Webinar-based Functional Diagnostic Medicine Training Program

"In working with various practitioners over the years who were attempting to integrate functional medicine into their practices, I found that the greatest limitation was often an issue of practicality, usually relating to matters of implementation. Dr. Kalish has, through his 6-month program, brilliantly addressed this major roadblock to bringing functional medicine to the many patients who so desperately need it." — Dr. Jeffrey Moss

Learn how to help people lose weight, increase energy, and improve mood with an emphasis on lifestyle changes, hormone balance, digestive health, nutrient replacement, and detoxification. Discover how and when to use the best tests available to create a logical sequence of therapeutic programs for correcting chronic health conditions.

This clinically oriented six-month training program teaches you all the technical skills needed to develop a thriving practice, from communicating effectively with your patients to building a cash practice.

The Kalish Method training program will teach you how to work with people who are suffering from nagging health problems such as weight gain, fatigue, depression, digestive problems and hormone imbalances. You will discover how to help patients correct imbalances, lose weight, increase energy, and improve their moods through lab-based individualized nutrition and lifestyle plans.

Program Overview

The training program consists of a series of 12 in-depth modules that we'll cover over a period of six months. The training is conducted live on the phone and on-line simultaneously, so you'll be able to interact with other students and ask questions. All classes are recorded for those who miss the live calls. The webinar format allows students from all over the world to participate.

We cover twelve sections over the course of six months; each section lasts two weeks. Each week, students must listen to a pre-recorded lecture prior to a weekly live webinar call. We will feature frequent guest speakers on topics ranging from business practices to addiction to nutritional typing. You'll receive information about how to set up accounts with lab companies, which lab companies to use for optimal results, recommended reading, and other supplementary educational materials. Learn how to get started with a patient: from the initial conversation to the "sign-on" and beyond. This course takes you, the practitioner, through six months of treatment, beginning with testing and assessments, as you would practice with a patient. Each teleconference will give you valuable information to use in your practice the very next day.

This clinically oriented six-month training program teaches you the technical skills needed to develop a thriving functional diagnostic medicine practice. You will learn the following:

• Determine targeted, individualized healing protocols to correct imbalances in each of three body systems: hormonal, digestive, and detoxification
• Teach patients the benefits of a science-based approach to natural healing, treating the root causes of imbalance and minimizing disease risk factors
• Use the most accurate lab tests available for assessing stress and sex hormone imbalances, GI dysfunction, heavy metals and detoxification pathways
• Learn how to effectively interpret test results to create the best protocol
• How to communicate with patients and encourage compliance
• Educate patients about how lifestyle factors impact their health
• Uncover specific nutrient deficiencies and learn to correct them by measuring antioxidants, amino acids, EFAs, B vitamins and neurotransmitters
• Master the practical aspects of running a successful nutritionally oriented practice

You'll learn how to craft new patient paperwork, including an individualized patient workbook that clearly and thoroughly explains your program, to which your patients can refer for dietary guidelines, protocols, and handouts. We'll also cover the protocol and timeline for patient consultations, when to test, follow-up, and patient support. Finally, we'll address lifestyle as a critical component of your treatment protocol, and how emotional and spiritual wellness affects overall health and recovery. Learn why so many practitioners all over the world are incorporating the Kalish Method into their practices and why they are becoming so successful!

Below, you'll find detailed information on each module, followed by frequently asked questions. You can also learn more about Dr. Kalish, and read comments from past students. We would also like to invite you to attend a free, interactive, on-line webinar info session that will enable you to learn more about the six-month course and ask questions directly.

(Download Window Media File: 64 min, 94 MB)

The Training Program In Detail

• Module 1: Introduction Overview
• Module 2: Gastrointestinal Health & Gluten Intolerance
• Module 3: Stress & Adrenal Fatigue
• Module 4: Rest & Recovery
• Module 5: GI Health Part II: Three Phase Healing Approach
• Module 6: Yeast & Bacterial Pathogens
• Module 7: Parasites
• Module 8: Female Hormones Premenopausal
• Module 9: Female Hormones Menopausal Madness
• Module 10: Detoxification
• Module 11: Nutrient Replacement
• Module 12: Neurotransmitters & Essential Fatty Acids
• Frequently Asked Questions

Module 1: Introduction Overview

The first lecture is an introduction to what we'll cover over the next six months, including the format for lectures, discussions, and clinical rounds, and how to use the accompanying materials. We'll discuss functional medicine in detail and we'll cover the objectives of the program. You will learn how to apply the course material in your practice right away. This training takes you, the practitioner, through six months of clinical procedures, beginning with testing and assessments, as you would with a patient in your practice. Each teleconference will give you valuable information to use in your practice the very next day.

