Dr. Robin Ross, a recent addition to A Holistic Approach Center in Fort Myers, discovered her passion for functional medicine four years ago after learning about its individualized, patient-centered approach. “I enrolled in Dr. Kurt N. Woeller’s Integrative Medicine Academy, completed his Functional Medicine Mastery Course, and earned certification. I also pursued a naturopathy course and several courses in hypnotherapy, as it helped my mother quit smoking, so I knew it worked,” says the board-certified internal medicine physician and founder of Divine Intervention Holistic Care.

Studying functional medicine and naturopathy led Ross to conclude that many natural remedies for ailments and chronic illnesses have been overlooked or forgotten over time. “I began practicing a more holistic approach to medicine because it focuses on asking, 'What are the toxicities and deficiencies causing the illness?' rather than writing prescriptions for drugs that only alleviate symptoms but don't offer a cure.”

Ross particularly values functional medicine because it looks for evidence and addresses the root causes of illness, using food as medicine and natural lifestyle changes, which can help reverse chronic conditions. She shares an example: “A recent patient presented with numerous symptoms, and through testing, we discovered she had severe mold toxicity, exposure to heavy metals, and liver issues. If I had only looked at her symptoms and not ordered any tests, I would have simply written several prescriptions, which would have masked her body’s warning signs and allowed the underlying issues to worsen. My approach involves addressing toxins, the microbiome, genetics, hormones, and allergens.”

To make lifestyle changes easier for her patients, Ross recommends Yuka, an app that helps users make healthier choices while shopping. “Yuka scans product barcodes and provides real-time health ratings, ranging from poor to excellent, while identifying the chemicals they contain. Just because something is labeled organic or natural doesn’t mean it’s good. My pantry looks completely different than it did four years ago. Once I learned what was in the food I was eating, I didn’t want to put it in my body anymore. Anyone who integrates this into their lifestyle will naturally lose weight and feel better. This is where patients truly begin to understand food as medicine,” says Ross.

Understanding the connections between physical, mental, and spiritual health, Ross pursued a specialized course in the Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT), developed by Dolores Cannon, a renowned hypnotherapist with a career spanning nearly 50 years. “QHHT effectively bypasses the conscious mind’s chatter, allowing individuals to access unlimited information while in a somnambulistic state (such as during sleepwalking). I’ve been practicing this technique for several years and have conducted around 50 sessions, reaching Level II certification. This method helps patients recognize that they have control over their mind, health, and well-being. Accessing the subconscious mind gives individuals the power to change behaviors, eliminate addictions, reduce anxiety, and lose weight,” says Ross.

Originally from Chicago, Ross graduated from the University of Connecticut Internal Medicine Residency Program and practiced at a large multi-specialty group in Chicago for many years. Driven by her desire to assist aging adults, she founded Robin’s Nest Assisted Living, serving as president from 2003 to 2016. She has held both clinical and administrative roles as a hospice physician director for more than 15 years and, for the last seven years, served as the medical director of a large geriatric medical program in Southwest Florida.

Ross’s philosophy of care is centered on compassionate listening, meeting clients where they are in life, and being a powerful advocate for helping them achieve their health and wellness goals.

A Holistic Approach Center is located at 15641 New Hampshire Ct., Ft. Myers. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robin Ross, call 239-433-5995, email [email protected], or visit AHolisticCenter.com.