Vida functional medicine

Lauren is a physician assistant with years of clinical experience working in emergency medicine and primary care settings. Originally from California and now based in Washington, she brings a steady, evidence-informed foundation to her work in functional medicine.

Long prior to PA school, Lauren was drawn to the “why” behind illness. She was fascinated by the connections between lifestyle, environment, nutrition, stress, and long-term health outcomes. While working full time in primary care, she completed her IFMCP certification, deepening her training in root-cause medicine and systems biology.

Her background in conventional medicine allows her to thoughtfully bridge both worlds. With experience managing acute and complex conditions, she approaches care with clinical precision while also creating space to explore the underlying drivers of imbalance. She believes patients deserve to understand their physiology and feel empowered to participate actively in their healing.

Lauren views her role as both guide and collaborator. She values thorough investigation, curiosity, personalized care plans, and creating a safe environment where patients feel heard. Her goal is not only symptom improvement, but long-term resilience and autonomy.

Her experiences volunteering in Guatemala, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico have deepened her commitment to patient education and culturally mindful care. She continues to refine her conversational Spanish and values connection across cultures.

Outside of medicine, Lauren finds joy in cooking and baking, reading, listening to music, and spending time hiking or camping with her dog. She believes that nourishing food, time in nature, and strong community are foundational to well-being, both in and out of the clinic.

Education

Affiliations and Experience