Course

GI Functional Medicine Advanced Practice Module® (APM)

Restoring gastrointestinal (GI) equilibrium: practical applications for understanding, assessing, and treating gut dysfunction

Online Cohort
Sep 15 - Oct 26, 2025
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Up to 18.25 CME/CE
$1,875.00
Membership discounts available

Conference Overview

How often are overt GI-related symptoms a chief complaint in your practice? It is estimated that up to three billion people worldwide are affected by digestive diseases. Intestinal permeability or ‘leaky gut’ may play a precipitating role in dysfunction in the digestive tract and beyond, with changes in intestinal bacteria composition connected to a range of inflammatory conditions such as obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, endocrine diseases, and autoimmune conditions. What are the far-reaching impacts of gut dysbiosis, and more importantly, which clinical approaches can move the GI tract back toward a state of balance?  

In functional medicine, the GI tract is often an important starting point for improving overall health. The GI APM investigates the multifaceted gut microbiome, looking upstream to how several factors, including diet, lifestyle, and environmental stressors contribute to chronic dysbiosis and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. This module takes a whole systems approach to evaluating and treating not only local gastrointestinal disease, but many systemic diseases that are linked to GI dysfunction. Our expert educators will discuss the important laboratory evaluations to be considered, the appropriate clinical connections that must be made, and the treatment approaches that support restoration of function. 

New Online Cohort Format — Learn at Your Own Pace!

The GI APM is now offered as a six-week online cohort course! Learners can access course materials and review lectures when it is most convenient for them. The new format expands access to functional medicine education, allowing clinicians to balance the demands of their practice and their training.

100%
online
6
week cohort
18.25
CME/CE credit max

Learning Objectives

Advanced Practice Modules apply the foundational tools presented in Applying Functional in Medicine Clinical Practice (AFMCP)TM within a specific area of health. At the GI APM, you'll learn how to:

  • Understand the role of gastrointestinal dysfunction in extraintestinal and systemic diseases.
  • Restore GI function using lifestyle modifications, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and botanicals.
  • Explain to patients the root causes of their GI dysfunction and improve their engagement, motivation, and treatment adherence by establishing a therapeutic partnership.
  • Identify and interpret the most important and reliable laboratory biomarkers associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction.
  • Use a systematic approach to assess patients who present with vague GI symptoms.
  • Identify and address the root causes of GI dysfunction, including dysbiosis, intestinal permeability,
  • hypochlorhydria, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and adverse food reactions.
  • Identify the five domains of GI dysfunction that may explain vague intra- and extraintestinal symptoms and other complex syndromes tied to gut health.
  • Engage your patients in meaningful dialogue about their health concerns, working together to establish the optimal treatment plan for their needs.  
  • Expand upon the functional medicine tools and concepts presented in Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice (AFMCP)TM. 
Yogurt in glass jars with a wooden spoon, great for the gut microbiome.

Unlock the secrets of the gut microbiome 

Using case-based, interactive presentations that model real world scenarios, this module will help clinicians understand the central role of the gut microbiome in health and disease and offer innovative approaches to restoring the integrity of the intestinal tract. 
See what’s included 
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Who should attend this course? 

GI disorders have systems-wide implications for health. Providers in all care settings can benefit from learning about a range of therapeutic and lifestyle modalities that can help patients restore the gut and thereby improve their overall health.  
Learn more about course attendees 
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Quote

One of the things that distinguishes this module is its focus on practical tools for assessing and treating GI and systemic issues by looking at underlying mechanisms."

— Liz Lipski PhD, CNS, BCHN, IFMCP

Pricing

The standard pricing of the program is reflected below. When logged in to your IFM account, available discounts are automatically applied to pricing in your cart. Please note that CME is available for an additional $160.  Cancellations are subject to our program cancellation fees.

Regular

$1,875.00

IFM Member

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$1,687.50

Military/VA

Apply for
Military Status
$1,593.75

Student/Resident

Apply for
Resident or Medical Student Tuition
$1,125.00

Group Rates*

*Prices vary depending on practice or organization size. Learn more about
Group Rates
Prices Vary

