or doctor on a collaborative care team and/or provide support or programming in the corporate wellness world.
Roy Hall, MD – a Functional Medicine trained doctor, who sees patients for diabetes, arthritis, autoimmune and thyroid issues, hormones, and other conditions, has his network of FMCA-trained health coaches who remotely work for his platform and they have created an incredibly effective strategy for collaborating and communicating via his EMR.
Adding a health coach has made a tremendous difference. People get well faster. I would never go back to not having a coach. It just does not makes sense to me. When I look back on our first year, I feel kind of sorry for our clients because they missed out.
Does this concept involve a collaborative approach to help patients?
Yes, by nature, coaches are trained to collaborate with clients and practitioners. They take a client-centred approach and help them get to where they want to be.
What does a Functional Medicine coach do? What are the benefits of working with a functional health coach?
Functional Medicine health coaches know there’s more to a healthy lifestyle than fad diets and unsustainable exercise regimens. There’s a gap between what clients know they need to do to be healthy and the intrinsic motivation they need to actually make and sustain those changes. Coaches bridge that gap.
