The Institute for Functional Medicine hosts an annual International Symposium on Functional Medicine. Drawing healthcare practitioners from dozens of states and many countries, the multi-day Symposium presents a comprehensive exploration of emerging research and clinical perspectives on an important healthcare topic.

Recent Symposium themes have included 21st Century Endocrinology: Thyroid and Adrenal as Sentinel Organs (2007); Managing Biotransformation: The Metabolic, Genomic, and Detoxification Balance Points (2006); The Immune System under Siege: New Clinical Approaches to Immunological Imbalances in the 21st Century (2005); The Coming Storm: Reversing the Rising Pandemic of Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome (2004); The Heart on Fire: Modifiable Factors Beyond Cholesterol (2003); and Disorders of the Brain: Emerging Therapies in Complex Neurologic and Psychiatric Conditions (2002). The theme for 2008 will be The Many Faces of Pain: Functional Models for Assessment and Treatment.

This premier event in the continuing medical education field attracts outstanding faculty – leading researchers, clinicians, and thought leaders – and a stimulating cross-section of practitioners, educators, and scientists from virtually every health profession. The Symposium closes each year with the presentation of the Linus Pauling Award to an individual whose research or clinical expertise has contributed substantially to the advancement of knowledge in functional medicine.