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Lowering the barriers of functional medicine training and health coach certification to bring a root cause, whole health approach into more communities around the globe.

For Immediate Release

Federal Way, Wash. – Oct. 24, 2023 – The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) and Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA) are grateful to receive a generous grant from VoLo Foundation. This grant invests in scholarships and educational opportunities for practitioners and health coaches, and helps advance health equity through expanded access to a root cause, functional medicine approach to health care.

As a trusted and experienced medical education provider that has been continuously accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) since 2001, IFM is the leading voice for functional medicine and trains healthcare providers in a root cause, whole health approach that prioritizes evidence-based lifestyle interventions.

In 2021, IFM launched its annual scholarship program, Functional Medicine for All (FM4All), to help foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive field of functional medicine. This scholarship is intended for clinicians around the globe who are beginning their functional medicine education and are currently working with historically medically underserved communities. With this grant, IFM will increase the number of scholarships awarded through FM4All.

“Interprofessional collaboration is critical to ensuring a whole health approach to care,” states IFM Chief Executive Officer, Amy R. Mack, MSES/MPA. “In support of this work, IFM and FMCA will also establish discussion sessions with scholarship winners to facilitate knowledge exchange and community-building among recipients.”

Adopting healthier lifestyle habits is notoriously challenging, and this challenge is amplified for people experiencing inequities across the social determinants of health. As members of the collaborative care team, functional medicine practitioners and health coaches are ideally positioned to address patients’ unique healthcare needs through a personalized approach to care.

“The role of the functional medicine health coach is paramount for individuals in historically marginalized communities to achieve their highest expression of individual health,” FMCA Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum states. “This grant will enable FMCA to empower more health coaches to make a meaningful impact in improving wellness and healthcare in these populations.”

Since 2014, VoLo Foundation has contributed significant funding to worthy nonprofits. VoLo Foundation focuses on tackling major environmental issues, along with research, humanitarian, health, and education initiatives.

“VoLo Foundation is committed to improving health and increasing access to equitable healthcare. The inclusion of lifestyle, medicine, and holistic interventions are a great way to optimize longevity and well-being,” shares Thais Lopez Vogel and David S. Vogel, Co-Founders of VoLo Foundation. “This grant reflects our dedication to increasing healthcare access for all, particularly in underserved communities.”

IFM and FMCA celebrate the commitment of VoLo Foundation to making a positive impact in healthcare and advancing efforts to address healthcare inequities to improve healthcare outcomes for all.

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About VoLo Foundation
VoLo Foundation is a private nonprofit organization with a mission to accelerate change and global impact by supporting science-based climate solutions, enhancing education, and improving health.

About Functional Medicine Health Coaching Academy (FMCA)
The Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA) is dedicated to transforming healthcare by offering a comprehensive, accredited training program for health and wellness coaches. Through a unique blend of functional medicine principles, positive psychology, and evidence-based coaching techniques, FMCA equips health coaches with the tools they need to guide people toward optimal well-being. With a global student body and a faculty composed of leaders in the field, FMCA is at the forefront of a healthcare revolution that focuses on a personalized, systems-oriented approach to health, going beyond treating symptoms to address the root causes of illness.

About The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)
As the leading voice for functional medicine for more than 30 years, IFM is advancing the transformation of healthcare for patients and practitioners worldwide. IFM supports the confident and competent practice of functional medicine through high-quality education and certification programs; partnerships across medical disciplines; and advocating on behalf of functional medicine clinicians and patients around the globe. IFM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the only organization providing functional medicine certification along with educational programs directly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). For more information, please visit IFM.org.

About Functional Medicine
As a catalyst in the transformation of healthcare, functional medicine treats root causes of disease and restores healthy function through a personalized patient experience. From chronic illness to disease prevention, functional medicine systematically addresses the unique physical, mental, and emotional needs of all patients. By understanding each patient’s genetic, environmental, and lifestyle influences, functional medicine is a vital partner to conventional medicine that delivers transformative care to promote optimal health and well-being.

For more information:
Alyssa Parker
Manager, Public Relations
media@ifm.org