AIC 2024 Schedule

Dr. Peter Staats will build upon the insights shared in his mainstage session, offering practical applications and in-depth strategies for incorporating vagus nerve modulation into clinical practice. Attendees can expect an exploration of how to translate theoretical knowledge into tangible interventions, leveraging the latest advancements in technology and research. Dr. Staats will guide participants through case studies, providing real-world examples of successful vagus nerve modulation for various health conditions. Whether for pain management, stress reduction, or addressing inflammatory disorders, this session promises to be a valuable resource for clinicians seeking practical insights into the clinical applications of modulating the vagus nerve.

Clinical Conundrums, Practice Problems, Topic-Based Discussions, and Networking Opportunities

Build your functional medicine community and expand opportunities for collaborative care during this dedicated roundtable discussion. This room is designed to facilitate meaningful conversation about clinical topics and practice implementation, or to simply connect with fellow attendees, share personal stories and discuss clinical best practices.

Regional and Professional Peer Connections and Networking Opportunities

Build your functional medicine community and expand opportunities for collaborative care during this dedicated roundtable discussion sessions. This room is designed to facilitate meaningful conversation about clinical topics and practice implementation, or to simply connect with fellow attendees, share personal stories and discuss clinical best practices.

In this practical follow-up session, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon will provide actionable insights on applying a muscle-centric approach to optimizing diet and exercise. Building on the foundations laid out in her mainstage session, attendees can expect an exploration of how to practically integrate muscle-centric principles into their daily lives and the lives of their patients. Dr. Lyon will delve into personalized nutritional strategies aimed at supporting muscle health and longevity, as well as discuss practical exercise routines tailored to enhance muscle function. This session is designed to bridge the gap between theory and application, ensuring that participants leave with concrete steps and strategies to incorporate a muscle-centric focus into their overall wellness practices.

Genetic testing, focused on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), is now accessible for direct consumer use. However, few practitioners use the most impactful genetic testing, such as polygenic risk scores (PRS), derived from the genome-wide associations study (GWAS), and even fewer are utilizing epigenetic risk models with proteomic markers (epigenome-wide association study, EWAS). In this presentation, practitioners will learn a precision genomic approach using PRS (GWAS) and EWAS for the repair and restoration of vascular health. This approach is of clinical value for patients at risk of or with known atherosclerosis, including cardiovascular and associated conditions such as Alzheimer’s dementia. It highlights the use of advanced data analytics, such as AI in conjunction with individualized biomarkers, for a functional medicine–based personalized intervention.

In this talk, we confront the silent epidemic of NAFLD, which afflicts over a quarter of the global population. Typically, upon diagnosis, patients are broadly advised to lose weight, but this standard counsel often lacks the specificity and support needed to halt disease progression. This presentation aims to shift the narrative by spotlighting the latest technological advances that enable precise assessment of steatosis and fibrosis, painting a clearer picture of the liver’s condition. Attendees will be introduced to state-of-the-art diagnostic tools that do more than just diagnose NAFLD; they also provide a means to monitor the effectiveness of treatment over time. The session will explore macroscopic evaluation techniques alongside an examination of the biochemical markers that indicate liver health. By adopting a root-cause approach, the talk aims to reverse NAFLD from its origin, implementing functional medicine strategies that work in tandem with the body’s natural healing processes. The focus will be on how tackling the root causes not only halts the progression of NAFLD but also improves related comorbidities, leading to a holistic enhancement of patient health. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the condition and learn actionable strategies that transcend superficial treatments.

As a follow up to her mainstage presentation, Dr. Sims will dive into the intricacies of optimizing diet and exercise specifically tailored for women in menopause. Drawing on her expertise in exercise physiology and nutrition, Dr. Sims will provide a nuanced understanding of the physiological changes that women undergo during menopause and the unique challenges they face in maintaining optimal health. The session explores evidence-based strategies for adapting dietary habits and exercise routines to address hormonal fluctuations, metabolism shifts, and changes in body composition. Dr. Sims emphasizes the importance of personalized approaches, considering individual variations in response to dietary interventions and exercise regimens. Leveraging nutrition and physical activity are powerful tools to navigate the menopausal transition and support not only physical well-being but also overall quality of life.

This presentation will review the relationship between neuroinflammation, autoimmunity, and its role in psychiatric conditions. It will begin with an overview of the body’s response to inflammation and the cascade of events. It will then review immune tolerance and mechanisms contributing to autoimmunity development and then go into the role of inflammation’s impact on important components of psychiatric conditions and all related factors, including genetic predisposition, T-cell activation and cytokine production, ROS, ion channel leaking, and epigenetic and environmental factors. The presentation will then delve into specific and affected psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression, all with their own specific nuances. We will then review treatment approaches, including diet and lifestyle, antioxidants, fatty acids, botanicals, phytonutrients, and nutrients.

In this panel discussion, experts explore the current landscape and future trajectory of GLP-1 agonists, highlighting both their promise and potential pitfalls. The conversation will delve into the evolving role of GLP-1 agonists in managing metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, weight management, and cardiovascular health. Panelists will critically examine the efficacy and safety profile of these agents, considering the intricate interplay between lifestyle factors, genetic predispositions, and long-term implications. As the functional medicine community navigates the integration of GLP-1 agonists into holistic treatment approaches, this discussion serves as a platform to assess the current state of knowledge, foster collaboration, and chart a course for future research and clinical practice in this rapidly evolving field.

