I was practicing as an ICU physician during the COVID pandemic. Several of my colleagues developed long COVID before we understood what that was, and I saw how little we had to treat them.

During that time, I was also studying functional medicine which focuses on the factors that lead to health. This is a very different approach then my traditional medical training, which taught me treatments for disease after problems developed. I think the former approach is particularly well suited to helping patient with long COVID. I just wish that approach was more imbedded in our medical schools than it was when I trained. I have since become certified by the Institute of Functional Medicine and opened an outpatient functional medicine clinic.

I also participated in a research trial evaluating an integrative protocol to treat Long COVID which was helpful for many of my patients including two who were able to get off disability. I see patients individually, but I also run monthly group visits for patients with Long COVID to share new ideas and research as it comes out. This also connects the patients with each other so they can share their experiences. That collaboration has allowed me to learn much faster from my patients than I would have otherwise.

Qualifications : MD

Specialisms: Long COVID

Do you treat Adults? YES

Do you treat Children? NO