Functional Medicine
Interview with Dr. Marisha Chilcott: The Advocate of Functional and Personalized Medicine
We asked our owner, Dr. Marisha Chilcott, some questions to clarify why she is so passionate about Functional Medicine: You’ve been described as much more than a traditional doctor, particularly for your strong advocacy of Functional Medicine and personalized care. Can you tell us what sets your approach apart from conventional medicine?
Dr. Chilcott: Absolutely. Traditional medicine often focuses on treating symptoms rather than addressing the root cause of a patient’s health issues. In contrast, Functional Medicine is about understanding the person as a whole—looking at their lifestyle, environment, and genetic factors. My goal is to help people not just live longer but to truly enhance their quality of life. This means going beyond the standard approach and focusing on personalized care that aligns with each individual’s unique needs and health goals.
Interviewer: It sounds like you take a very personalized approach with each patient. How do you use comprehensive labs in your practice to achieve this?
Dr. Chilcott: Comprehensive labs are a cornerstone of my practice. They allow me to see a complete picture of a patient’s health, far beyond what traditional labs might reveal. With the ability to analyze a wide range of biomarkers, I can identify imbalances and potential issues that might be missed otherwise. But more importantly, I don’t just look at the numbers in isolation. I take into account the patient’s lifestyle, exercise routine, diet, family history, and even their mental and emotional wellbeing. This holistic view enables me to tailor a health plan that is truly personalized.
Interviewer: You mentioned that sometimes the “normal” ranges in lab results don’t apply to every person. Can you explain what you mean by that?
Dr. Chilcott: Yes, this is a critical point. The “normal” ranges we see in lab results are based on averages, but everyone is unique. What is considered normal for one person might not be optimal for another, especially when you factor in things like an individual’s activity level, genetic predispositions, and overall health goals. For example, an athlete might have different nutritional needs or metabolic markers compared to someone with a more sedentary lifestyle. My job is to interpret these results in the context of the whole person, not just the numbers on a page.
Interviewer: It’s clear that you invest a lot of time in understanding each patient. How does this contribute to their overall wellness?
Dr. Chilcott: By understanding each patient as an individual, I can help them reach levels of wellness that go beyond what traditional medicine typically offers. This approach is about maximizing health and wellbeing by addressing all aspects of their medical needs. Whether it’s helping them manage a chronic condition, optimize their nutrition, or simply feel better day-to-day, the personalized care I provide is designed to empower patients to take control of their health and achieve their best possible life.
Interviewer: It’s inspiring to hear about the depth of care you offer. In a world where healthcare can often feel impersonal, what motivates you to maintain such a personalized approach?
Dr. Chilcott: I’m passionate about helping people live their best lives. I believe that everyone deserves a healthcare experience that is as unique as they are. My motivation comes from seeing the positive changes in my patients’ lives when they feel heard, understood, and supported in their health journey. This is what drives me every day—to make a real difference in people’s lives by offering a level of care that truly meets their needs.
Interviewer: Dr. Chilcott, thank you for sharing your insights with us. It’s clear that your approach to Functional and personalized medicine is making a significant impact on your patients’ lives.
Dr. Chilcott: Thank you. It’s a privilege to do this work, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help people achieve their wellness goals.