Kara Dowdall
BS, MS, NBC-HWC, AFMP

Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner and Integrative Health Coach

“Lifelong Learner, Matcha Lover, Mama & Beekeeper.”

For Individuals

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.

For Industry

Kara is an experienced leader with extensive experience in healthcare operations, technology, medical group management, contracting and network development, service-line expansion, financial management, physician compensation and healthcare technologies, including leading the implementation of EPIC and other clinical technologies.

Kara is a compassionate leader and an excellent communicator who consistently places an emphasis on providing high quality service to independent physicians and clinical partners in the networks she has managed. She is a strong advocate for independent physician practices and building systems to support their continuing evolution in the healthcare market. Over the last few years, she has focused on bridging traditional healthcare systems with integrative health and wellness programs. LinkedIn Profile

My Passion Project

I am managing a complex and artistic renovation of a historic adobe hacienda and emerging flower farm on six acres in Fallbrook, California. This project involves a beginner’s mind, creativity, resourcefulness and immense attention to detail – and a healthy serving of patience.

functional medicine health coach
functional medicine health coach

The Details: Biography

Expanding beyond a prosperous 32 year career in healthcare leadership wasn’t just a career addition 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, Kara was drawn towards the discovery what wellness actually meant. She discovered that it was the practice of healing in all aspects of life – mind, body and soul.

Integrative Health & Wellness 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 (NBC-HWC) 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)