A Different Perspective on Medicine

As we begin 2026, I want to share a perspective on medicine shaped by a unique part of my work.

In addition to my functional medicine practice, I continue to work occasional locum tenens shifts as an OB/Gyn. The term locum tenens - Latin for “one holding a place” - refers to a traveling physician. This work allows me to serve women in a variety of hospital and clinical settings across Arizona, New Mexico, and Washington.

I choose this work for two reasons:

• to keep my surgical and clinical skills sharp
• to maintain balance while practicing medicine in a way that aligns with my values

What this vantage point offers is clarity. I’m reminded - again and again - why I practice Functional Medicine.

Many people sense that something in our healthcare system isn’t working, yet they don’t always know another way exists. My work is about offering that other way: a partnership rooted in curiosity, responsibility, and deep healing.

Healing, as I see it, happens when life is no longer something that simply happens to us, but something we actively participate in. That participation opens the door to awareness, choice, and lasting change - and this is where my purpose truly comes alive.

As Bob Proctor wisely said:
“Beware of the danger of a comfort zone - it doesn’t hurt, and it might even feel good.”

Comfort can be deceptive when it comes to health. Temporary fixes are readily available, but true healing requires attention, honesty, and willingness. Functional Medicine moves beyond “a pill for an ill” and even beyond “a supplement for a symptom.” It asks deeper questions - and invites deeper engagement.

If you feel ready to explore what healing could look like for you, I’d love to connect. I offer a complimentary 15-minute connection call to see if this work is a good fit. Schedule Here for Connection Call

Honoring Natural Rhythms: Lunar New Year
An important energetic shift this season is the Lunar New Year on February 17, 2026.

Though we live by the Gregorian calendar, our bodies are guided by nature. When we align with natural cycles, many people experience improved sleep, more balanced hormones, steadier moods, and a greater sense of ease.

I’ve personally observed the power of this alignment over the past decade. When we allow nature to lead, the body often responds with gentleness and regulation.

If you’re curious to explore seasonal and planetary rhythms, I recommend:

• Danielle LaPorte – free equinox and solstice meditations at DanielleLaPorte.com
• Cate Stillman – free offerings through Club Thrive at clubthrive.global

Hormone Therapy: Important Updates
In November 2025, the FDA removed the black box warning from hormone replacement therapy - an acknowledgment long awaited by women who have suffered unnecessarily due to fear-based messaging.

Current research shows that bioidentical hormone replacement does not increase breast cancer risk and may, in fact, be protective - even for women with BRCA 1 and 2 mutations.

Additionally, recent FDA hearings addressed testosterone therapy for men, with requests to remove its controlled substance designation. If approved, testosterone would remain prescription - only but far more accessible. This change would also benefit women who rely on testosterone support.

I anticipate these changes could take effect between April and June 2026.

Mindfulness 101: Stress Is Not Optional
Stress management is not an “extra.” It is foundational.

Stress - whether physical, emotional, or mental - directly influences inflammation, gene expression, and long-term health. Chronic inflammation underlies nearly all modern diseases, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, autoimmune conditions, cognitive decline, anxiety, and depression.

This is why I teach Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).

On January 22, 2026, I’ll begin a 4-week introductory mindfulness course, Stress Relief in 4 Weeks, designed to make these tools accessible and practical.

Details:

• Thursdays, 9:00–10:30 AM
• January 22 – February 12
• Virtual via Zoom
• Cost: $195 (Members attend free: please email here to register. )

Those who feel they “don’t have time” for mindfulness often benefit the most.

Members Only: please email here to register.

Non Members: Register for "Stress Relief in 4 Weeks"

Registar HERE: Stress Relief in 4 Weeks

Desert Jewel Collaboration
I’m excited to partner with Desert Jewel Fitness for a live presentation:

January 17, 2026 - 10:00 AM
Live in Cottonwood, AZ

I’ll be speaking on Stress, Hormones, and Health, with practical, natural strategies you can implement right away. (If you’ve attended my webinar, the content will be the same.)

Please email Cristy Rose at [email protected] to reserve your spot. Space is limited.

Rooted in Healing

This month on Rooted in Healing, I’m welcoming two insightful guests: 

• Tenille Hoogland, athletic coach for midlife women, discussing exercise in perimenopause and menopause - and dispelling common myths
• Matt Dawson of TruDiagnostic, exploring epigenetic testing and what it reveals about the true roots of healing

Listen on KAZM 106.5 FM and 780 AM on Saturdays at 9AM.

Prior episodes are available in the archives at MellowMountainRadio.com and on Apple Podcasts.

Thank you for supporting this work and for sharing these conversations with those who may benefit.

All my best,