Learn how every patient's symptoms and complaints correspond to weaknesses with one (or more) of the three body systems: digestive, hormonal, and detoxification, and how lab testing will help you pinpoint and design treatment protocols that work for your patients by addressing underlying causes of symptoms. You'll discover how to present your program — including diagnostic tests — to prospective patients, and how to analyze test results and explain them in a manner that will motivate patients to follow through. Finally, we'll address lifestyle as a critical component of your treatments, and how emotional and spiritual wellness affects overall health and recovery.

Module 2: Gastrointestinal Health & Gluten Intolerance

Optimum digestive health is a cornerstone of overall vitality. Many factors can wear down the health of the gastro-intestinal tract: bad diets, food sensitivities, pathogens, toxins, stress, improper digestion and assimilation, and even eating quickly or not chewing thoroughly.

This class will cover the connection between the GI tract and the immune system, including a description of mucosal barrier function and its role in defending and protecting the body from invaders such bacteria, yeast and parasites. Learn how gut tissue damage weakens immune response, leading to food allergies and leaky gut syndrome.

We'll cover gluten intolerance in detail — causes, contributing factors, and testing - and its insidious role in destroying GI tissue, leading to leaky gut, allergies, food intolerance, and inflammation. We'll also discuss the relationship between gluten intolerance and food addiction: learn why we crave the foods to which we are allergic.

We'll begin discussing guidelines for the GI healing diet, how to get patients started, how to use gluten free diets, rotation diets, and when to re-test and re-introduce allergic foods.

Module 3: Stress & Adrenal Fatigue

The adrenals play a crucial role in the stress response and the balance of both female and male sex hormones. Situated atop the kidneys, these glands are charged with production of hormones that regulate blood pressure, cardiovascular function, and the metabolism of macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates).

Learn how the deleterious effects of chronic stress on the body inevitably lead to adrenal fatigue. We'll discuss stress in detail: the body's fight or flight response, perceptions of stress, how we react to stress, and how functioning chronically in this state affects a patient's health. Learn the connection between adrenal fatigue and blood sugar imbalances, weight gain, mood swings and inflammation.

We'll discuss how the adrenals respond to stress and disruptions such as skipping meals, dieting, too much or too little exercise, and lack of sleep. We'll explore the roles of adrenal hormones such as cortisol, DHEA, and pregnenolone. Learn the importance of the pathways and functions of endocrine feedback loops: the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis. We will review the causes and symptoms of adrenal hormone imbalance. Finally, we'll cover the three stages of adrenal exhaustion in detail.

Module 4: Rest & Recovery

This class will cover adrenal fatigue and protocols for recovery. Learn how to restore health, beginning with the importance of quality sleep and proper sleep hygiene. We'll discuss proper exercise, how much and what types are appropriate for patients based on what stage of adrenal fatigue they are in, and how to handle mental and emotional stressors. We'll discuss elements of a healthy lifestyle and how to remove sources of stress from one's life.

We'll also discuss the proper dietary guidelines for recovery, which include the basic gluten and dairy-free diet fundamentals, and we'll cover blood sugar control: how to balance meals with proper ratios of carbs and proteins at each meal for optimal blood sugar balance depending on a person's metabolic type.

Finally, we'll learn the most effective protocols for stages I, II and III protocols, using DHEA, pregnenolone, minerals, and targeted supplements. Learn how to individualize treatment based on individual patient test results.

Module 5: GI Health Part II: Three Phase Healing Approach

Strong digestive function is critical in maintaining overall health. Excellent digestion means proper assimilation and delivery of nutrients for optimal function of all body systems. This lecture will review the process of normal digestion and discuss how to identify patients' GI problems through questionnaires and lab work. Learn different methods for GI testing and why it's necessary in evaluating patients' health and designing successful protocols.

We'll begin to discuss a targeted, three-phase healing program to restore GI health: (1) reducing inflammation; (2) cleansing the GI tract; and (3) repairing leaky gut and recolonizing with healthy bacteria.

There will be a detailed discussion of leaky gut and food allergies and intolerances, including development and progression, common food allergens, types of testing and why this is critical in designing customized protocols, and systemic problems associated with food allergies and sensitivities.