REFERENCES

  1. Sperber AD, Bangdiwala SI, Drossman DA, et al. Worldwide prevalence and burden of functional gastrointestinal disorders, results of Rome Foundation Global Study. Gastroenterology. 2021;160(1):99-114.e3. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.04.014  
  2. Oka P, Parr H, Barberio B, Black CJ, Savarino EV, Ford AC. Global prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome according to Rome III or IV criteria: a systematic review and meta-analysis [published correction appears in Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020;5(12):e8]. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020;5(10):908-917. doi:10.1016/s2468-1253(20)30217-x  
  3. Lee K, Kwon CI, Yeniova AÖ, et al. Global prevalence of functional dyspepsia according to Rome criteria, 1990-2020: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):4172. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-54716-3  
  4. Gupta RS, Warren CM, Smith BM, et al. Prevalence and severity of food allergies among US adults. JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(1):e185630. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.5630  
  5. Gupta RS, Warren CM, Smith BM, et al. The public health impact of parent-reported childhood food allergies in the United States [published correction appears in Pediatrics. 2019;143(3):e20183835]. Pediatrics. 2018;142(6):e20181235. doi:10.1542/peds.2018-1235  
  6. Jiang J, Warren CM, Brewer A, Soffer G, Gupta RS. Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic differences in food allergies in the US. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(6):e2318162. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.18162  
  7. Wang R, Li Z, Liu S, Zhang D. Global, regional and national burden of inflammatory bowel disease in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019: a systematic analysis based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. BMJ Open. 2023;13(3):e065186. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065186  
  8. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. People with IBD have more chronic diseases. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed April 15, 2022. Accessed May 14, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/ibd/features/IBD-more-chronic-diseases.html   

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What’s Included in the GI APM?

On-Demand Video Lectures

Over 18 hours of clinical presentations from leading functional medicine experts in GI health. Access to the course can be gained from anywhere with a stable internet connection.

Downloadable Course Materials



Access downloadable PDFs of the presentations to follow along with while working through the course.

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Live Q&A Sessions

Ask questions related to the course materials during two live Q&A sessions with the educators. These sessions are designed to expand upon course concepts and offer clarity on their clinical applications. Recordings will be available to those who have completed the course.
A doctor talking with a patient about her gut health.

IFM Clinical Toolkit

Six-week access to a curated selection of tools and resources taught in course curriculum. Toolkits are downloadable documents that may be used immediately with patients for the duration of the course.
A man looking up functional medicine therapies on his ipad to relieve his gastrointestinal disorder.

Online Clinical Community Forum

Network and chat with other attendees on a private group forum. IFM facilitators and educators will moderate discussions to further the understanding of the course materials.

Post-Conference Benefits

Video + Audio Recordings

MP3 audio recordings and MP4 video recordings will be made available after the close of the course to those who have completed the course. Course materials access lasts for one year post-cohort.

Downloadable Post-Course Materials

Upon finishing the course, you’ll receive a series of post-course lectures to reinforce and further explore functional medicine topics. 

Certificate of Completion 

Those who complete the course will receive an official certificate noting their achievement. If attendees purchase the CME add-on, their certificate will also note the numbers of CME hours that they have achieved. 
CME/CE Credit

Want to Become Certified in Functional Medicine? 

Certification makes a difference and sets apart your knowledge and achievement in the field of functional medicine. Course hours at the GI APM are eligible toward the 100 hours of accredited education required to qualify for the Functional Medicine Certification ProgramTM. Other eligible courses include Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice (AFMCP)TM and the five other individual Functional Medicine Advanced Practice Modules (APMs): Cardiometabolic, Immune, Hormone, Bioenergetics, and Environmental Health.

Learn more about certification

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Who is this course for?

Passionate healthcare providers who are dedicated to helping their patients and clients achieve the highest expression of health possible should attend the GI APM*. Common degree types include MD, DO, NP, PA, ND, and DC, as well as nursing professionals, nutritionists and dieticians, health coaches, pharmacy professionals, dentists, and other disciplines. Clinicians within the field of gastroenterology are encouraged to attend.

*APMs are advanced functional medicine courses that build upon foundational concepts presented in AFMCP. To make the most of your experience, we strongly recommend taking AFMCP to start your educational journey.

 

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Meet the GI Educators

With years of experience practicing functional medicine within the area of gastrointestinal health, our educators provide practical clinical insight to help you master course concepts and effectively apply functional medicine with your patients.



The conference schedule will be available at a later date. Please check back soon. 

Vivian Asamoah, MD, IFMCP Vivian Asamoah, MD, IFMCP

Dawn Beaulieu, MD, IFMCP, FACG, AGAF Dawn Beaulieu, MD, IFMCP, FACG, AGAF

Elizabeth Boham, MD, MS, RD, IFMCP Elizabeth Boham, MD, MS, RD, IFMCP

Liz Lipski, PhD Liz Lipski, PhD

Dan Lukaczer, ND Dan Lukaczer, ND

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What would you tell your friends or colleagues about the GI APM?

