As a naturopathic doctor and a believer in functional medicine, I aim to offer a different perspective on healthcare. Unlike conventional medicine, which tends to focus on alleviating symptoms with medications, functional medicine seeks to address the root cause of health problems by considering the totality of care – emotional, spiritual, and physical health. I believe that by implementing necessary changes in diet, nutrition, and exercise, we can transform our understanding of healing.
Advancements in technology have led to the rise of telemedicine, which has been especially valuable in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although telemedicine can initially seem impersonal compared to face-to-face doctor visits, through building connections and embracing the benefits of this technology, we can create communities that encourage accountability and help each other lead healthier lives.
Key Takeaways
- Functional medicine focuses on addressing the root cause of health problems through a holistic approach
- Telemedicine has expanded our ability to reach and help more people on their health journeys, connecting patients through video consultations
- Despite the remote nature of telemedicine, connections between patients and practitioners can still be personal and meaningful
Understanding Dr. Mark Sherwood and His Background
As a Christian, husband, and naturopathic doctor, I bring a unique perspective to health and wellness. My background includes being a professional baseball player, police officer for over two decades, and a member of the renowned Power Team. After going back to school, my wife Dr. Michelle and I teamed up to form the Functional Medical Institute based in Tulsa.
We’ve written three Amazon best-selling books and produced five full-length movies with the goal of influencing the world towards a different way of thinking about health. We practice functional medicine, which we like to call “true functional healing,” focusing not only on running tests and prescribing supplements but also on addressing emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects of wellbeing.
In recent times, the rise of telehealth has granted us the ability to broaden our reach and serve people across the United States. Through video chat consultations, we’re able to connect intimately with patients and build genuine connections, much like the connections we have with God.
It’s important to recognize the difference between telehealth and some telemedicine businesses that focus solely on prescribing medication. At our institute, we focus on more than medication, ensuring our patients receive holistic and personalized care, even through telehealth appointments.
In addition to telehealth consultations, we still utilize labs and blood work to gather necessary information about our patients. The convenience of technology allows us to serve not only our local community in Tulsa but also people across the country, creating a network of individuals who can support and encourage each other on their health journeys.
Understanding Functional Medicine
As a naturopathic doctor, I’m excited to share my perspective on functional medicine. Functional medicine is an approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of health issues, rather than simply treating symptoms with medications or supplements.
At our Functional Medical Institute, we go beyond what is commonly known as functional medicine and embrace a more comprehensive approach to healing that takes into account emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects of well-being. This includes diet, nutrition, and exercise, recognizing that it’s not just about eliminating certain things but also about incorporating beneficial practices into our lives.
Expanding our approach to care through telehealth has allowed us to reach a wider audience and support a greater number of individuals on their journey towards healing. Our telehealth services are different from many other telemedicine practices, as we strive to create a genuine connection with our patients, even if we’re not physically face-to-face. In this way, we can offer a more holistic and personalized approach to patient care.
We utilize various diagnostic tools, including bloodwork and lab tests, that are easily accessible regardless of the patient’s location. Telehealth is a valuable resource to support our mission of helping people transform their lives through functional medicine and true healing.
The Association Between Supplements and Food
In my experience with functional medicine and healing, I’ve noticed a significant connection between supplements and food. While conventional medicine may overlook the importance of nutrition, it’s evident that our dietary choices play a critical role in our overall health.
I believe that it’s essential to not only choose the right supplements but also to adopt a well-rounded approach that includes emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects. By focusing on diet, nutrition, and exercise, we can discover the true power of healing, rather than relying solely on medications.
To illustrate the importance of nutrition, let’s consider the following points:
- Balanced diet: A balanced diet is a foundation of good health. It provides our bodies with the necessary nutrients and minerals, which help support various functions and systems.
- Supplements: In some cases, supplements can help fill gaps in our nutrition, especially if our diets are lacking in specific nutrients. However, it’s important to choose high-quality, reputable supplements and to use them in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
- Individual needs: Our nutritional needs can vary based on factors like age, gender, and health conditions. It’s essential to work with a knowledgeable healthcare professional to determine the best dietary and supplement plan for your unique situation.
Through my work in telemedicine, I’ve connected with patients across the country and offered guidance on adopting healthier lifestyles that consider the association between supplements and food. By educating individuals on proper nutrition, we can collectively promote a more holistic approach to healthcare and healing.
Introduction to Telemedicine
As a medical professional, I have seen the emergence of telemedicine as a valuable tool for connecting with patients, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine, or telehealth, as I often call it, utilizes technology such as video chat to allow one-on-one interactions between patients and medical professionals.
