Our History

The Institute for Functional Medicine grew out of the energy and dedication of Susan and Dr. Jeffrey Bland. They had the vision of bringing to clinical medicine the emerging evidence and insights that would enable it to move from the drug-based model of fighting infectious diseases that worked so well in the 20th century to a systems-oriented, patient-focused clinical model designed to reverse the growing chronic disease epidemic. The Blands recognized that today’s most prevalent health issues are mostly caused by the interactions between genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures and that treating them requires understanding these interactions and subsequently using that understanding to design appropriate treatments that are personalized to each individual.

Over the past 30 years, the prescience of this vision has become increasingly apparent. Leading scientists and clinicians have taken up the challenge of researching and developing applications for genomic (personalized) medicine, and the field has been growing rapidly. The emerging science about the origins of disease has validated the broad principles of functional medicine by convincingly demonstrating the critical influence of epigenetic factors—including diet and nutrition, environmental toxins, and lifestyle choices—on the development of chronic diseases. IFM honors these reputed scientists and clinicians by presenting the annual Linus Pauling Award in Functional Medicine.

While many of today’s tools were not yet available in 1991, IFM was already focused on using this emerging knowledge to adapt therapies with the patient (rather than the reverse) by training clinicians to examine the genetic, nutritional, environmental, and lifestyle factors for each patient and to develop a personalized approach that addresses these underlying factors. 

The result is a comprehensive, “whole person” approach to treat the root causes of disease and restore healthy function by addressing the unique physical, mental, and emotional needs of all patients. By evaluating a matrix of fundamental causes in the diagnostic and therapeutic process, we can more accurately understand the root causes of illness, leading to earlier and more effective interventions that not only extend lives but also give patients back years of good living.

IFM is more determined than ever to help patients and practitioners develop the nutritional, environmental, social, and lifestyle strategies that, over time, will move toward a preventive, patient-centered healthcare system focused on optimum wellness, not just temporary symptom relief. IFM seeks your help in our mission of ensuring the widespread adoption of functional medicine.

IFM was founded in 1991 by Susan and Jeffrey Bland, PhD. Understanding the growing issues associated with chronic disease—and with the knowledge and ability to bring together emerging concepts across multiple medical and scientific disciplines— Dr. Bland developed the concept of functional medicine. A biochemist and internationally recognized leader in nutritional medicine, Dr. Bland’s innovative vision merged insight from medical science with clinical medicine, resulting in swifter application in patient care. His approach enabled the move from, as he puts it, “medicine for the average to a medicine for the individual.”

For its first decade, the Blands were responsible for the funding, growth, and leadership of IFM. In 1993, they convened the first International Symposium on Functional Medicine, beginning a tradition of bringing together leading researchers and clinicians whose work elucidated the functional medicine/systems approach that would last to present day.

In 1996, Dr. Bland established the Linus Pauling Award in Functional Medicine to recognize those making exceptional contributions to the field. The prestigious award was named in honor of his mentor, Dr. Linus Pauling, the only recipient of two unshared Nobel Prizes. Granted by IFM nearly every year since its inception, this award has acknowledged an extraordinary compilation of researchers and clinicians, broadening and extending the influence of the functional medicine model. In 2011, Dr. Bland received the Linus Pauling Functional Medicine Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions.

In service to IFM’s nonprofit mission and vision, the Blands were instrumental in enabling IFM’s transition in 2001 to the nonprofit organization that it is today. Susan served as IFM’s Board Secretary-Treasurer and Jeff as Board Chairman until they retired from the Board of Directors in 2007. Dr. Bland rejoined the Governing Board of Directors as Chairman Emeritus in 2013 and continues to provide thought leadership through this position.

The Blands provided visionary leadership through IFM’s early achievements, including receiving accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, the launch of the Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice (AFMCP)^TM program, and the development and distribution of key publications, enabling the education and clinical training of functional medicine to become more finely tuned and broadly accessible. Susan was a driving force behind a number of critical initiatives, including the initial idea to establish an institute, IFM’s push to offer best-in-class conferences, and the successful completion of the complex accreditation process.

In 2023, IFM launched the IFM Founders’ Scholarship, honoring the Blands and expanding access to functional medicine education for practitioners working with underserved communities displaying exemplary leadership and passion for their communities and the mission of IFM.

David Scott Jones, MD, was one of the first physicians to integrate functional medicine into clinical practice. As one of the thought-leaders contributing to the early development of the field, Dr. Jones brought distinctive vision to the organization. Dr. Jones served as IFM’s first president and director of medical education from 2000 to 2013. He was the recipient of the 1997 Linus Pauling Award in Functional Medicine.

Under Dr. Jones’ leadership, the functional medicine matrix model was formalized, including the core concepts of antecedents, triggers, and mediators, the foundational importance of modifiable lifestyle factors, and the central idea of an interconnected web. Other key concepts were also formalized, including heuristics, clinical tools, and the central role of the therapeutic partnership, engaging the clinician and patient in a collaborative, trusting, healing relationship. Also during Dr. Jones’ tenure, IFM received IRS 501(c)(3) status, transitioning to the nonprofit organization it is today and ensuring the preservation of its mission-driven focus.     

Dr. Jones was editor-in-chief, contributing author, and a driving force behind the publication of the groundbreaking Textbook of Functional Medicine. Apparent in this and other projects under his guidance was Dr. Jones’ ability to bring together diverse groups of experts to the benefit and advancement of the field.   

As functional medicine grew, so did the demand for assistance translating its conceptual innovations into clinical practice. Dr. Jones played a pivotal role in the growth of the flagship Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice (AFMCP) program. He also oversaw tremendous growth of the Advanced Practice Modules and the successful graduation of IFM’s first cohort of IFM Certified Practitioners.  

Today, he continues to provide thought leadership to IFM as President Emeritus serving on its Board of Directors.