A doctor and patient smiling at one another.
Quote

The advanced GI module is a course with a new evidence base approach to gastrointestinal pathologies, with diverse strategies for treatment according to the matrix model of understanding human physiology.”

— GI APM Attendee, 2022

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Participate in Accredited Functional Medicine Training

Direct accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) ensures IFM’s training meets rigorous standards for educational excellence and is relevant to clinicians’ needs, evidence-based, evaluated for its effectiveness, and independent of commercial influence.
Learn about the value of accredited trainings

Learn About ACCME Accreditation

The CME/CE option is intended for clinicians who need to fulfill continuing education requirements. If you do not need CME/CE credits, you may purchase the non-CME option.

Details coming soon.

CME/CE credits are subject to change.

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Opportunities to Support

We’re thrilled to offer you a chance to engage with a global community of practitioners dedicated to advancing functional medicine. By supporting IFM's Core Programs, you’ll have prime visibility to showcase your brand, products, and services while building meaningful connections with a diverse and influential audience.

Ready to make an impact?

Fill out the form below, and a member of our team will connect with you to provide detailed information on exhibit and sponsorship opportunities, helping you discover how your brand can make a lasting impact at an IFM Core Program. 


2025 Core Program Exhibitor Prospectus 

Exhibiting interest form

Why Support?

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Reach dedicated functional medicine practitioners

Foster meaningful engagement with our diverse audience.
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Improve brand recognition

Secure prime visibility for your brand among a highly engaged community of functional medicine professionals.
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Showcase products and services

Promote your solutions and convey your message to our audience of practitioners eager to learn about the latest innovations in functional medicine research, evidence, and practice implementation resources.

GI APM Course Policies

Registration Policy

Program materials and CME certificates are delivered to you through your personal IFM online account. For this reason, you may not register multiple people or someone other than yourself. No registrations will be taken after 4:00 pm PT, Monday, September 22, 2025.

Participation Policy

Participants of the GI Advanced Practice Module have six weeks from the course start date (Monday, September 15) to complete the program. Six-week access to IFM’s Clinical Practice Toolkit is included beginning on the course start date (Monday, September 15). Learners who do not complete within the time frame will lose access to all course materials. Our systems do not allow for course extensions for any reason.

Remember, it is required that you participate in this program. To fulfill the participation requirements necessary for the course to count toward certification, you must log in and complete the course, as applicable, and also complete any required knowledge checks and/or evaluations by the stated deadline. Where applicable, course knowledge check and/or evaluation instructions will be emailed to you after registration and/or at the conclusion of the course. For courses that qualify for continuing medical education (CME) credits, to receive CME credits, you must complete any required course evaluation(s) and a timecard by the stated deadline within the course. Where applicable, course evaluation and timecard instructions will be emailed to you. No partial CME/CE credit will be awarded.
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Cancellation Policy

Tuition is non-transferable. Failure to log in to the course with no prior written cancellation or switch will result in complete forfeiture of tuition and course materials, and the course will not count toward certification (non-refundable, non-transferable, no exceptions). Program materials are available only to registered participants. Log-in information is unique and cannot be shared. If you have completed your purchase through Affirm, your cancellation will incur an additional fee of up to 6%.

Cancellation requests must be submitted via the Course Cancellation Form. IFM will reply with a written acknowledgement once processed.
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Cancellation Policy

*Next tier of fees in effect at midnight Pacific Time
Cancellation Request Received Eligible Refund
Date of registration/purchase – August 16, 2025 * Refund less 10% administrative fee
August 17 - September 14, 2025* Refund less 25% administrative fee
September 15 - September 25, 2025* Refund less 50% administrative fee
September 26, 2025 – End of course No refund

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Frequently Asked Questions

More Information About the GI APM

This course will supply you with the foundational background, insight, and in-depth clinical thinking to confidently work up and treat patients who may present with conditions, signs, and symptoms indicative of gastrointestinal dysfunction. 

18 hours of on-demand clinical presentations so learners can come and go as they please within a six-week timeframe. 

PDFs of the slides and recordings of the presentations are included. Learners are provided access to downloadable content from IFM’s Toolkit, including patient handouts, customizable food plans, and other tools to assist in guiding patients through making sustainable lifestyle changes. Please note that for attendees who are not currently IFM members, the course comes with access to the IFM Toolkit for six weeks only.

Have additional questions? 

Visit the IFM Help Center

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