In this panel discussion, experts explore the intersection of regenerative agriculture and health care, discussing the current state and future possibilities. The conversation highlights the pivotal role of regenerative agricultural practices in influencing not only the nutritional quality of our food but also overall ecosystem stability. Regenerative agriculture attempts to address root causes of various health challenges, emphasizing the interconnectedness between soil health, plant vitality, and human well-being. The discussion delves into the promising implications of incorporating regenerative practices into functional medicine approaches, recognizing the potential to enhance nutrient density and promote overall resilience. The discussion will also address the challenges and gaps in research that need to be addressed to fully harness the benefits of regenerative agriculture in health care. As the functional medicine community continues to evolve, this panel serves as a catalyst for envisioning a future where regenerative agriculture plays a central role in shaping the landscape of preventive and integrative health care.

In this panel discussion, experts discuss the concept of the activated patient within the functional medicine ecosystem. The conversation will revolve around understanding who these activated patients are, what motivates them, and how healthcare providers can effectively engage and collaborate with them in the pursuit of optimal health. Panelists will explore the growing trend of patients actively seeking and participating in their healthcare journey, empowered by information, technology, and a desire for personalized, patient-centered care. The discussion will delve into strategies for fostering ongoing patient engagement, leveraging technology, and building meaningful partnerships that extend beyond traditional healthcare encounters. As the functional medicine community evolves, the panelists envision a future where the activated patient plays a central role in shaping their healthcare experience, driving positive outcomes, and contributing to a more collaborative and personalized approach to wellness. The dialogue will provide valuable insights for healthcare practitioners looking to adapt and thrive in an era where patient empowerment is a key driver of positive health outcomes.

In this panel discussion, experts will continue the discussion on the vagus nerve already covered in the mainstage and concurrent presentations. The panel will explore the multifaceted realm of the vagus nerve and its implications for innovative therapies, particularly focusing on the practical incorporation of devices. The conversation delves into the current understanding of the vagus nerve’s role in regulating various bodily functions, including digestion, inflammation, and stress responses. Panelists highlight emerging therapies utilizing vagus nerve stimulation devices to modulate autonomic nervous system activity and potentially offering new avenues for treating conditions ranging from chronic pain to mental health disorders. The discussion critically examines the practical integration of these devices into clinical settings, considering patient adherence, safety, and long-term efficacy. As the functional medicine community continues to embrace holistic approaches, this panel explores an area that will potentially revolutionize treatment paradigms and enhance overall well-being through these innovative interventions.

In this stimulating panel discussion, functional medicine clinicians embedded into various academic institutions explore the unique challenges and opportunities associated with practicing functional medicine within these settings. The conversation will focus on the evolving landscape where evidence-based approaches meet personalized care, emphasizing the intersection of traditional medical education and the principles of functional medicine. Panelists will share insights into navigating institutional structures, integrating functional medicine into curricula, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. The discussion also examines the growing demand for a holistic, patient-centered approach within academic healthcare institutions and the importance of training the next generation of healthcare professionals in functional medicine principles. The conversation will also discuss building bridges between academia and the broader functional medicine community, emphasizing research, education, and the potential for transformative healthcare practices.

In this panel discussion, experts engage in an exploration of the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care, particularly in tandem with the use of wearable devices. The conversation will delve into the current landscape, emphasizing the transformative potential of AI and wearables in optimizing patient care within the functional medicine paradigm. Panelists will discuss existing applications, such as predictive analytics, personalized treatment plans, and real-time monitoring through wearables, underscoring the ability of these technologies to offer a more nuanced understanding of individual health trajectories. The discussion also addresses the challenges, including data privacy concerns and the need for seamless integration into clinical workflows. As the functional medicine community charts its course into the future, this panel served as a platform to envision the potential of AI and wearable devices in revolutionizing diagnostics, treatment strategies, and patient engagement, paving the way for a more personalized and data-driven approach to health care.

In this panel discussion, experts focus on the crucial aspects of diagnosing and treating long COVID. Our panelists will dissect the intricate nature of this persistent post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The conversation underscores the need for a nuanced and comprehensive approach to diagnosis, acknowledging the varied and often elusive symptoms that characterize long COVID. Panelists will discuss the role of advanced diagnostic tools, such as functional lab testing, in unraveling the underlying physiological imbalances contributing to the prolonged symptoms. Treatment strategies explored during the discussion include personalized nutrition plans, targeted supplementation, medications, and lifestyle interventions. As the functional medicine community pioneers innovative solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of long COVID, this panel discussion will serve as a valuable forum for knowledge exchange and collaborative efforts aimed at improving outcomes for those affected by this complex condition.

In this panel discussion, experts in the field of functional medicine will converge to explore and dissect various practice models. The discussion will span diverse approaches, including cash-based, concierge, insurance-driven, virtual, and group shared medical appointments (SMAs). The panelists will delve into the advantages and challenges of each model, addressing the financial implications, patient engagement, and overall accessibility for individuals seeking functional medicine services. By examining the interplay between these practice models and their impact on patient care, the panel aims to provide insights into how functional medicine practitioners can tailor their approaches to enhance accessibility while maintaining high-quality, patient-centered care. This will be a discussion that navigates the evolving landscape of functional medicine practice models, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and accessible healthcare framework.