Evolution of Medicine Podcast Functional Forum

In this episode James Maskell is joined by returning guest, Dr. Shilpa Saxena, MD to continue exploring the use of GLP-1 agonists, specifically Semaglutide, for weight loss and cardiometabolic diseases.
The conversation reinforces the importance of using GLP-1s responsibly and in conjunction with lifestyle medicine coaching to address underlying behavioral issues and promote sustainable weight loss. Dr. Saxena emphasizes the need to address metabolic dysfunction comprehensively, considering factors such as fatty liver disease and insulin resistance, and using a combination of interventions, including herbs, botanicals, and lifestyle modifications.
They also discuss the potential side effects of GLP-1 agonists and strategies for minimizing them. Additionally, they touch on the role of group visits and community support in facilitating behavior change and long-term success in weight management.
Check out the full episode to hear their thoughts on:
       Normalizing discussions around weight without enabling poor health.       The role of supportive communities to support behavior change       Stigma around Semaglutide use        Patient personas who functional medicine providers are best able to help, and those personas that are not a good fit for the functional medicine approach to weight loss. Learn about Group Visit Toolkits

In James Maskell’s first-ever solo podcast, he introduces Evolution of Medicine’s upcoming event, VagusFest. On May 29, 2024, listeners can join the Evolution of Medicine’s debut VagusFest, a participatory education experience focused on toning the vagus nerve, that will provide hands-on healing experiences for participants.  
In this podcast episode, James previews themes that will be explored during VagusFest and expresses how the event will help advance health-promoting medicine.
VagusFest will serve as a model for clinicans to recreate similar events in their local communities as a strategy for carrying out public relations campaigns that promote functional medicine at the local level. VagusFest is a complete set of tools to run a VagusFest event in a community, including step-by-step guides, marketing materials, and PR assets.
Check out the full conversation to learn about:
James’ thoughts on what has been limiting the growth of functional medicine. How to win over new patients who have been deterred by long treatment timelines and expectations to make lifestyle changes. How VagusFest will give participants the tools to regulate their own nervous systems and create a sense of unity and healing in their communities. Upcoming opportunities for practitioners to participate in VagusFest events and learn how to implement them in their own communities.

Dr. James Carter, the director of the Center for Functional Medicine at Cleveland Clinic, discusses his journey to functional medicine and his role at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Carter is also a vascular medicine specialist and is interested in vascular health from a functional medicine perspective.
He talks about the vision and growth of functional medicine at Cleveland Clinic, including the development of specialized programs for women's health, oncology, pediatrics, and cardiovascular health. Dr. Carter also discusses the importance of group visits and shared medical appointments in functional medicine practice. He shares his excitement for the upcoming Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) Annual International Conference (AIC) and highlights topics he is looking forward to, such as bone health, mental health and pediatric nutrition.
Finally, Dr. Carter reflects on his decision to join Cleveland Clinic and expresses his enthusiasm for the future of functional medicine at the institution.
Check out this full conversation to learn more about:
·         A systems perspective that integrates biological systems with social context in patient care.
·         Educating medical students and integrating functional medicine into cardiology practice
·         Understanding and overcoming resistance to change with patients.
·         A preview of Dr. Carter’s upcoming IFM presentation, and what he’s looking forward to learning from other presenters.
·         And much, much more!
Register here for IFM’s AIC event, occurring May 29-June 1, 2024. You can also register for VagusFest here, which is occurring on the evening of May 29. 
Check out Lifestyle Matrix Resource Center’s new website to learn about their Group Visit Toolkits, tools to enhance patient compliance and more at lifestylematrix.com/membership.
 

In this episode, we learn about anthroposophic medicine from James Maskell’s guest, Adam Blanning, MD. Anthroposophic medicine takes a holistic approach to humans, nature, illness, and healing by addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. The principles and practices of this medicinal form incorporate elements of herbal medicine, homeopathy, movement therapies and more. Anthroposophic medicine was established in the early 1920s by Rudolf Steiner and Ita Wegman.
Anthroposophic medicine can be especially beneficial for children working through chronic illnesses, such as asthma, allergies or behavioral issues. Dr. Blanning also highlights the importance of understanding developmental rhythms and providing support for children during key stages of growth.
Dr. Blanning, in addition to founding the Denver Center for Anthroposophic Therapies, is also involved in consulting for Waldorf schools, which are rooted in Rudolf Steiner’s work.
Check out this full conversation to learn more about:
James Maskell’s personal experiences with anthroposophic medicine.
Application of anthroposophic medicine in various settings, including hospitals and private practices.
The importance of creating healing environments that consider the patient's comfort and well-being, such as reducing noise and promoting rest in hospital settings.
An upcoming training week through the Physicians’ Association for Anthroposophic Medicine on April 27 - May 4, 2024 in Loveland, Colorado.

James Maskell’s guest on this episode is Dr. Elisa Song, a holistic pediatrician whose mission is to educate clinicians and parents alike about environmental toxicity in children and how to help children thrive by improving their health. She has written books, organized conferences and is passionate about addressing environmental toxicity.  
In this episode, she discusses several sources of toxins in children and the importance of toning the vagus nerve as a strategy to improve children's well-being. Dr. Song’s upcoming book, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids: An Integrated Pediatrician's Guide to Whole Child Resilience, provides practical guidance to help promote health and resilience in children, including advice about how to read food labels and avoid harmful additives.
Check out this empowering conversation to learn more about:
Food additives that contribute to leaky gut and chronic illnesses.
The importance of parasympathetic exercises for children with chronic symptoms or illnesses.
How environmental toxins are contributing to chronic illness.
Dr. Song’s book, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids: An Integrated Pediatrician's Guide to Whole Child Resilience, available on May 14, 2024. 
 

Guest: Zak Holdsworth, CEO of Hint Health
In this Business of Functional Medicine episode, we hear from Zak Holdsworth, a leader in the health technology industry and the CEO and cofounder of Hint Health.
Hint Health supports the direct primary care (DPC) movement and aims to provide affordable, high-quality health care by offering a successful alternative to the traditional fee-for-service model.
Zak Holdsworth’s company offers technology solutions for DPC clinics, including membership management systems and employer infrastructure. They have also developed an EMR system specifically designed for DPC clinics. Additionally, Hint Health has created Hint Connect, a network product that connects DPC clinics with employers and other health care practitioners.
Their goal is to create a unified network of DPC clinics that can work together to provide better care and reduce costs. The company's vision is to redesign the healthcare system to enable easy access to high-quality, affordable care.
Download and listen to the full episode to learn about:
The concept of unity and the value of working together in the DPC market. Constraints of the fee-for-service model and how removing those constraints can lead to better patient care and alignment with functional medicine practices. How Hint Connect allows for rapid patient onboarding and revenue generation for doctors. A positive shift in the perception of DPC by insurance brokers, who now see the value in investing in high-value primary care. And much, much more! Plus, check out the visualization of the interconnected relationships across the Hint Health DPC ecosystem.