The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)

At our 2025 Annual International Conference (AIC), we had the opportunity to honor Dan Lukaczer, ND, IFMCP with the Linus and Ava Helen Pauling Functional Medicine Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Lukaczer is the second recipient of this coveted Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his distinguished career devoted to advancing the principles and practice of functional medicine toward the betterment of patients and practitioners alike. With heartfelt gratitude for his lifelong service, accomplished career, transformative leadership, and enduring impact on the field of functional medicine and the people within it, we would like to express our deepest appreciation to Dr. Lukaczer for his contributions to shaping, nurturing, and evolving the field of functional medicine and IFM. His extraordinary leadership, vision, and mentorship have shaped the evolution of the field. Please join us in celebrating Dr. Lukaczer's countless contributions, and learn more about his decades of service here: hubs.la/Q03rLNVs0

From AIC 2025, Mary Jo Kreitzer, PhD, RN, FAAN, and Tracy Gaudet, MD, explore how connecting well-being, fulfillment, and meaning transforms the care we provide. 📺 Watch the 2025 proceedings: hubs.la/Q048nk330

Celebrate National Nutrition Month with us! This year’s theme, "Discover the Power of Nutrition," aligns with IFM’s mission to highlight personalized nutrition as a vital preventive and therapeutic tool in functional medicine. hubs.la/Q047C9pf0

How many of your patients present with recurrent infections or seasonal atopy that don't fit a standard diagnosis? Identify the upstream factors and bridge the gap between inflammation & systemic health. Course access begins TODAY! Register now:hubs.ly/Q0470rwZ0

Announcing Geeta Maker-Clark, MD, ABOIM, and Sachin Patel, DC, as AIC 2026 presenters! Find out which topics they'll be presenting on. View conference details: hubs.la/Q046tngq0

Source: Kaag S, Lorentz A. Effects of dietary components on mast cells: possible use as nutraceuticals for allergies? Cells. 2023;12(22):2602. doi:10.3390/cells12222602

Certain foods — like quercetin‑rich fruits, turmeric, ginger, and omega‑3s — may support mast cell balance and immune regulation. Read more about Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and functional medicine insights: hubs.la/Q045PRFJ0

IFM’s Scholarship Programs help clinicians like Fernanda Gonzalez, MD, bring functional medicine care to underserved communities worldwide. The Functional Medicine for All Scholarship supports clinicians early in their education journey — expanding access, equity, and impact. Learn more about our scholarship opportunities: hubs.la/Q045hxrW0

IFM is honored to announce the reappointment of Gail C. Christopher, DN, (Chair), David S. Jones, MD (Vice-Chair), David Harris, BFA (Secretary), and Terry Cook, CFP®, CIMA® (Treasurer) as IFM’s Governing Board Officers for 2026-2027. Read announcement: hubs.la/Q044XwLW0

Image: National Library of Medicine (Public Domain). Source: National Library of Medicine article on Dr. Daniel Hale Williams.

As we honor Black History Month, we recognize leaders whose courage and vision continue to influence health and medicine today. Dr. Daniel Hale Williams (1856–1931) performed one of the first successful open-heart surgeries in 1893 and founded Provident Hospital, the first U.S. hospital with an integrated medical staff and training program.

Research suggests that an imbalance in gut microbes may trigger immune activation linked to autoimmune conditions like RA. Learn more about how the microbiome interacts with immune health: hubs.la/Q042ZhPq0

Join AIC 2026 from anywhere in the world with the Livestream experience. Access real-time audio caption translation in 63 languages, on-demand replays, interactive sessions, and full conference proceedings after the event. 🎥🌍 Get your ticket: hubs.la/Q042yFg60

87% of U.S. physicians say helping patients is the most gratifying part of their job. AFMCP supports that purpose by teaching practical, systems-based tools to personalize care and support long-term health. Learn more: hubs.la/Q042ywQ80

Several key details about the new Functional Medicine Certification Program™️ have recently been announced, including:🔹Pilot details 🔹New IFMCP designations 🔹Maintenance requirements. Stay informed & sign up for updates 👉 hubs.la/Q0422Hy60

Gain new clinical skills at the 2026 AIC in San Diego 🌴 Immerse yourself in functional medicine and connect with leading clinicians, researchers, and thought leaders—onsite or via livestream. 🎟️ Save $200 when you register by Jan 28: hubs.la/Q040CBMC0

A Message from IFM CEO Amy R. Mack, MSES/MPA: Today we recognize Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day – a day dedicated to celebrating the professionals who ensure that healthcare providers stay informed, competent, and capable of delivering the best possible care to their patients. Healthcare continuing education professionals play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare by fostering lifelong learning and professional development! Learn more at go.ifm.org/45u3VwG.

The first round of presenters for the Annual International Conference (AIC) 2026 have just been announced! Check out the thought leaders who will be taking the main stage May 27-30 in San Diego. Whether attending in person or via the expanded livestream, AIC provides compelling functional medicine insights that move the field forward. Get your ticket early while you can still save on registration! Tier 1 pricing ends on January 28. Register to join us here: go.ifm.org/4r6fgv9

Can cardiovascular dysfunction be one of the root causes of pain? IFM educator Dr. Yousef Elyaman, MD, IFMCP, explains how venous insufficiency may be an overlooked factor connected to pain and swelling in the body. Explore this topic further in the Cardiometabolic Advanced Practice Module (APM) and learn how to personalize care for atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, hypertension, and other conditions. Join Dr. Elyaman and our team of expert educators for a 6-week online program beginning February 2. Learn more and register here: go.ifm.org/4qxIjIk

The Integrated Center for Group Medical Visits (ICGMV) is hosting its sixth annual virtual conference on September 18, 2026. This year’s theme is “The Power of Groups: Understanding What Makes Group Medical Visits Effective." The deadline to submit proposals for main sessions, interactive workshops, roundtable talks, and poster presentations has been extended until March 6, 2026. As a member of ICGMV's Circle of Friends, we encourage members of our community to consider submitting a proposal. You can do so here: go.ifm.org/4sPzQ4Q

Practitioners certified in functional medicine are leaders in their field, recognized for their knowledge, skill, and expertise in functional medicine. These providers are helping advance the widespread adoption of functional medicine and directly contribute to better care and outcomes for patients. This diagram outlines how to become certified in functional medicine through the Functional Medicine Certification Program™ administered by IFM. Further announcements are happening soon! Don’t miss out on critical updates regarding: 🔵Initial pilot program information and application open date. 🔵How the current IFM Certified Practitioner (IFMCP) credential will transition to the new program. 🔵Maintenance of certification requirements and eligible opportunities to gain professional development hours. Learn how certification can take your practice to the next level, and sign up for important updates, by clicking here: go.ifm.org/3LsYqYl