Module 6: Yeast & Bacterial Pathogens

Pathogenic infections — yeast, bacteria, and parasites — can wreak havoc in the digestive tract and immune system, eventually leading to tissue and organ damage and disease. Good digestive function equals a strong immune response, but compromised digestion and leaky gut invites chronic GI infections — yeast overgrowth and/or bacterial and parasitic infection.

The first pathogen lecture will cover yeast and bacterial pathogens. Why is testing for pathogens so critical in designing a treatment protocol? We will discuss various treatment options, and reasons for screening for candida, c. difficile, and h pylori. We'll touch on the different lab assessments for GI tract infections: O&P, cultures, stool antigen testing and antibody testing.

Learn about the three levels of candida albicans (yeast) in detail: (1) commensal; (2) invasive: and (3) systemic. We will discuss triggers for yeast overgrowth, symptoms, sites of infection, and treatment options. We'll also cover C. difficile and helicobacter pylori: causes, symptoms, prevalence, treatment, and testing.

Learn about the relationship between h. pylori infection and ulcers, cancer, and heart disease. We'll cover protocols for all in detail, including proven effective herbs and supplements.

Finally, we'll discuss guidelines for a therapeutic diet, and the all-important topic of preventing re-infection.

Module 7: Parasites

Parasitic infections are the underlying causes of many of your patients' chronic symptoms. Lecture seven will discuss the following parasitic infections:

• Cryptosporidium
• Giardia
• Entamoeba histolytica
• Blastocytis hominis
• Ascaris (roundworm)

Learn how parasitic infections are contracted, symptoms of infection, and treatment options. We'll also revisit the three phase GI healing program and discuss intestinal inflammation, cleansing and repair in the treatment of pathogenic infections.

Learn "the rules" and timing for treating parasites, as well as various treatment options, including the pros and cons of botanicals and antibiotics and re-colonization of the intestines with probiotics.

Finally, we'll discuss gut ecology and the harmful overgrowth of organisms known as dysbiosis. Learn how to re-evaluate patients, correct dysbiosis, and how to prevent re-infection.

Module 8: Female Hormones Premenopausal

Review the normal menstrual cycle and the roles of the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. We'll discuss the factors that cause female hormonal imbalance in detail and the effects of imbalanced hormones.

Learn the symptoms and causes of excesses and deficiencies for estrogen and progesterone, and learn the conditions associated with chronic, unchecked estrogen dominance. We'll also look at estrogen metabolism, including dietary influences, and ways to balance estrogen excess. Learn how diet and lifestyle factors affect hormone balance and how easily the proper ratio may be disrupted. We'll discuss common conditions resulting from hormonal imbalance.

Finally, learn which lab panels to use for patients with female hormone complaints and how to evaluate female hormonal panels for pre-menopausal women.

Module 9: Female Hormones Menopausal Madness

Lecture nine will cover menopause and therapeutic protocols to mitigate menopausal symptoms. Learn what happens hormonally during menopause, and how to use herbs, lifestyle, and bio-identical hormone therapies to eliminate menopausal symptoms naturally.

We'll review synthetic and bio-identical hormones, including how to work with women using HRT. We'll look briefly at the current medical model and the advantages of bio-identical over synthetic hormones. Learn the best method, dosage, and duration of hormones. We'll cover testing of post-menopausal hormones and several protocols including diet, nutrients, bio-identical hormones and herbs to ease the transition into menopause.

Module 10: Detoxification

The liver is responsible for filtering, detoxifying, nourishing and replenishing the blood. Learn how a clean liver can lead to a clear, more focused mind. In Chinese medicine, anger and irritability are associated with excess liver heat or stagnation, which can cause headaches or foggy thinking. Learn why the liver is the body's hardest working organ, and how it neutralizes toxins, step by step.

This lecture will begin to cover body system three, the detoxification system, with an in-depth discussion of liver function, liver detox pathway testing, and protocols for liver detox. Learn what happens when the liver becomes overworked and congested, and how this leads to imbalance in the detoxification system and system-wide. Learn what complaints and symptoms correspond to poor liver function.

Learn how to assess liver detox pathway function, and create individualized protocols corresponding to results. Finally, we'll discuss ways to decrease toxic exposure: something from which we can all benefit!

Module 11: Nutrient Replacement

This lecture will cover full interpretation of the Metametrix Organix Profile (Organic acids) in detail. You'll learn how to assess a patient's nutrient status by interpreting each section of the Organix Profile. The profile gives you a snapshot of the state of a patient's diet, or if they have malabsorption issues, and you'll know what direction to take with the patient.

