See what former AFMCP attendees have to say here. 

Included in the Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice course is the opportunity to participate in an experiential, five-week Elimination Diet course with support from a certified health coach, a $400 value. This course increases your confidence in applying this critical tool into practice and provides a first-hand experience of the value that health coaches can bring to a care team.

What does a Functional Medicine Health Coach do?

A Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach (FMCHC) partners with individuals and groups in a client-centered process to support their health. FMCA graduates are trained to work closely with clients on lifestyle factors (sleep/relaxation, exercise/movement, nutrition, stress, relationships) that influence health. They are experts in behavior change and employ effective strengths-based coaching strategies such as motivational interviewing and appreciative inquiry. Health coaches possess the skills required to create connection, trust, and rapport. This directly leads to improved communication with the treating practitioner, a better understanding of the therapeutic plan, and a deeper commitment to following treatment recommendations.

An FMCHC has a solid understanding of the foundations of functional medicine. They are fully trained to utilize resources provided by IFM, such as the Timeline, Matrix, and various Food Plans. This background allows them to understand and, with the addition of their coaching skills, support the client to implement Functional Medicine treatment plans into their lifestyle. A health coach moves beyond the diagnosis-prescription model to co-create and execute a plan with the client that inspires him or her to a path of better health. An FMCHC does not assess, prescribe, diagnose, treat, or interpret results nor do they provide meal plans or fitness programs.

What can I expect in my sessions with my FMCHC?

You will have 5 sessions with your health coach through this program. It will be up to you and your coach to determine the length and frequency of your sessions, but in general health coaching sessions range from 30 to 60 minutes in length, and it is recommended that clients meet weekly or bi-weekly for the best results.

The first session with your coach is what we call a “Foundation Session” where you and the coach will get to know each other and the coach will ask you about your goals, vision and aspirations as it relates to what you are wanting to work on with your coach (completing the Elimination Diet, and other goals you may have such as managing stress, getting more sleep, or having more energy).

At the AFMCP you will learn how to:

• Identify root causes of dysfunction to allow personalized, precision-based treatments.
• Differentiate upstream causes of illness to design individualized treatments for each patient, even those with the same diagnosis.
• Explain to patients how their unique upstream factors cause their conditions, improving motivation and adherence.
• Use a whole person, whole health approach by eliciting what matters to your patient.
• Engage a clinical care team and utilize point-of-care tools to improve practice efficiency and outcomes.
• Utilize physical exam to detect nutritional deficiencies and imbalances.
• Use the functional medicine model to make personalized, precision-based diet and lifestyle recommendations.
• Identify and address five key domains of gut dysfunction with personalization and precision.

ACCME Accreditation Statement: The Institute for Functional Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA Credit Designation Statement: The Institute for Functional Medicine designates this other activity (a semi-synchronous online cohort) for a maximum of 33.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Who is AFMCP designed for?
IFM encourages a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. We welcome a variety of licensed healthcare disciplines to AFMCP, including MDs, DOs, NDs, DCs, physician assistants, nursing professionals, and nutrition professionals.

Can I take another course before taking AFMCP?
Many learners find taking AFMCP first helps them to understand IFM’s proprietary tools, such as the Functional Medicine Matrix, and provides context for the skills, processes, and science behind incorporating Functional Medicine principles into practice. The course is offered multiple times each year in order to meet the needs of clinicians wishing to begin their IFM education with AFMCP. AFMCP is not, however, a prerequisite to take any IFM course if you are comfortable with the material to be presented.

Will I be certified as a Functional Medicine practitioner after attending AFMCP?
No. AFMCP is one of seven required courses in the IFM Certification Program. In addition to AFMCP, you must complete the six Advanced Practice Modules as required coursework for the IFM Certification Program.

Will I be listed on the Find A Practitioner search after I attend AFMCP?
After attending AFMCP, you will be eligible to list your profile in our Find A Practitioner search as long as you are also enrolled in the IFM Membership Program. Before your profile is listed, however, you must fill in your practice information within your account profile to activate your profile to appear in the search.

View the 2024 Core Program Exhibitor Prospectus for details on exhibit and sponsorship opportunities. For any questions or to discuss further, please contact the IFM Exhibiting Manager at exhibiting@ifm.org.