Functional Primary Care | Part 2:
It’s Never Too Late to Invest In Your Future
(And We’ve Made It Easier Than Ever)
Dr. Aaron Hartman
October 10, 2023
In my previous article, I introduced you to the idea of functional primary care. It’s a great model of care, but it’s only as good as your primary care provider. Dr. Jenski and I have been looking for the right person to fill those shoes ... and I am excited to announce that we found her. Actually, we’ve both been working with her for years now.
I’d like to share a bit of Jodi’s story. Her journey from a successful career in music and arts management to a dedicated nurse practitioner is a testament to her belief that it’s never too late to make a life change.
Jodi’s Story
Jodi’s shift towards healthcare began with motherhood. As she raised her two beautiful daughters, she found herself yearning for a more meaningful career. She wanted to make a tangible difference in people's lives. This desire led her back to school to study nursing, a decision that was further reinforced when a close friend was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Witnessing her friend's journey from illness to remission through dietary changes sparked Jodi's interest in the healing power of food.
Her interest grew into a passion when her husband was diagnosed with Celiac disease. Once again, she saw the transformative power of lifestyle change, and she knew she wanted to help others experience the same healing. This led her to further her education and become a nurse practitioner, allowing her to build long-term relationships with her patients and guide them towards healthier lifestyles.
I first met Jodi while working together in family practice. I was passionately pursuing functional medicine and we had a lot of great conversations. Despite her understanding of diet and health, Jodi realized she wasn’t yet as healthy as she could be. She often felt fatigued and noticed her memory wasn’t as sharp as it used to be. Determined to improve her own health, Jodi first began working with Dr. Jenski. Then, building on that experience, she began her training through the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM).
Now, with her daughters away at college, Jodi continues to learn and grow. She brings her passion for health, her deep understanding of the healing power of food, and her commitment to patient care to RIFM. She’s excited to help her patients discover their own path to wellness and guide them towards living their healthiest lives.
Jodi’s journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to start something new, to grow, and to make a difference. Whether you’re dealing with fatigue, discomfort, or other health issues, Jodi is here to walk alongside you on your path to better health.
Let’s turn back to functional primary care.
I've introduced you to the model and introduced you to Jodi. But what about you? You might wonder where you fit into this. To put it bluntly, ”What’s in it for me?” That’s fair. Let’s talk about some of the benefits of choosing functional primary care.
Why Opt for Functional Primary Care?
The healthcare journey is deeply personal, often intertwined with our genetics, life stories, and daily habits. Choosing Functional Primary Care is about finding the right balance in your healthcare journey. It caters to those who wish to benefit from the principles of functional medicine without delving into its extensive depth.
The Benefits of Choosing Functional Primary Care
Care With Context
Despite our best efforts, eventually, we all experience normal sickness and infection. We get the flu or a virus. Or, we develop an unexpected rash. When that happens, it's comforting to know that your primary care provider will help address your immediate need while accounting for your holistic health goals.
Acute & Chronic Health Solutions
Functional Primary Care isn’t just about handling a sudden flu or an unexpected sprain. It’s also equipped to address chronic health issues like diabetes and cholesterol. While it doesn't dive as deeply into these issues as full functional medicine would, it approaches them with a more holistic lens than conventional primary care, ensuring a well-rounded care approach.
Proactive & Preventative Approach
One of the foundational principles of Functional Primary Care, drawn from functional medicine, is its proactive stance. Instead of just addressing symptoms, it seeks to understand the root causes. This means that potential health issues can be identified and addressed before they escalate, leading to better health outcomes in the long run. That has always been the goal of your annual physicals and well-check visits, but Functional Primary Care ensures those visits fit within a framework that truly addresses your whole health.
Cost-Effective Care
By addressing root causes and adopting a proactive approach, Functional Primary Care can often prevent expensive treatments and interventions down the line. It’s an investment in health, with potential savings both in terms of money and the physical and emotional toll of advanced medical issues.
Attention to Evolving Medical Research
Functional medicine is the leading edge of some of the best medical research. All of our providers are lifelong learners continually mining the depths of medical and scientific advancements. And because we view functional primary care as a partnership in your health, that often means connecting you with the evolving landscape of literature and research.
