Medicine Redefined

Though acute care remains vital for saving lives, the focus must increasingly shift towards chronic and preventive care to address the alarming statistics we face today. As a cardiothoracic physician assistant involved in some of the most invasive procedures—such as sawing open the breastbone to expose the heart for life-saving surgeries—I have seen firsthand the profound impact these interventions can have. While these surgeries are undeniably beneficial, the recovery process is painful, and the impact affects every system in the body. Often, the need for such invasive measures can be linked to lifestyle and health choices that might be mitigated through preventive care.

Preventive measures are crucial for improving long-term health outcomes and reducing the incidence of conditions that lead to invasive procedures. It’s essential to move beyond the conventional approach of managing chronic conditions with medications that address symptoms while often requiring additional drugs to counteract side effects. This cycle raises a critical question: Are these medications genuinely enhancing health, or are they merely perpetuating the behaviors that contributed to the illness in the first place? Moreover, if patients on these medications still require surgery, it begs the question of whether the medications are truly effective or if a shift towards preventive care might offer better outcomes. To foster long-term well-being and address the root causes of health issues, we must evaluate whether our current approach is truly effective.

As a medical provider and a mother, I am deeply concerned about the overall well-being of individuals in the U.S., particularly our children growing up in a system heavily influenced by pharmaceutical companies and large food corporations. These entities often promote ultra-processed foods and utilize chemicals and pesticides that can harm our cells and undermine our health, prioritizing profits over the well-being of the population they serve. This troubling trend affects not only our immediate health but also the future of our children, making it crucial to address these issues and advocate for healthier, more sustainable practices.

Simply by opting for whole, minimally processed foods, supporting local and organic farming, and staying informed about the products we use, we can significantly reduce the risk of conditions that can lead to such invasive procedures. Taking these individual actions allows us to take control of our health and contribute to a culture of well-being. Our collective, informed choices can help prevent the need for extreme medical interventions, ultimately fostering a healthier future for ourselves and our children.

I am deeply passionate about uncovering the molecular and biochemical foundations of disease. I believe that many health issues arise from a single underlying cause, rather than being categorized as separate diseases based on their location in the body. Our medical system often falls short by directing patients to specialists who focus solely on treating symptoms in specific areas, without addressing the root cause of the problem. This approach frequently leads to symptom management rather than a resolution of the underlying issue. 

My frustration with navigating a flawed system, where real change often seems elusive, ignites my passion to educate myself and others. This determination drives me to seek solutions and collaborate with those who understand the need for systemic reform. Although broad changes are necessary for comprehensive impact, focusing on immediate improvements is essential. I am heartened by the pioneering efforts already advancing awareness and am hopeful that these initiatives will lead to meaningful progress in the future.

We all have a birthright to live vibrantly, to thrive, and to experience joy and well-being. Unfortunately, flawed systems often undermine this fundamental right. Through industrialization, technology, and the prevalence of ultra-processed foods, we've lost touch with the natural process of living respectfully with the land and animals. We are misguided by the busyness of everyday life and often fail to realize how dramatically simple practices, such as placing our feet on the earth and basking in natural sunlight, can positively impact our cellular health on a molecular level. Moreover, we are influenced by technologies that disrupt our well-being, such as electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which can negatively affect our cells. We have also drifted from the ancestral wisdom that once guided us toward graceful aging, free from pain and filled with peace. In this process, we have forgotten the awe and appreciation for the role that whole, nourishing foods play as cellular energy sources for our bodies, and the gratitude for the work required to bring these foods to our tables. At Wisdom of Ages Institute of Functional Medicine, I am passionate about guiding you to reclaim this birthright and rediscover a path to holistic health and true vitality.

I invite you to join me on a journey to reclaim our strength and restore our health—mental, emotional, and physical—for ourselves and future generations. In a world that often complicates life, let’s return to simplicity and embrace the abundant joys that come with it, even amidst modern challenges. By reconnecting with our roots and heeding ancient wisdom, we can drive meaningful change, to correct our medical understanding and emphasize prevention over merely masking symptoms.