2 weeks Ago By By Ryann Brooks [email protected]
Emporians will soon have access to a new type of healthcare, focusing on holistic solutions. Doris Crowell-Smith recently opened Affordable Integrative Functional Medicine LLC, a functional medicine practice at 417 Commercial St., Suite 4.
After being inspired by her own child’s health struggles with an autoimmune disorder, Crowell-Smith is on a mission to bring a more holistic approach to healthcare to the community. Born and raised in Emporia, Crowell-Smith pursued a psychology degree at the University of Kansas, but her passion shifted after witnessing firsthand the limitations of conventional medicine. “I was already on the path of exploring alternatives to traditional methods,” she explained.
“But my daughter’s diagnosis of an autoimmune disorder at age four solidified my direction.” At the time, her daughter’s doctors recommended an aggressive treatment involving low-dose chemotherapy to suppress the immune system. “I couldn’t accept that,” Crowell-Smith said.
“There had to be another way. That’s when I dove deeper into natural medicine, eventually discovering functional medicine.” Functional medicine, she explained, is a holistic approach focused on finding and addressing the root causes of health issues.
“Conventional medicine often focuses on symptoms,” she said. “Functional medicine digs deeper — whether it’s a thyroid issue or an autoimmune condition, we ask why the body is malfunctioning and work to correct it.” Crowell-Smith’s approach to treatment begins with comprehensive testing that goes beyond traditional methods.
For example, instead of just measuring thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), she examines the entire thyroid process, looking at how the liver and gut influence hormone conversion. “There’s a big difference between masking symptoms and truly understanding what’s going on,” she said. This passion for finding the root cause has extended beyond physical ailments.
Crowell-Smith also sees functional medicine as a key to addressing mental health issues. “Anxiety, depression, even ADHD — these are often treated with medications that don’t always address the underlying imbalance,” she said. “With functional medicine, I can actually test neurotransmitter levels and work on balancing them naturally.
” Her own journey toward becoming a practitioner involved extensive training in multiple medical programs, including certifications from the Integrative Health Practitioner Institute and the American Functional Medicine Academy. She wants to work collaboratively with local physicians to help find solutions for patients who are struggling with their health. “I live and breathe this every day,” she said.
“I have the knowledge and experience to help people, and I want to be a resource for the community.” Though she had the opportunity to obtain a state license, Crowell-Smith chose not to pursue it, which allows her to assist clients from around the world. “By not being tied to a specific state, I can send labs and work with patients wherever they are,” she said.
“It’s really about making healthcare accessible to as many people as possible.” For those seeking her care, initial appointments will focus on gathering a comprehensive health history and determining what testing is needed. Crowell-Smith emphasizes the importance of education in her practice.
“I spend a lot of time with each patient, explaining why they’re feeling the way they are and what we can do about it,” she said. “It’s a process, but it’s one that’s aimed at long-term health and healing.” Crowell-Smith hopes to bring a fresh perspective on health to Emporia, offering an alternative for those looking for answers beyond conventional medicine.
“I want to help people feel their best and understand the ‘why’ behind their health issues,” she said. “When we understand what’s really going on, we can truly start to heal.” For more information about Crowell-Smith’s practice and the services offered, you can call 620-794-7957 or email affordableifmpractitioner@gmail.
com.
