IFM forges collaborations with other leading institutions to transform medicine globally.
By building partnerships with organizations that share common goals, IFM can advance our mission of making Functional Medicine the standard of care. IFM is particularly committed to developing partnerships that enhance Functional Medicine education, clinical practice, access, economic viability, and research.
Since its inception in 1991, The Institute for Functional Medicine has inspired the development of Functional Medicine-related services, products, educational programs, and more (see figure)—all in response to the growing interest and demand for this clinical model, ultimately forming the Functional Medicine "ecosystem." IFM isn't capable of dedicating sufficient resources (nor in-house expertise) to simultaneously advance all of these critical components of the movement by itself. Therefore, we invite, engage, and formalize partnerships to facilitate, empower, and support our core objectives of expanding reach and capacity, improving clinical and practice skills, strengthening the evidence base, and catalyzing and integrating emerging trends.
As a result of IFM partnerships:
More than 65 academic medicine, nutrition, and residency programs have participated in IFM's education courses.
Practice efficiency tools such as LivingMatrix are saving clinicians one hour in patient visits every day; LivingMatrix has quickly become the largest database of Functional Medicine patient cases.
Patient outcomes research demonstrating the clinical and financial benefits of using the Functional Medicine model are in progress at major academic health centers, self-insured employers, and health systems.
The first-of-its-kind training and certification program for Functional Medicine health coaches is now available through the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy.
IFM has inspired the development of Functional Medicine-related services, products, educational programs, and more—all in response to the growing interest and demand for this clinical model, ultimately forming the Functional Medicine "ecosystem."
IFM has partnered with leading organizations to improve the practice, use, and evidence supporting Functional Medicine. Collaborating partners include academic health centers and residency programs, university graduate programs, professional training programs, innovative technology companies, self-insured employers, international education programs, and specialized clinical training.
The following are IFM's featured partnerships:
Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine. An unprecedented collaboration to advance the practice, education, and evidence behind Functional Medicine. Learn More
Academic Medicine Partners and Professional Training Programs. Learn More
Functional Medicine Coaching Academy. The first accredited Functional Medicine health coach training program. Learn More
LivingMatrix. A cloud-based patient information management application specifically designed to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of Functional Medicine practices. Learn More
LeadHealth. The first employer health organization to provide self-insured companies with access to Functional Medicine to reduce healthcare costs. Learn More
International Partnerships. Learn More
Integrated & Functional Connections. The leading platform for employment opportunities in Functional Medicine. Learn More
Practice Implementation Resources. Programs that teach business planning and practice efficiency to support clinicians' practice building objectives. LEARN MORE
IFM also has a long-standing corporate sponsorship program comprising companies that represent nutraceutical, laboratory, medical device, technology, and other components of the Functional Medicine ecosystem. Learn More
Strategic Partnerships and Innovations
IFM builds relationships and partnerships that:
Build on IFM's education and clinical model
Extend and leverage tools to educate and engage patients
Serve to improve access, outcomes, and affordability of Functional Medicine to the public
Create practice implementation opportunities for IFM-trained practitioners
Contribute research and outcomes to the evidence base for Functional Medicine