I have come to embrace telemedicine; it gives me the ability to connect with people all around the country. As long as I maintain eye contact with my patients and show genuine interest in their lives, I find that video consultations can create a strong bond just as in-person visits do.
Our approach to telemedicine is different from some services that focus solely on the prescription of medications. For us, it is about establishing a relationship with our patients and understanding their entire well-being, including their emotional and spiritual health.
The use of technology such as sharing screens during video consultations and ordering blood tests all around the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, has allowed us to bring functional medicine to remote areas. This enables us to create communities of patients who support each other, ultimately fostering a commitment to wellness and personal growth.
In conclusion, telemedicine has created a new platform for patient care with the potential for great impact, both on individual patients and on the healthcare system as a whole. It is important, however, to approach telemedicine with a focus on holistic care rather than solely on prescription medications. By doing so, we deliver true healing and positive change.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Telemedicine
Telemedicine, also known as telehealth, has quickly gained popularity in recent years. As a practitioner of functional medicine, I have embraced this technology and utilized it to provide care for patients all around the country. However, like any medical tool, telemedicine has its pros and cons. Here, I briefly discuss these advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
1. Accessibility: Telemedicine allows me to connect with patients wherever they may be, which means people in remote or underserved areas can receive quality healthcare without having to travel long distances.
2. Convenience: Patients can schedule consultations at their convenience and consult with me from the comfort of their own home.
3. Expanded Scope of Influence: The rise of telemedicine has given me the opportunity to assist a broader range of patients and create communities that support one other.
4. Access to Laboratory Services: Like in-person visits, patients can still complete necessary lab work to ensure accurate diagnostics, then discuss results with me through telemedicine appointments.
Disadvantages
1. Limited Physical Interaction: Despite being connected virtually, telemedicine appointments lack face-to-face interaction, which can limit the personal connection between doctor and patient.
2. Altered Patient Experience: Not being able to touch, feel, or smell the patient may create a very different healthcare experience compared to traditional in-person visits.
3. Potential Misuse: The ease with which medication can be prescribed remotely may lead to some practitioners using telemedicine to inappropriately prescribe drugs.
4. Disparity in Access to Technology: Some patients may lack access to the necessary technology or have limited internet connectivity, limiting their ability to take advantage of telemedicine services.
In conclusion, telemedicine offers many potential benefits for patients and practitioners alike, but it also has its limitations. As a provider, I believe it is crucial to be aware of these advantages and disadvantages to ensure each patient receives the highest quality of care possible.
Embracing ‘Telehealth’
In the midst of the ever-changing landscape brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, I have found myself embracing the concept of ‘Telehealth’ to better serve my patients. Telehealth, while similar to the concept of telemedicine, focuses more on nurturing a genuine connection with the patient, rather than being a simple means of prescribing medications.
Utilizing video chat modalities, I have managed to forge strong connections with my patients, despite not being physically present. It’s important to establish these connections as if we were sitting right next to each other in person. By creating a sense of intimacy and togetherness through video chat, I find myself able to maintain a close relationship with patients from around the country.
Telehealth is not without its challenges, however, as it’s essential to carefully consider the type of telemedicine services provided. In order to maintain a person-centered approach to patient care, I ensure that my services extend beyond merely prescribing medications and encompass emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects of well-being.
One particularly beneficial aspect of Telehealth is its compatibility with lab work. I can easily share the results of my patients’ tests through a screen-sharing feature, allowing us to discuss the results as if we were in the same room. This practice, in combination with our ongoing virtual communication, allows me to provide comprehensive care and support to my patients from a distance.
Overall, Telehealth has allowed me to broaden my scope of influence and help more people around the country. By building connections through video chats, facilitating lab work, and promoting a holistic approach, I believe Telehealth is an effective way to provide patient care in today’s technologically driven world.
Blood Work and Tests in Telemedicine
In recent times, telemedicine has gained popularity as a convenient method to conduct medical consultations. As a practitioner, I have found great success in utilizing this approach to reach a wider range of people and provide solutions to their health concerns.
During telemedicine appointments, one might wonder how blood work and tests are performed. The good news is that we can still carry out these crucial diagnostic tools even with remotely located patients. Here’s a brief overview of how it works:
- I collaborate with various laboratories across the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska, to accommodate patients from different regions.
- Patients can go to a nearby lab to have their blood work and other tests done, following which the lab sends the results to me.
- Once I have received and analyzed the test results, I can discuss them with the patient during our telemedicine appointment.
By using telemedicine, I can maintain a strong connection with patients, much like a face-to-face consultation. Patients can be reassured that essential diagnostic procedures, such as blood work, will still be conducted to establish a comprehensive understanding of their health.