Functional Medicine... is defined as the field of healthcare that employs assessment and early intervention to improve:  

• Physiological function
• Cognitive function
• Emotional function
• Physical function‍

It is a philosophy that uses a systems biology approach and molecular medicine that goes beyond PREVENTION.
If you wish to understand this better, please read the below editorial introducing a new medical magazine dedicated to systems medicine.
      The End of Medicine as We Know It: Introduction to the New Journal, Systems Medicine | Systems Medicine

The GOALS of Functional Medicine are to: 

• Enhance organ function
• Improve organ reserve
• Reduce chronic conditions
• Increase life expectancy and health span

The approach of Functional Medicine is to acknowledge:

• the biochemical individuality of each individual.
  Functional Medicine emphasizes the physiological uniqueness of each patient, tailoring an effective treatment that analyzes subtle differences in an individual's molecular biochemistry, hormonal secretion patterns, cellular environment, immune response, etc, allowing for focused, precise, and individualized  therapy.
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• the importance of metabolic balance in each individual
  "Waiting to see" if something comes of a minor complaint, is not the approach of Functional Medicine.  Instead evaluating slight imbalances in the body and correcting them can ward off developing a bigger problem later in life.  The chronic diseases we suffer today, will not be a part of our children's lives tomorrow... because of this early intervention.
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• the interconnectedness of the ecological contribution to a biochemical unique individual which results in that person's unique expression of health.
  By examining and treating the integrated whole person in their environment, the clinician is able to assist and augment the body's natural mechanisms of healing.   The clinician evaluates and maximizes a "homeodynamic" inner and outer balance achieving a long-range result of OptimalAging and Wellness.
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• A Functional Medicine HealthCare Professional's Assessment evaluates the individual body's ability to maintain hemodynamic health in its given environment by looking at:
  - Gastrointestinal (digestion)
  - Nutrition
  - Detoxification/oxidative stress
  - Immunology/allergy
  - Endocrine (production and regulation of hormones)
  - Cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels)
  A Plan is made for Treatment with agreement between physician and patient.
  Re-evaluation is carried out at intervals and revisions done as necessary.
  As the body relearns how to stand on its own, therapies are eliminated.
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