Author Archives: Sarenka Smith

Wellness Medicine

May 4, 2017

The primary, overarching goal of the Fellowship in Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine is not only to instruct participants in the most recent developments in metabolic medicine, but also to allow them to further their professional trajectories and journeys. Many of our Fellows go on to open their own practices or change current practices; several of them write and become published; others share education and disseminate information in a variety of ways.

Nathan Goodyear, MD, one of our previous Fellows, penned an article for LinkedIn titled “What is Wellness Medicine? A life lesson.” Board-certified by the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine in 2010, Dr. Goodyear completed the Advanced Fellowship in addition to several electives: Pediatrics, Homeopathy, IV Therapy, Toxicology, and Weight Management. In the article, he discusses the characteristics that distinguish ‘wellness medicine,’ explaining that the very nature of this brand of medicine is defined by its focus and goal: “its focus is the patient and its goal is the healing of the patient.” Dr. Goodyear explains that wellness medicine is rooted in being proactive: working within the parameters of someone’s lifestyle, in order to prevent the manifestation of chronic disease.

Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Goodyear clarifies that wellness medicine and traditional medicine are not dichotomous, nor do they conflict with each other. Rather, the two paradigms of medicine can—and should—co-exist, as they directly complement each other. While the purpose of wellness medicine is to enact lifestyle interventions that can prevent disease, traditional medicine is critical in its evidence-based style that is necessary in both disease diagnosis and management.

To read Dr. Goodyear’s article in full, click here. Learn more about our Fellowship in Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine here.

Ushering in the Era of Personalized Medicine

May 3, 2017

The FDA recently approved 10 of the personal-genomics company 23andMe’s screening tests for hereditary health risks and diseases, issuing a press release that reads: “These are the first direct-to-consumer tests…that provide information on an individual’s genetic predisposition to certain medical diseases or conditions.”

The Wall Street Journal reports that this step “may be the first shot in a health revolution,” allowing patients to make informed decisions about lifestyle choices, and assist healthcare professionals in their advice and discussions. This marks the first time that patients will not have to go through a physician or healthcare provider to receive information about genetic health risks or makeup.

The screening tests include one for Alzheimer’s, and another for a rare blood disorder. Companies like 23andMe and PatientsLikeMe are already developing new technologies and products so that Americans can further manage and monitor their health, studying databases that utilize information from electronic medical records, wearable devices, and patient surveys combined with their genetic codes. 23andMe has formed partnerships with various organizations in the disease research community, spearheading research that explores new potential genetic risk factors for chronic disease.

Embracing this kind of precision medicine will enable us to mine enormous amounts of data and information, in order to further enhance the health of patients across the globe, and possibly halt disease before it develops and progresses.

Physician of the Month: Shaily Shah, DO, FAARM, ABAARM

May 1, 2017

A4M valued member Shaily Shah, DO, FAARM, ABAARM shares insight from her professional experience in this Physician of the Month feature.

Dr. Shaily Shah is an integrative medicine physician committed to the health and longevity of her patients. Prior to discovering A4M, she practiced internal medicine in a large multi-specialty group. She realized there were additional ways to help her patients beyond traditional medicine, and at the encouragement of a colleague, she entered into the fellowship program through A4M. After becoming board-certified, she opened her own practice, where she incorporates both traditional and anti-aging techniques in the management of her patients.

Q: Before joining A4M, what was your medical background?

I was in my first year of practice as an internal medicine physician in St. Louis, MO. Prior to that I was in internal medicine residency at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, NY.

Q: What anti-aging techniques have you incorporated into your practice? How did you so?

As an internist it was quite simple to incorporate anti-aging techniques in my practice. I was already treating a wide variety of diseases, and I found anti-aging techniques blended in seamlessly. They allowed me to offer an alternative form of treatment, as well as a complementary form of treatment to traditional practices. I currently utilize BHRT, vitamin/nutrient optimization, gut healing, detoxification, weight management and, of course, functional management of chronic disease (hypertension, diabetes, major depression, etc.).

Q: What are the benefits of practicing anti-aging medicine–both as a professional, and for your practice?

I get to spend more time with my patients. This time is critical in establishing the patient-physician relationship and in formulating their treatment plan. I also get to utilize advance medical technologies.

Q: What are the changes you see in your patients?

My patients are healthier and happier than the ones I saw in my traditional medicine practice. They are able to cut back or eliminate their medications, and they have a better quality of life.

Q: Why would you recommend Anti-Aging Medicine to your peers?

Anti-aging medicine is the future of medicine. It provides a benefit to patients’ overall health that they are not currently getting from traditional medicine. It focuses on the root cause of disease as opposed to masking it with multiple medications.

Q: Where do you see the future of Anti-Aging medicine 20 years from now?

Anti-aging medicine will be more widespread. I believe it will be taught in medical schools, and incorporated in various specialties. It will have a wider range of acceptance because this type of medicine truly works.