The Organix profile is an easy urine test that covers six areas of metabolic assessment: b-vitamin insufficiency, cellular energy, neural function, detoxification, antioxidant status and oxidative damage, and markers for dysbiosis and bacterial and yeast overgrowth.

The report shows high or low marks next to abnormalities, and supplement recommendations included with the report based on individual results. These markers can be used to design a treatment program after the patient has successfully repaired intestinal damage so that nutrients can be absorbed.

Module 12: Neurotransmitters & Essential Fatty Acids

The final section covers essential fatty acid and neurotransmitter description, function, and therapeutic usage. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are deemed "essential" since they cannot be produced by the body and must therefore be provided via diet. Deficiency has become more common due to an increase in processed foods and man-made, refined fats such as hydrogenated oils. We'll cover types of EFAs and functions in the body; how imbalance occurs; how it manifests; how to correct imbalance; and how to test for EFA levels in the body

Finally, we'll discuss neurotransmitter function, dysfunction, and how to correct imbalance. Depression, anxiety and panic disorder, and cravings are all conditions that can potentially be treated when neurotransmitter imbalance is addressed. We'll cover master neurotransmitters and synthesis pathways; SSRIs and risks involved with usage; amino acid therapy, dosage, and conditions that can be treated with amino acid therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does certification entail?

A: Upon completion of the six-month program, you'll be a Certified Practitioner Level 1 in the Kalish Method. We offer certification at the following levels:

• Level 1: Must submit 3 written case studies following patient progress from initial work-up to three-month evaluation
• Level 2: One year of continuing education (bi-monthly calls); hour-long presentations of 3 cases in front of colleagues; develop unique philosophy and focus as a practitioner
• Level 3: Competent practitioner/teaching qualification (one year minimum clinical experience required). This level qualifies practitioner for enrollment in teacher training.

Q: How are the courses scheduled?

A: The live webinar class will take place twice a week, and students are expected to listen to recordings of any missed sessions. All sessions will last one hour and will be recorded for future review. Each group will be limited to 15 students.

Q: How does the webinar work, and do I have to be a technology expert to participate in this program?

A: The technology behind the six-month training program is very user-friendly. All you need is a computer with a high-speed internet connection and a phone. When you log into each class, you'll be able to see all of the visual material on your screen and hear the live audio on the phone. You'll be able to participate and ask questions. If you have any trouble at all, we'll be able to help you master the technology. Each of the classes is recorded on the internet, and you can access them at any time. If you miss a class, or want to review a class, it's just a couple of clicks away online.

Q: What course material will I receive?

A: Students will receive a binder with course materials, including slides for all power point lectures, protocols, forms, and questionnaires; a practice tools workbook with supporting materials; and a program guide workbook designed to outline the Kalish Method to patients. Each student will also receive the following:

• Your Guide to Healthy Hormones, by Dr. Daniel Kalish
• Kalish Method binder, Practice Tools, and Kalish Method Program Guide
• Resolving Chronic Stress-Related Disorders DVD from BioHealth.

Upon registration, you will receive a reading list and an informational document about how to being lab testing.

Q: How does the payment plan work?

A: The course fees are as follows:
$6,000 course fee covers six month training and all course materials.

Payment Options:

• $2,000 deposit to reserve your space; $665/month for six months
• 10% discount if paid in advance in full by check ($600 savings)
• 5% discount if paid in advance in full by credit card ($300 savings)

*Course deposit is due 2 weeks prior to class start date to secure space. Please note that space is limited and classes fill quickly.

Q: How do I enroll?

A: Please fill out the application form and return with your payment. You will receive confirmation and receipt by mail.

Q: Can I speak with past students about their experiences with the program?

A: Below are the names and contact information for graduates who have agreed to speak with prospective Kalish Method students.

• Glenn Hyman, DC, denverchiro@yahoo.com, 303-300-0424
• Josh McKim, drjmckim@gmail.com, 208-475-3281
• Laila Nematbakhsh, drlailahc@gmail.com, 503-756-6672

Still Have Questions? Join an Info Session and Receive Free Gifts!

Please join Dr. Kalish for a live teleconference to discuss the course and any questions you may have. Info sessions take place weekly. Fill out the form at the left side of this page and Dr. Kalish will contact you with more details about how to join the info session. You'll also receive a free copy of his book, PLUS A SURPRISE BONUS GIFT!