The Samueli Institute created a first-of-its-kind fellowship in 2024, one that brings together the cutting-edge knowledge and latest evidenced-informed approaches of both integrative and functional medicine into one curriculum.
The Integrative & Functional Medicine Fellowship (IFMF) will foster a new generation of physicians dedicated to whole-person care. Fellows will learn in a flexible online environment that utilizes a state-of-the-art online education platform. During this two-year program, fellows will also participate in immersive, practical, in-person retreats at the Samueli Institute.
The Samueli Institute began accepting applications for the first cohort in the 2024 fiscal year, and classes began in September 2024. The fellowship is recognized by the Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health, the official recognizing body for integrative medicine fellowships in the U.S., and eligible candidates will be able to sit for the board certification exam offered by the American Board of Integrative Medicine at the completion of the program.
The fellowship’s comprehensive curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including nutrition, mind-body medicine, lifestyle modification, advanced diagnostic techniques, and personalized case-based treatment plans. Fellows will engage in rigorous academic coursework, hands-on clinical training, and immersive experiences that emphasize the power and importance of a whole-person approach to care. Learners will walk away with training in how to consider the physical, emotional, mental, social, and environmental influences that affect health and well-being.
“This marks a ground-breaking step in healthcare. This program embodies a future where healing addresses the entirety of human health, elevating both treatment and understanding.”
Tieraona Low Dog, MD
Founding Director, IFMF
Tieraona Low Dog, MD, is at the helm of the program, bringing unparalleled experience and passion for whole-person care. Dr. Low Dog is the former fellowship director at the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, one of the premier integrative health education programs. She is also a founding member of the American Board of Integrative Medicine, a highly published scholar and researcher, a presidential appointee under President Bill Clinton, and the recipient of five lifetime achievement awards.
“The launch of the new Integrative and Functional Medicine Fellowship at the UC Irvine Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute marks a ground-breaking step in healthcare,” said Low Dog.
“This program embodies a future where healing addresses the entirety of human health, elevating both treatment and understanding. Practical, cutting-edge, and holistic, the curriculum is designed for physicians to take what they learn on Friday into the clinic on Monday.”
Director of Education
Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior; Associate Dean, Continuing Medical Education; Director, UCI Train New Trainers Primary Care Psychiatry (PCP) and Primary Care Training and Education in Addiction Medicine (PC-TEAM) Fellowships, UCI School of Medicine
Co-director of the IFMF is Robert McCarron, DO, DFAPA, FAIHM, director of education at the Samueli Institute.
“We are proud and fortunate to have the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute as the center point of this Fellowship,” said McCarron. “Our faculty focuses on how to bring the core clinical components of integrative medicine to the busy daily practice of primary care and other physicians. I see the targeted and gradual inclusion of integrative medicine into primary care medicine as a natural occurrence.”
The fellowship will emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration. Fellows will learn from – and work alongside – leading professionals from specialties across integrative and functional medicine. This multidisciplinary approach will be essential for fellows to develop a comprehensive understanding of patient care that transcends traditional boundaries.
Aly Cohen, MD, is a triple-bard-certified physician in rheumatology, internal medicine, and integrative medicine. She serves as a course director for Environmental Medicine and the Integrative Approaches to Allergy, Immunology, andmRheumatology.
“I’m thrilled to be part of such an amazing new fellowship program. Clearly this is filling a critical gap and need within current medical training and western medical care. I’m honored and humbled to work with such fabulous faculty and administration and look forward to what’s ahead,” said Cohen. “The curricula that I will be creating and managing are so relevant for our time. The enormous amount of toxic environmental exposures contributes to health conditions that are largely preventable. I’m thrilled to be a part of the movement to address health and disease prevention instead of just disease treatment.”
In addition to clinical training, fellows will be encouraged to engage in cutting-edge research projects. The program will provide access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources, allowing fellows to contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting integrative and functional medicine.
The Samueli Institute continues to accept applications for the fellowship. Visit here to apply, join an information session with Drs. Low Dog and McCarron, or to get more information.
