Integrative medicine emphasizes the integration of complementary and alternative approaches with conventional medicine. The field of integrative health and medicine reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, healthcare professionals and professions to achieve optimal health and healing.

Physicians that embrace the Integrative approach to medicine offer patients a more comprehensive and personalized approach to health care. The focus is getting to the root cause of the health issue rather than just treating the symptoms. They partner with patients to develop a customized plan tailored to their individual healthcare and nutritional needs.

Dr. Melissa Dean, founder of the Dean Wellness Institute, is trained in Internal Medicine, Board Certified in Metabolic Medicine and holds a master’s degree in Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine. Her practice is a premier center for Regenerative Medicine, focusing on disease prevention. Dr. Dean is well known for her holistic approach that includes bio-identical hormone balancing, nutrition, and detoxification. In her specialty of Regenerative Medicine, also known as Age Management, she focuses on helping people regain or maintain their vitality.

“Hormone balancing, optimal nutrition, detoxification, exercise, and spiritual fulfillment are the areas that I believe are essential elements of well-being and longevity,” says Dr. Dean

One anti-aging option offered by Dr. Dean is the Vampire Facelift. This anti-aging procedure uses Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers to lift the skin away from the bone to restore youthful volume and shape. The physician then harvests the patient’s own blood (hence the name Vampire) growth factors that the patient's body would normally use to heal damaged tissue. Then, using a centrifuge, the physician isolates platelets from that blood (platelet-rich plasma or PRP). Using numbing cream and a very small needle (for almost no pain), the woman’s own growth factors are injected back into her face in a particular way. The multipotent stem cells then develop into new collagen, new blood vessels, and new fatty tissue restoring shape, and improving tone and texture.

Rebecca Hunton, MD, founder of Radiantly Healthy MD, is an integrative specialist and currently provides a range of services with a whole body preventative, proactive and functional approach.

Functional Medicine addresses the underlying causes of disease, using a systems-oriented approach and engaging both patient and practitioner in a therapeutic partnership. It is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century. By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, Functional Medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms.

By combining traditional medicine with natural options, Dr. Hunton and her staff create individualized treatment plans for their patients that improve energy levels, immune system functions, athletic performance and endurance, and overall better health and vitality. The providers at Radiantly Healthy MD do this by employing a combination of herbal supplements, medical foods, personalized diet/lifestyle plans and vitamin supplements, as well as prescription solutions to treat patients. They specialize in restorative, functional, and anti-aging medicine as well as metabolic endocrinology – assisting patients in reversing chronic disease and achieving optimal health.

“In my practice, we spend a lot of time with the patients, reviewing diagnostic tests and other data to determine the best, personalized options for them.” Dr. Hunton believes that personalized, preventive care is of the utmost importance in helping people achieve their health goals.

At HerCare of Brevard, patients experience an array of services designed to address their needs in women’s health, functional medicine, hormonal care, nutritional support and supplements, stress management, and relaxation.

Donna Ivery, MD, founder of HerCare of Brevard, is board-certified in obstetrics/gynecology and AIHM certified in Integrative Medicine. HerCare of Brevard provides all traditional gynecologic services for wellcare/preventive medicine, including well woman visits, contraception, in-office endometrial ablation, hysteroscopy, and sterilization. Her scope of practice also includes GI dysfunction, breast thermography, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, genetic testing for inherited cancer mutations, and cosmetic and anti-aging services.

Dr. Ivery assesses her patients from a functional medicine approach. She provides targeted testing and appropriate herbal, bio-identical or pharmaceutical remedies to assist patients in their return to wellness.

“At HerCare of Brevard, we take an individual approach to evaluation of patient needs and treatment plans. During your appointment, we will draw upon traditional, functional, and alternative medicine training to create a plan for care and restoration of wellness,” says Dr. Ivery.

Dean Wellness Institute, 1345 36^th Street, Suite B, Vero Beach. DeanWelnessInstitute.com, 772-567-1500. See ad on back cover.

Radiantly Healthy MD, 150 Fifth Avenue, Suite C., Indialantic. DrHunton.com, 321-254-6803.

HerCare of Brevard, 4346 S. Hopkins Avenue, Titusville. HerCareofBrevard.com, 321-267-3787.