About Julie McDonald
Empowering Wellness Through Personalized Functional Medicine Solutions
Meet Julie
Born and raised in the Upper Peninsula, Julie is a graduate of Westwood High School then went on to study Biology at Michigan Tech University. Next she went on to receive her Masters in Medical Science studies at Midwestern University outside of Chicago. She has been working in the medical field for over 20 years, working in several medical specialties including Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine and Internal Medicine. Julie is passionate about using her medical knowledge to assist others in achieving better health and well-being. With a background in traditional medicine, she redirected her career towards functional medicine following years of witnessing the challenges within the healthcare system. These obstacles motivated her to establish Monarch Functional Medicine, aiming to enhance both patient and provider experiences, by delivering customized care that seeks to discover the root causes of health issues. In her spare time, Julie enjoys spending time with her family enjoying the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, whether it be time spent at the lake, mountain biking, hiking, skiing or being a soccer Mom!
Why Trust Julie?
Julie brings a wealth of expertise in functional medicine, specializing in uncovering and addressing the underlying factors contributing to health issues.
With a focus on personalized wellness plans, informed by extensive training and experience, Julie is dedicated to guiding patients towards sustainable health and vitality.
"My goal is to help all women find the information and resources they need to achieve wellness in the most effective and least invasive way possible."
~ Julie McDonald
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine is a personalized, patient-centered approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of illness or imbalance in the body. It considers the complex interactions between genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors to optimize health and prevent disease.
How is Functional Medicine Different from Conventional Medicine?
Unlike conventional medicine, which often treats symptoms with medications or surgeries, functional medicine seeks to understand and address the underlying factors contributing to health issues. It emphasizes a holistic approach, aiming to promote wellness rather than just managing disease.
What Conditions Can Functional Medicine Treat?
Functional medicine can address a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions, including digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune diseases, metabolic issues, chronic fatigue, and more. It's particularly effective for conditions with complex underlying causes.
What Can I Expect During a Functional Medicine Consultation?
During a functional medicine consultation, you can expect a comprehensive assessment of your health history, symptoms, lifestyle factors, and environmental influences. Your practitioner will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan focused on addressing the root causes of your health concerns.
What Treatment Modalities Does Functional Medicine Use?
Functional medicine incorporates a variety of treatment modalities, including nutritional therapy, lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, targeted supplementation, detoxification protocols, and mind-body therapies. The approach is highly individualized based on each patient's unique needs.
How Long Does it Take to See Results with Functional Medicine?
The timeline for seeing results with functional medicine varies depending on the complexity of your health issues, your adherence to the wellness plan, and other factors. While some patients experience improvements in symptoms relatively quickly, achieving long-term wellness often requires ongoing commitment and patience.