Understanding how best to treat you requires a sophisticated understanding of your unique biology. To do this, I consider your genome, metabolome, and microbiome. Genetic evaluation focuses on genes that impact metabolism, inflammation, weight, hormones, and response to foods and medications. Metabolic testing includes conventional testing, advanced lipid analysis, micronutrient testing, and hormone analysis. Microbiome analysis evaluates the relative abundance of bacterial species, the presence of parasites, inflammatory and immune markers, and indicators of digestion and absorption.

Many complex, chronic conditions have detrimental effects on memory, processing speed, and executive function (we often talk about “chemo brain” for cancer treatment, yet this can also be present in long COVID, fibromalgia, etc). These symptoms can result from direct effect on the brain itself, or through changes in the gut-brain axis. When needed, we can complete computerized psychometric testing, advanced brain imaging, and functional neuro-performance testing to create a personalized plan for the best path to recovery or optimization.

Only four cancers (breast, prostate, lung, and cancer) of the dozens of types have recommended screenings tests based on national guidelines, yet most cancer deaths occur from cancers without recommended screening options. Multi-cancer early detection is an innovative and clinically-validated blood-based test that can effectively detect over 50 types of cancer. Additionally, recent studies suggest full-body MRI and PET/MRI may be superior to conventional PET/CT for detecting certain cancers. We have one of the region’s only PET/MRI scanners.

Many patients with complex health conditions have increased cardiovascular risks. For example, cancer survivors have a 2- to 6-times higher cardiovascular mortality risk than the general population. Our approach to cardiovascular health may include advanced cardiac imaging techniques, resting metabolic rate to determine the number of calories the body burns at rest, and VO2 max to determine peak oxygen consumption. By understanding the health of the cardiovascular system, we can work to safely and effectively optimize it.

Loss of muscle mass—sarcopenia—is very common in patients with complex and chronic health conditions. Patients with sarcopenia have higher rates of adverse outcomes during treatment. Yet sarcopenia is underdiagnosed and undertreated. Early identification is critical in improving prognosis and quality of life. We incorporate body composition analysis into our assessment to precisely evaluate body mass index, basal metabolic rate, fat mass, muscle mass, bone mass, and body mass distribution. This information helps target our treatment approach.

Unique and effectives modalities such as hyperbaric oxygen and vibroacoustic sleep training can promote resilience and recovery. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, which has been shown to promote healing through the body. This treatment can be effective for a variety of difficult to treat conditions, including brain fog and tinnitus. Poor sleep is also common complaint. Enhanced sleep quality for optimal brain function can be addressed with a variety of approaches, including the innovative vibroacoustic sleep training, in which patients follow a research-backed plan for retraining the functional connectivity of brain areas responsible for sleep.

Targeted nutrition therapy, which uses specialized diets and natural products to support health at the cellular and molecular level, can enhance healing and resilience. Anti-inflammatory diets have protective effects in disease prevention, treatment, and recovery by reducing inflammatory processes, avoiding DNA damage, and decreasing cell proliferation. We recommend dietary modifications and targeted nutrient supplementation to optimize the function of the body.

Restorative micronutrient mixes can be used to replenish a range of vital nutrients for patients who have become nutrient-depleted from chronic illness. In addition, specific substances, such as Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) infused at pharmacologic doses can be used as an adjunctive agent for supportive care.

The mind and body are deeply interconnected. Stress and perception have a dramatic impact on how the body responds to cancer treatment. Mindfulness can align the body and mind, improving stress and reducing symptoms in patients with cancer. I have completed professional training in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and the MBSR program at the Marcus Institute is one of the longest standing programs for mindfulness in the country. We also offer screening and treatment for emotional trauma related to illness. Nearly a third of patients with cancer experience traumatic stress symptoms related to their diagnosis, yet this is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Tools such as the Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) may help resolve this trauma.

Many complementary healing approaches can be extremely helpful for managing difficult symptoms but are underutilized. For example, many professional organizations, such as the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the American Society of Clinical Oncology, recommend acupuncture during cancer treatment yet this therapy is rarely incorporated into treatment plans. I partner with trusted practitioners to provide these services.

Smoking is a major driver of inflammatory diseases. One out of every three cancer deaths in the US is related to smoking. If you smoke, stopping smoking is one of the most important steps in improving your health and your response to cancer treatment. JeffQuit, developed at the Marcus Institute, is an evidence-backed, comprehensive smoking cessation program designed to help you quit smoking

The average physician visit is far too short. Fully appreciating what makes you, you and building a strong and meaningful relationship requires thoughtful care and attention. Time spent together is one of the most important ways to do this.