Integrative / Functional Medicine / Complementary NP's

[aet111]

Hi,

I'm considering getting my Masters to be a NP (FNP or PMHNP). I'm a RN, BSN. My background is in wellness, nutrition, stress management, etc. I'm interested in integrative medicine (the mix of western medicine and complementary medicine), functional medicine, and other healthy living approaches. Wondering if there any NP's among us who share these interests and are involved in these focuses within their practices. If you are out there, I would LOVE to hear from you!!!

[ambersmiles]

Wondering if you've ever found an answer?? :)

[Joebird21]

I think a lot of people could benefit from reading this.....

Functional medicine: The ultimate misnomer in the world of integrative medicine – Science-Based Medicine

[dbzk]

It's best to pursue an APRN, then certification through the Institute for Functional Medicine The Institute for Functional Medicine | Information and educational seminars and conferences on functional medicine.. The University of Western States Masters in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine program is excellent. I'm graduating now. However, most FM practices require IFM certification. Unfortunately, IFM recently changed certification qualifications. They no longer certify RNs, even with a Masters in Nutrition, only APRNs and Registered Dietician Nutritionists. This was not the case when I started my Master's program, so I'm disappointed to be left in no man's land. FM is a new field and many insurance policies do not yet reimburse, causing FM to be a luxury many cannot afford. Only time will tell the future. Currently, FM care is out of pocket, expensive and very competitive. This is a field for independent highly motivated clinicians willing to make things happen for themselves. I recommend this website Dr. Jeffrey Bland to learn more. Research is underway at the Cleveland Clinic center for Functional Medicine, for cost effective ways to integrate FM into conventional care. They are working on models with insurance companies. Functional Medicine | Cleveland Clinic. Hopefully the FM model will become mainstreamed. It really works for chronic illness.

[dbzk]

It's best to pursue an APRN, then certification through the Institute for Functional Medicine The Institute for Functional Medicine | Information and educational seminars and conferences on functional medicine.. The University of Western States Masters in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine program is excellent. I'm graduating now. However, most FM practices require IFM certification. Unfortunately, IFM recently changed certification qualifications. They no longer certify RNs, even with a Masters in Nutrition, only APRNs and Registered Dietician Nutritionists. This was not the case when I started my Master's program, so I'm disappointed to be left in no man's land. FM is a new field and many insurance policies do not yet reimburse, causing FM to be a luxury many cannot afford. Only time will tell the future. Currently, FM care is out of pocket, expensive and very competitive. This is a field for independent highly motivated clinicians willing to make things happen for themselves. I recommend this website Dr. Jeffrey Bland to learn more. Research is underway at the Cleveland Clinic center for Functional Medicine, for cost effective ways to integrate FM into conventional care. They are working on models with insurance companies. Functional Medicine | Cleveland Clinic. Hopefully the FM model will become mainstreamed. It really works for chronic illness.