Alex Shink
Mar 13, 2024

Batool Dawood, Pharm D.

1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?

Patients often present with issues related to gut disorders, autoimmune diseases, hormone imbalances, metabolic issues, and cardiovascular concerns. Many come to reduce their medication reliance by addressing the root cause. I assess patients for drug-induced nutrient deficiencies, recognizing that medication side effects are often linked to nutrient imbalances. By identifying and addressing these gaps in care, I help my patients avoid, improve, and prevent drug-related side effects.

2. Tell us about yourself. 

Fueled by personal health challenges, I recognized systemic issues in healthcare where patients feels like entries in electronic records. Navigating between specialists without effective communication lead to frustration and their health deterioration. Dissatisfied with conventional approaches, I embraced functional medicine, prioritizing the individual, addressing root causes, and promoting holistic well-being.

3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.

One notable story involves a patient with mental health issues, enduring the challenges of multiple anxiety and depression medications and severe insomnia. Recognizing the pivotal role of gut health in mental well-being, a concept unfamiliar to him, I initiated a treatment plan focusing on gut health and mind-body medicine. In a brief period, he experienced remarkable improvements, successfully reducing medication reliance and achieving a level of well-being surpassing previous experiences.

4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?

In private practice, practitioners often face the challenge of balancing time during appointments, especially when employing comprehensive approaches like functional medicine. Charging per appointment, rather than per hour, may lead to extended sessions, coupled with additional pre- and post-appointment responsibilities, potentially causing overwhelm and stress. This is a common struggle for practitioners seeking efficient time management in private settings.

5. What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today?\

These would be my pieces of advice:


  1. Firstly, invest in quality education and certification. I highly recommend the Institute for Functional Medicine for its high educational standards and the credibility.
  2. Secondly, prioritize networking with healthcare providers to foster collaborations. Prospective practitioners should actively engage with their network, building trust and expanding connections.
  3. Lastly, working closely with experts like nutritionists and health coaches enhances the overall scope of patient care.

6. Where can people find you?

READ MORE

Share by: