Functional Medicine Practitioner

Kara Dowdall
BS, MS, NBC-HWC, AFMP

Curious. Leaning into ranch life. Tea lover. Mama.

Kara is a nationally certified functional medicine practitioner and integrative health and wellness coach. A very inquisitive individual, she is skilled at getting to the root cause of illness and passionate about helping her clients find true healing in their lives.

To restore her own health and well-being, in 2020 she retired from a 32-year corporate healthcare career. Understanding the connection between soil health and human health, she is restoring an 50-year-old historic adobe home and growing a food farm (“La Osita Estate & Farm”) based on permaculture and regenerative agriculture principles.

functional medicine health coach
functional medicine health coach

The Details: Biography

Moving beyond a prosperous 30 year career in healthcare leadership wasn’t just a career change for Kara. It was the beginning of a lifelong journey of self-discovery and making a difference in the world, one person at a time. Coming from a background in healthcare and yet struggling with her own autoimmune illnesses, Kara was drawn towards the practice of healing in all aspects of life – mind, body and soul.

Academics and Functional Medicine Training

Kara earned her BS and MS in Healthcare from the University of Arizona and California State University respectively. Kara went on to pursue postgraduate studies from Duke University where she studied behavioral health and coaching methods in one of the world’s top integrative medicine programs. From there, Kara studied at The Institute for Functional Medicine and other prestigious programs developed by functional medicine leaders such as Mark Hyman, M.D., Jeffrey Bland M.D., David Jones, M.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, ND.

Kara was one of the first individuals internationally to become a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach through the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching.

Recognizing the value in having different healing modalities to meet diverse client needs, Kara continually expands her knowledge base. She is also a HeartMath Practitioner, Certified Medical Cannabis (CBD) Consultant, and Board Certified Holistic Nutrition Practitioner.

Kara is also on the Governing Board of Directors for The Institute for Functional Medicine.

Education

  • Applied Functional Medicine Pracitioner (AFMC) | The School of Applied Functional Medicine
  • Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice (AFMCP) | The Institute for Functional Medicine
  • Integrative Health Coaching | Duke University, Department of Integrative Medicine
  • M.S., Health Services | California State University
  • B.S., Health Services | University of Arizona

Certifications & Associations

  • Governing Board Member | The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)
  • National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) | National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC)
  • Applied Functional Medicine for Coaching Certification (AFMC) | The School of Applied Functional Medicine (SAFM)
  • Certified Medical Cannabis Consultant (State of Washington)
  • Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) | Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)