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Federal Way, WA – December 13, 2019 – The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) today announced that Joseph E. Pizzorno, ND, has been elected Chairman of its governing Board of Directors. One of the world’s leading authorities on science-based natural medicine, Pizzorno brings invaluable expertise to the position as the organization aims for the widespread adoption of Functional Medicine.

“Dr. Pizzorno has been a key contributor to the development of IFM since its inception in 1991,” said Jeffrey Bland, PhD, founder of IFM. “I can think of no one who has the skill, background, and history with the Institute that would make a better choice as its Chairman of the Board to follow the exceptional precedent set by outgoing Chairwoman Laurie Hofmann.”

Pizzorno’s two-year term will begin January 10, 2020, as current Chairwoman Laurie Hofmann completes her Board service. Current Vice-Chair Juliet Rogers will also transition from the governing Board after serving as a Director since 2013.

“I have been honored to serve IFM and the field of Functional Medicine for the last 20 years as a Board member, executive director, chief executive officer, and most recently as Board Chairwoman,” said Laurie Hofmann, MPH. “Today, I celebrate all who joined together with IFM—and with me—to raise the visibility, credibility, and accessibility of Functional Medicine globally. I could not be prouder of all that has been accomplished, and I look forward to many opportunities to continue supporting IFM’s mission.”

“As IFM moves into the final year of our current Strategic Plan, we continue to benefit from the clarity, leadership, and vision Laurie brings to the field of Functional Medicine—all of which has been critical to the success of IFM,” said Amy Mack, CEO of IFM. “I am grateful to Laurie for her commitment to remain engaged with IFM and the field. On behalf of the staff and faculty of IFM, I say thank you to both Laurie and Juliet for their Board service and to Dr. Pizzorno for stepping into the Board Chair role as we begin IFM’s 2021­–2025 Strategic Planning process.”

Pizzorno was appointed to the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy by President Clinton in December 2000 and to the Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee by President Bush’s administration in November 2002. Pizzorno is founding president of Bastyr University. He is editor-in-chief of Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal, is a member of the scientific review board of the Gateway for Cancer Research, and has been licensed as a naturopathic physician in Washington State since 1975.

“On behalf of the entire Functional Medicine community, we owe a deep debt of gratitude to Laurie Hofmann,” said Dr. Joe Pizzorno. “Over the last two decades, Laurie’s leadership and unrelenting commitment to IFM’s mission as CEO and Board Chair helped both the organization and the field of Functional Medicine flourish. I am honored to serve as IFM’s Board Chairman and pledge my commitment to IFM and the advancement of health and healing.”

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About IFM

The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the highest expression of individual health by advocating Functional Medicine as the standard of care. Founded in 1991, IFM is committed to setting the gold standard for education, training, and clinical practice in Functional Medicine globally. To date, IFM has educated over 16,000 practitioners from 70 countries. 

For more information about IFM, please visit ifm.org.