So there's definitely an element of woo-woo to some Functional Medicine docs. This particular clinic near me does use homeopathy sometimes. So far as I'm concerned, that's just giving someone a water placebo. Now there approach is open to using a number of different modalities besides just homeopathy--they're big on diet, supplements, mind-body connection, using meditation, osteopathic manipulative techniques, massage, accupuncture and herbs. And those things seem to be, as far as I can tell, par for the course for most Functional Med doctors. The other thing, being "wholistic" docs (which is sort of a big grab bag term for whatever you want it to mean I suppose), they tend to focus a lot of patient relations, listening to patients, finding more time for patients, etc. And, at least for this doc who talked at our school, his patient ratings on all the online websites are ridiculous. 5 stars all around. Patients love him. That's going to be a function of the physician more than the approach. That said, I think the people who embrace functional med are going to be the physicians that want that connection with their patient.

I think that, on average, if you're looking for someone open to your particular diet and health ideas, functional medicine doctors will be more receptive. They might have some other crazy dietary ideas of their own, but they're less likely to freak out that you're eating a bunch of fat and need to be put on Lipitor stat. At least this is the impression I got. The flip-side, despite the Institute of Functional Medicine's website, is that you might get someone who is a little heavy on the woo, and less on the science. Or at least they might be swayed by bad science that fits their worldview over good science. This is the case for most physicians though (and most scientists, and most people in general).

It is probably worth the drive to at least have one appointment with the doctor in question and feel them out. Really the most important thing for you is your relationship with your physician--they could have a similar philosophy on paper, but if you don't like them or trust them in person, they're worthless to you. And especially if you're looking for a primary care doc, you probably want to make sure you like them and trust them. So make the drive and see what they're about, that's really the only way to tell. I like the Functional Med philosophy, they talk a good talk, but the proof is in the pudding, or the stethoscope. I don't know if that answered anything or not, but good luck.

Can't help you with quack or hack. Jimmy Moore has the following listing of low carb friendly physicians by state:

http://lowcarbdoctors.blogspot.com/

This may not be much of an answer, but I think it depends greatly on the individual doctor. The idea of "functional medicine" seems sound and common sense: treat the body as a whole, and focus on how the biological systems should work instead of on isolated diseases. Makes perfect sense to me. (As an aside: didn't this used to be called "holistic medicine"? Or did that carry too much woo-woo baggage?)

But I've been to one, and while she was helpful on a lot of things, she also pushed a lot of supplements and talked very little about diet. There was a chart of dietary recommendations in the waiting room that included plenty of those "healthy whole grains." She also used some methods that appeared less than grounded in science: NAET, diagnosis over the phone, etc.

As functionalmedicine.org says:

Disclaimer: Because functional medicine is an approach to health care – and not a separate profession – practitioners from many different disciplines take IFM symposia and courses, subscribe to FMU, and purchase books and tapes. It is, therefore, very important for patients to realize that selecting a practitioner from this database does not substitute for a thorough investigation of your chosen clinician’s professional degree and training, clinical experience, scope of practice, participation (or not) in the reimbursement system, malpractice coverage, and other similar criteria.

So I'd take it as a positive sign that a doctor is aware of the concept and promotes it, but I think you'll still have to visit them in person to find out whether they can help you.

I would seriously question the doc. Simply saying Functional doesnt count for much if he doesnt conform to the rest IMO.

• Its all about the Root Problem.

• Drugs as a Last Resort, not the first.

If you feel confident that the above 2 are true, and that they will be open and honest with you, regardless of your feelings.... then id drive extra in an instant.

We have a functional med doc coming to lecture at our school tomorrow. I've been wondering about it myself, so this should be a good opportunity to actually ask questions of a doc practicing functional med. So, I'll try to report back here later in the week if I hear anything interesting and/or of use to your question.

Not unless they went to medical school. Acupuncture, chiropractic, and Chinese medicine are not really doctors. They can't prescribe drugs (if/when they're needed) so they're not doctors. They don't fix broken bones. They just woo woo you with herbs that don't work. Homeopathy is a total fraud. If they can't admit that then they're not smart at all. Don't confuse life coach, yoga instructor, and doctor.