Functional Medicine Training for Physicians
If you’re interested in becoming a functional medicine physician, your timing couldn’t be better. The world is overflowing with patients seeking doctors who can go beyond conventional medical concepts and embrace the principles and practices of functional medicine.
What Is a Functional Medicine Physician?
A functional medicine physician looks at body “function” before the onset of disease. Functional medicine recognizes that organs, tissues, and cells often begin to function poorly long before a full disease process sets in.
By identifying and addressing dysfunction early, physicians can help patients avoid more serious illnesses and restore health at its foundation.
My Experience in Functional Medicine Training
I’ve been deeply involved in functional medicine training for physicians since 1997, and continue to devote my professional life to this work.
There are now many options for training, which can make it confusing for doctors to determine what program best fits their goals. Ultimately, it depends on what becoming a functional medicine physician means to you.
Defining Your Career Goals
Ask yourself:
- Do you want to practice functional medicine full-time or part-time?
- Do you plan to integrate functional medicine into your existing specialty, such as primary care or internal medicine?
- Or do you want to transition fully into running a functional medicine practice?
Some doctors simply dabble in functional medicine, offering general lifestyle advice, while others go deep—ordering specialized labs and addressing root causes through detailed, lab-driven protocols.
Functional medicine can range from nutrition-focused (like vegan or Paleo approaches) to advanced testing and treatment programs such as IV therapies, chelation, Lyme, or mold protocols.
Taking the First Step
Where I see the most potential functional medicine physicians is on the fence—interested, but unsure how to begin.
If that’s you, start by taking an online class or, even better, attend a live conference to experience the work firsthand. If it resonates with you, connect with a local practitioner who’s successfully practicing functional medicine. Take them to lunch, ask questions, and see if their journey inspires you.
Once you’re ready to commit, research training programs that align with your goals and learning style.
Choosing the Right Functional Medicine Training
At The Kalish Institute, we focus on practical, action-oriented learning—testing and treating patients as part of the curriculum. If that level of clinical immersion feels overwhelming, start with a more academic or conceptual course first.
Reputable organizations like IFM (Institute for Functional Medicine) and A4M (American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine) offer excellent entry points. IFM’s AFMCP (Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice) is a great week-long introduction to the field.
A Growing Need for Trained Practitioners
There’s currently a severe shortage of well-trained functional medicine physicians. If you’re considering this as a career move, now is the time to explore the path.
