About Jennifer
Functional Medicine Practitioner
Personalized Healing
Root Cause Solutions
Reclaim Your Vitality
Meet Jennifer
I am married and the proud mother of two daughters. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Texas Woman’s University in 2002. Subsequently, I dedicated 11 years as a Cardiovascular ICU nurse at St. Luke’s Cooley Heart Institute, specializing in the care of patients undergoing complex cardiovascular surgeries.
In 2013, I earned my Master’s degree in Nurse Anesthesia from the University of Texas Health Science Center. For the past 11 years, I have practiced as a board-certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in the Houston Medical Center, providing critical care for patients requiring life-saving surgeries.
Additionally, I serve as a clinical educator for nurse anesthesia students at Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas Health Science Center.
I discovered functional medicine in 2007, the year my oldest daughter was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Conventional medicine offered very little support or healing for children on the spectrum. Determined to help my daughter thrive, I turned to functional medicine.
Little did I know that functional medicine would once again become my guiding light, albeit for entirely different reasons. In 2014, my oldest daughter faced another challenge, grappling with two distinct autoimmune disorders: Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Addison's disease.
Two years later, I received identical diagnoses, plunging our family into a whirlwind of disbelief. I turned once more to functional medicine, seeking to uncover the root cause of our autoimmune diseases and to heal our bodies. Experiencing the transformative power of functional medicine within my own family, I felt a profound calling to extend this lifeline to others on a similar journey.
After dedicating 22 years to nursing, I embarked on a new chapter in my life, embracing root cause medicine. Here, I have found my purpose: to guide others toward optimal well-being, drawing upon my wealth of experience and personal journey as a beacon of hope and healing.
"I see you, I hear you. You're not alone in this journey. Together, we'll uncover the root cause of your health concerns and reclaim your vitality."
Why Trust Jennifer?
Jennifer 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 treatments, informed by extensive training and experience, Jennifer is dedicated to guiding patients towards sustainable health and vitality.
"Jennifer was an amazing, kind hearted and humble provider. She is very forgiving while ensuring patients receive excellent care. She creates a safe learning environment where she is always respectful and gently guides you along. She is always positive, respectful and allowed me to grow at my own pace. Thank you Jennifer for everything you taught me! You will always be remembered!"
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 Address?
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 Should I Expect at my First Telehealth Appointment ?
Your first appointment at Jennifer Alexander Functional Medicine is our chance to really get to know you and your health-care needs. At your first appointment, we will do a deep dive into your health and history, provide nutritional guidance and create an individualized healthcare plan focused on your health goals and condition. The treatment plans are customized and include nutrition recommendations, supplements, lab testing, mind-body strategies and exercise suggestions as examples. Please understand that this is an extensive visit, and time spent will depend on the complexity of your case.
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.
Do I Need a Referral?
No referral is required. We welcome anyone to our practice.
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 treatment plan, and other factors. While some patients experience improvements in symptoms relatively quickly, achieving long-term wellness often requires ongoing commitment and patience.
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 wellness plan focused on addressing the root causes of your health concerns.
Do you take insurance?
We do not take insurance for any service provided through our office but we can provide you with detailed receipts to file for reimbursement. Like most alternative medicine providers, we are not in-network with any healthcare or insurance plans.
Will my insurance cover lab testing?
We utilize both conventional labs and functional medicine labs. Although we do not accept insurance for visits, we do send conventional blood work to a lab that will file with your insurance company. The costs of functional medicine labs vary and will be discussed at the time of your visit.
Do you accept Medicare insurance ?
No, we do not accept Medicare insurance.