Although many new patients arrive at WholeHealth Chicago with chronic symptoms and a history of no help elsewhere (“You’re my 12th doctor.”). Others pour out a bagful of medications with a mournful, “I’ve got to get off of some of these!”. Going off a bevy of psych meds is a popular request, especially when the […]
Functional Medicine
Services / Functional Medicine
Safe natural therapy to heal illness and improve well-being
Functional medicine is personalized medicine that focuses on the underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms. It is a science-based field of health care grounded in the principles of biochemical individuality, patient-centered care, the dynamic balance between internal and external factors, the web-like interconnections of physiological factors, and the promotion of organ reserve.
Providers
David Edelberg, MD
Medical Director & Internal Medicine Physician
Dr. Edelberg, board certified in Internal Medicine in 1974, began incorporating alternative therapies into his practice during the 1980’s. Since founding the parent company of WholeHealth Chicago in 1993, he has become nationally recognized as one of the pioneers of integrative medicine, the new medical specialty combining conventional medicine with alternative therapies.
Caley Scott, ND
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Caley Scott is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Scott developed a passion for naturopathic medicine while working as a medical assistant at an integrative clinic in the Chicago suburbs after completing her bachelor’s degree. Seeing first-hand the incredible success of using nutrition and natural therapies with her patients helped shape her view on healthcare and compelled her to seek a unique route in medicine.
Parisa Samsami, DC, DABCI
Functional Medicine Physician
Dr. Parisa Samsami is a Chiropractic Physician specializing in Functional Medicine. She has great success in treating patients unable to find answers in the traditional medical paradigm. She places a strong emphasis on patient education and believes that diet and lifestyle play an important role in achieving optimal health and chronic disease prevention.
Wendy Ploegstra, APN
Integrative Nurse Practitioner
Board-certified in family practice in 2008 and certified as a Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner in 2018, Wendy A. Ploegstra has incorporated alternative therapies into her practice as far back as she can remember.
Kristen Halland, DC, CCN, DABCA
Functional Medicine Physician
Dr. Halland is a seasoned clinician specializing in Functional Medicine. Since beginning practice in 2010, she has placed emphasis on a whole-person lens to care and has a strong belief that an integrative collaborative...
Health Tips
You saw a movie last week and in discussing it with friends simply can’t remember the important parts. Plus you just missed another appointment. Planning to drive to a north suburb, you instead got on the southbound expressway and after 15 minutes of Loop traffic realized your error. You’re mixing up words and forgetting too […]
After a certain age, every person fears getting cancer (and believe me, doctors are just as fearful as everyone else!). Being told, “I’m sorry but the biopsy confirmed it. You have cancer,” or “we need to find you a good oncologist,” is a moment you will remember the rest of your life. As you leave […]
I hope you never have to hear these words from any doctor. Dismissive and ending anything useful you hoped from a consultation. You scheduled this appointment months earlier. You wanted help for longstanding and unexplained symptoms. But you’re also not stupid. You actually have an idea what might be wrong. You’ve read a book or […]
If you make healthy choices, you can live longer than you think. Exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding excess salt are key. Consider anti-aging supplements, like curcumin and green tea extract. Don’t forget basics like vitamin D and vitamin C. Stay healthy and enjoy a longer, happier life.