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Veronica Porterfield

MS, LN, MPAS, PA-C

IFMCP, ILADS Member

Veronica’s Story

Veronica Porterfield brings a remarkable blend of expertise, compassion, and lived experience to Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine. Born in Bogotá and shaped by the stark inequalities she witnessed in Latin America, her journey began with a passion for global justice that eventually led her to discover an even more personal calling in healthcare.

“My concern for justice first led me to pursue a degree in international affairs. I thought I would eventually work for an organization like the World Bank or the IMF… While life took me in unexpected directions, this fundamental desire to help people meet their essential needs has remained constant — only the definition of ‘essential needs’ evolved to include optimal health & wellness.”

Like many practitioners in functional medicine, Veronica’s path was catalyzed by a personal health crisis within her family. When her infant daughter Zoe developed eczema and chronic constipation, conventional medicine offered only symptom management. It was a functional nutritionist who discovered the root cause—a wheat sensitivity that traditional approaches had missed.

“After this nutritionist discovered that my daughter had a wheat sensitivity responsible for both her skin and GI concerns… my eyes were opened and I never turned back. This root cause approach made so much sense to me. I knew this was how I wanted to help people.”

A Commitment to Integration

Veronica’s approach to medicine is defined by her commitment to integrating the best of both conventional and functional medicine. After years as a functional nutritionist and nutrition coach, she made the bold decision at age 40 to return to school to become a Physician Assistant.
“I really wanted to be able to integrate the best of conventional medicine with the best of functional medicine for the sake of my patients,” she explains. This philosophy perfectly aligns with Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine’s approach of drawing from the best of all medical traditions.

Expertise in Complex Chronic Conditions

Veronica’s specialized training has equipped her with unique expertise in treating complex chronic conditions that often puzzle conventional medicine. Her work with Long COVID patients led her to develop deep knowledge in mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and biofilm-related infections.
Areas of Specialization:
  • Tick-borne illnesses including Lyme disease and co-infections
  • Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)
  • Mycotoxin illness and biotoxin-related conditions
  • Chronic infections and biofilm protocols
  • Hormone imbalances and metabolic dysfunction
  • Complex gastrointestinal disorders
  • Immune system dysfunction
  • Long COVID and post-viral syndromes

Educational Background

2019: M.S., Physician Assistant Studies – Shenandoah University (GPA: 4.0)
2006: M.S., Human Nutrition – University of Bridgeport (GPA: 4.0)
1998: B.S.F.S. – Georgetown University (GPA: 3.67)
1994: Valedictorian – Norfolk Academy

Professional Experience

Current Position (June 2024 – Present)

Internal Medicine of Northern Virginia, Reston, VA
As a Physician Assistant, Veronica evaluates and treats patients with a variety of acute and chronic concerns, including Lyme disease and associated infections, mast cell activation, mycotoxin illness, and systemic imbalances affecting immune, GI, hormonal, and metabolic function. Her treatment approach includes lifestyle modifications, targeted nutrients and supplements, pharmaceuticals, herbs, IV therapies, and homeopathy.

Previous Experience

Philadelphia Integrative Medicine (2021-2024): Examined, diagnosed, and treated patients with complex illnesses using the principles of functional and integrative medicine.
Mountain View Internal Medicine and Pediatrics (2020-2021): Provided full-scope primary care services to pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients.
Precision Nutrition (2012-2017): Coached over 200 international clients through a year-long, habit-based nutrition and behavior change program, using motivational interviewing techniques within a client-centered framework.

Certifications & Memberships

  • Institute of Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner (IFMCP) – 2022
  • International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) – 2024
  • Licensed Physician Assistant – Virginia (2020), Pennsylvania (2021), New Jersey (2022), New York (2024)
  • Licensed Nutritionist – D.C. Department of Health, Board of Dietetics & Nutrition (2009)

Philosophy of Care

“I believe in every body’s ability to heal… and I try to bring curiosity & compassion to every patient to support their path to wellness.”

Veronica’s approach to patient care is grounded in three key principles:
  • Partnership with patients: She emphasizes the importance of finding a provider “who has a commitment to partnering with you and helping you take the next steps that you need.”
  • Continuing education: She maintains a continued commitment to learning and growing in her understanding of complex health conditions.
  • Root cause medicine: Looking beyond symptom management to address underlying imbalances and dysfunction.
Whether you’re seeking functional primary care or advanced treatment for complex chronic conditions, Veronica brings the perfect blend of scientific expertise and genuine compassion to help create a clear roadmap to optimal health.

“My goal is always to meet people where they are and walk with them on the road to health & well-being.”

Why Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine?

After extensive experience in various practices, Veronica chose to join Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine because of our balanced approach to care and commitment to addressing both everyday health needs and complex chronic conditions.

“I was looking for a functional and integrative medicine home where I felt like I could really plant my roots and grow. I wanted to go to a practice that is capable both of seeing patients with complex chronic illness, but also in a more primary care capacity, able to see people who maybe aren’t as sick, but do still value and see the benefit of root cause medicine.”

Ready to learn more about working with Veronica?
Read her complete story and approach to healing