Functional & Integrative Medicine in Beverly Hills & Los Angeles
Functional and integrative medicine are closely related approaches that look at the whole patient rather than treating each symptom in isolation. At My Concierge MD, David Nazarian, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician, combines conventional medical evaluation with evidence-based lifestyle, nutrition, metabolic, and preventive strategies to build an individualized plan.
Patients often use terms such as functional medicine, integrative medicine, holistic medicine, or lifestyle medicine to describe this type of care. At My Concierge MD, these concepts are brought together within a physician-led framework grounded in medical history, examination, appropriate testing, and clinical evidence.
Functional Medicine and Integrative Medicine: What Is the Difference?
Functional medicine generally emphasizes how multiple systems—metabolic, hormonal, gastrointestinal, immune, sleep, nutrition, stress, and lifestyle—may interact over time. Integrative medicine combines conventional medical care with selected complementary strategies when those approaches are reasonable, safe, and supported by evidence.
In practice, these models overlap substantially. Rather than maintaining separate programs, My Concierge MD uses one integrated approach that begins with conventional internal medicine and adds individualized lifestyle, nutrition, preventive, and complementary strategies when they may be useful.
What a Functional & Integrative Evaluation May Include
- Detailed medical, medication, and family history
- Review of nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, and lifestyle
- Assessment of metabolic and cardiovascular risk
- Evaluation of thyroid, hormone, or nutrient-related concerns when clinically appropriate
- Laboratory testing selected to answer a specific clinical question
- Review of supplements and potential interactions
- Nutrition and lifestyle recommendations
- Coordination with specialists when additional evaluation is needed
- Longitudinal follow-up to assess response and adjust the plan
A Whole-Person Approach Without Abandoning Evidence
A whole-person approach does not mean replacing proven medical care with unproven therapies. Functional and integrative medicine should still distinguish between treatments supported by good evidence, therapies with limited evidence, and interventions that remain investigational.
Dr. Nazarian reviews potential benefits, risks, alternatives, medication interactions, and the quality of available evidence before recommending a complementary strategy.
Common Reasons Patients Seek Functional or Integrative Care
- Persistent fatigue or reduced energy
- Weight and metabolic concerns
- Sleep problems
- Digestive symptoms
- Hormone or thyroid concerns
- Cardiovascular risk reduction
- Nutrition and supplement review
- Preventive health planning
- Multiple symptoms that require a more comprehensive review
Functional Medicine Testing
Testing should be selected according to the clinical question rather than ordered as a broad package. Depending on the patient, evaluation may involve standard laboratory testing, metabolic markers, cardiovascular risk markers, hormone or thyroid testing, micronutrient assessment, or other studies when the result is likely to affect management.
Patients who need more extensive testing can also review our Advanced Diagnostic Testing services.
Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Behavior
Nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and other lifestyle factors are often central to chronic disease prevention and symptom management. Recommendations are tailored to the patient rather than based on a single diet, supplement protocol, or wellness trend.
How This Fits With Concierge and Longevity Care
Functional and integrative medicine naturally overlap with My Concierge MD’s Concierge Medicine and Longevity Medicine programs. The same physician can follow symptoms, testing, medications, lifestyle changes, and treatment response over time instead of evaluating each issue in isolation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are functional medicine and integrative medicine the same?
They are not identical terms, but they overlap substantially. Functional medicine emphasizes interconnected systems and potential contributors to illness, while integrative medicine combines conventional care with selected complementary approaches. At My Concierge MD, they are treated as one coordinated physician-led approach.
Is functional medicine evidence-based?
Some components—such as nutrition, exercise, sleep, risk-factor management, and appropriate laboratory evaluation—are well established. Other tests or therapies may have limited evidence. Each recommendation should be evaluated individually rather than assuming that every intervention labeled “functional” is proven.
Is integrative medicine the same as alternative medicine?
No. Integrative medicine is intended to work alongside conventional medical care rather than replace it. Treatments that could delay or substitute for proven care require particular caution.
What is a holistic doctor?
“Holistic doctor” is a consumer term often used for clinicians who consider the patient’s overall health, lifestyle, and goals. At My Concierge MD, care remains grounded in board-certified internal medicine while taking a whole-person view.
Written by David Nazarian, MD
Board Certified in Internal Medicine
Founder, My Concierge MD
To discuss functional and integrative medicine in Beverly Hills or Los Angeles, schedule a consultation with My Concierge MD.
Medically reviewed by David Nazarian, MD on