Learn more about Bellagena’s Functional Medicine practitioner…
We would like to welcome Dr. Pamela Chapman to the Bellagena Family. Dr. Chapman is a functional medicine doctor that believes women deserve to feel radiant. Her practice with functional medicine makes her an expert in restoring the digestive system, fatigue, detoxification, stress, and more! I had the pleasure to interview Dr. Chapman about her experiences working with women through functional medicine.
Can you run us through a day in your office?
My days vary greatly, but I love that the Functional Medicine practice I have built gives me the time to get to know and really listen to my clients and her needs. I usually start my day listening to a podcast while I’m getting organized. Depending on what’s on my schedule, I may be spending time meeting a new client, reviewing lab results, returning messages, or following up on a client’s progress. I also enjoy seeing clients for facial cosmetic procedures such as botox and dermal fillers.
What is Functional Medicine? Why is it beneficial?
Functional Medicine utilizes a systems-based approach to determine the underlying cause of disease. It is evidence-based personalized, patient-centered medicine that evaluates genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that promote disease. Using this knowledge, we can create a roadmap to restore an individual’s function and bring vitality back into her life.
When did you first hear about Functional Medicine?
I was sitting in a medical lecture and a speaker came in to talk about cholesterol, statin therapy and alternative methods that can be used in conjunction with standard therapy to treat atherosclerosis. She had molecular structures on the screen and pathways. While many of my colleagues mentally checked out, my inner biochemistry nerd was all ears! I looked the speaker up after the talk and saw that she was affiliated with multiple integrative and Functional Medicine associations. I started doing my research from there.
What have you learned about women in general while practicing Functional Medicine?
Women are masters of multitasking. I haven’t met a woman yet who doesn’t have a laundry list of to-do items. (If she’s out there, she should be teaching courses on the key to simplicity and organization!) Our female brains are wired for multitasking, but in today’s culture, we can often become overwhelmed by the multitude of tasks we need to complete. I often hear, “I want to feel better, but I don’t even know where to start.” That’s where I come in – to help guide the first steps, and then the next, and so forth.
What attracted you to this practice?
For years I have felt the need to build a resource to create a connection for women. Looking at history with women’s prayer circles and the red tents of Biblical times, women have come together to support one another for thousands of years. I personally struggled with feeling a lack of connection to other women. Intuitively, I knew that I was not the only woman experiencing this. On a visit to Glastonbury with an amazing teacher, Rebecca Campbell, and a group of women from across the globe, my vision fell into place. My goal is to use my knowledge and calling in medicine to create a community for women to come together to heal and build relationships.
What was the biggest challenge you face in this practice?
I’ve built this ship and set it to sail with my name (and the company’s name which is special to me) on the bough. It can be scary to create something on your own. It’s not traditional and there’s a fear of what colleagues think. Fear of failure. But I’ve always been able to dream really big, so I took the leap to create something special.
Is there a medical achievement or contribution that you are most proud of? Why?
I could list things like being nominated Chief Resident and Chief Patient Advocate during my residency, but I’m really just proud to be a PHYSICIAN. There’s a sacred agreement when someone trusts you and puts their health in your hands. It’s an honor to be able to serve others in this way and I hold this calling very near to my heart.
What would you say to someone considering Functional Medicine for a change in lifestyle?
It’s not always an easy, cut and dry process. It takes significant commitment to dive deep into your history, to make lifestyle changes, to stay accountable to yourself first when you’re taking care of everyone else. But when you start seeing changes, your pain is improved, you’re less anxious, you can keep up with your kids – you will thank YOU for committing.
What would you say to someone considering you as a practitioner?
I remember treating a woman that was shocked and told me “You’re a normal person just like me!” So that’s what I like to tell people – I’m normal. I just went to school longer and continue to learn and grow so that I can pursue the calling that I have. At the end of the day, women need to get to know and feel comfortable with their healthcare providers. And if I’m not someone’s cup of tea – That’s Okay! There’s another provider out there who will be.
What inspires you?
Laughter. Joy. The easiness of a quiet Sunday morning with a cup of coffee.
We are looking forward to Dr. Chapman to bring innate wellness to our community! Be sure to stop by Bellagena’s Bubbles & Botox Event
July 24th at 6 PM. Get to know Dr. Chapman in person!
