The Institute for Functional Medicine

01/28/2026

Gain new clinical skills and knowledge at the 2026 AIC in San Diego. Immerse yourself in the functional medicine approach and network with leading clinicians, researchers, and thought leaders from the field. We hope to connect with you onsite or during the livestream broadcast!

Planning to attend? Book your ticket now to save $200. This limited-time offer ends January 28. https://hubs.la/Q040CCtb0

01/23/2026

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 https://go.ifm.org/4bfv6Pr.

01/22/2026

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: https://go.ifm.org/4bNGrqb

01/21/2026

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: https://go.ifm.org/3LnpSH2

01/19/2026

Today, January 19th, IFM is closed to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We share Dr. King's vision of health equality, equity and justice; we envision a future where patients and practitioners work together to not only manage symptoms but address the root causes of disease and dysfunction to promote optimal health and well-being for all.

Thank you for being a part of our community and for joining in this work to advance the transformation of healthcare for patients and practitioners around the globe. We look forward to responding to your inquiries tomorrow.

01/17/2026

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: https://go.ifm.org/49ppNM2

01/16/2026

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: https://go.ifm.org/3LPim7M

01/14/2026

The health of the microbiome affects the entire body. What is the connection between the intestinal microbiome and cardiometabolic dysfunction?

In the following video, IFM educator P. Michael Stone, MD, MS, FAAFP, IFMCP explains how gut dysbiosis contributes to metabolic risk and highlights clinical clues, from bloating and food intolerances to tongue coating, that can signal an imbalanced microbiome. Read more about cardiometabolic conditions and the microbiome in the following article: https://go.ifm.org/3YJr4aC

01/13/2026

Can different mental states positively or negatively affect biological functions such as immunity? The latest research suggests that long-term stress contributes to reduced immune health and increased risk of disease development. What stress-reducing interventions may positively affect the immune system and potentially prevent immune imbalance? Read more about stress & immune function here: https://go.ifm.org/4sFHJJI

Practitioners trained in functional medicine have the tools to connect the dots between a patient’s health and any stress-related dysfunction. To learn more about how stress may be impacting your health and what beneficial lifestyle-based approaches may be appropriate for you, visit our website to find a functional medicine practitioner near you.

Adrenal, Thyroid, & Pituitary Health How Does Stress Affect Immune Function & Disease Risk? Patient Education | Reading Time: 2 minutes | Updated on: February 26, 2025 For centuries, people have investigated the connection between the mind and body. The interplay is deep-rooted and complex, calling....

01/12/2026

Research continues to underscore just how important sleep is and how harmful a lack of sleep can be. Multiple clinical trials report that relaxing mind-body practices may help improve sleep quality, reduce sleep disturbances, and benefit insomnia therapies.

Swipe through these graphics to explore the physiological impact of sleep debt, review clinical data on mindful movement, and learn how to integrate these restorative interventions into your practice. Read more about leveraging mindfulness for improved sleep in the following article: https://go.ifm.org/49xQNrD

01/08/2026

Applications for the 2026 Founders’ Scholarship and Debbie Sanstad Scholarship are now open!

IFM’s annual scholarships support clinicians who are at the beginning of their functional medicine journey and planning to pursue certification. Candidates may apply for both scholarship opportunities but will need to submit a separate application for each. All applications must be received by January 28 at 5 pm PST. We look forward to learning about you and your clinical experiences! Learn more and start your application by clicking here: https://go.ifm.org/49xxLSh

Do you know a deserving clinician who would be a great fit for one of these scholarships? Please share this post with them or tag them in the comments below!

01/06/2026

Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a multifaceted disorder that involves hepatic fat accumulation and at least one of five cardiometabolic risk factors. In recent years, a line of evidence has suggested a close association between intestinal health and liver health. What is the connection between the gut microbiome and MASLD, and how can lifestyle-based therapies affect the clinical measures of this disease?

In the following video, IFM Educator and Forum Health Chief Medical Officer Shilpa Saxena, MD, IFMCP, explores this topic further. Dr. Saxena discusses MASLD, the components such as genetic predisposition, stress, nutrition, and movement that may contribute to disease development, and biomarkers that may be important to monitor as part of a personalized prevention strategy or clinical intervention. Read more about the connection between gut and liver health in this article: https://go.ifm.org/49jhkdr