MIF25
Practitioner Schedule
MAPS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE
Friday May 2
*Schedules subject to slight revisions*
*Schedules subject to slight revisions*
Presenter: Dr James Neunschwander
Cases in Environmental Toxicants and Their Impact on the Endocrine System
Many environmental toxins/toxicants have adverse impact on the endocrine. Given the explosion of endocrine driven pediatric illness including precocious puberty, polycystic ovarian syndrome, type II diabetes, and obesity.
Presenter: Dr James Neunschwander
Cases In Mold Toxicity
This presentation will discuss the importance of identifying patients with mold toxicity, the impact of that mold toxicity on overall health, and the steps to take to resolve these issues. These principles will be illustrated with case reviews
Presenter: Heather Way, PhD
Using Nutrigenomics to Treat Complex Chronic Conditions and Improve Immunity
Dr Way will share her findings on the genes associated with complex chronic health disorders including depression, mold illness and PANDAS with a special emphasis on long Covid. There will be a deep dive into immunity, inflammation, oxidative stress and detoxification pathways and how they affect these chronic health conditions. The natural interventions that have been scientifically proven to favorably modulate genes expression will be discussed.
Presenter: Frank Golik, MBBS, FRACGP, FACNEM
Autism and Chronic Illness
Autism rates in “anglo” countries are epidemic, impacting roughly 1 in 36 children in the US, 1 in 63 in Australia and 1 in 100 in the United Kingdom. ADHD, Allergies, Asthma, Anxiety, Depression, Heart disease, Diabetes and Cancer are also affecting children in these countries at alarming rates. Identifying common underlying biological and physiological problems is essential to offering effective therapies for children and adults. And understanding cultural influencers such as diet, environment, lifestyle and healthcare policy is key to future prevention.
Presenter: James Neuenschwander, MD, ABIM/AAPS, ABIHM, BCEM/AAPS, FMAPS
Title of Talk:Cases in Metabolism
Abstract:
Many of the children I see have issues with mitochondrial function and metabolism. Whether it be a genetic somatic mutation or a mitochondrial dysfunction induced by malnutrition or toxicity. In this presentation, we will review a few cases illustration these issues and show how some of the interventions can lead to improvement in function even in the most severe cases.
Dr Heather Way completed her PhD in molecular pathology and Master’s qualification in molecular physiology at the University of Queensland in Australia. Dr Way is in the unique position of being an Autism researcher, Clinician and Autism Mum (to two fully recovered, now adult sons). It was the diagnosis of ASD and ADHD for her sons that led her to repurpose her skill set to the field of autism genomics research 14 years ago. Dr Way is the Founder, Director, and Head of Research for The Australian Centre for Genomic Analysis (TACGA). The centre specialises in genomics solutions for autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, gut issues, and chronic infections including mold and PANS/PANDAS. Dr Way has helped to develop IBS and ASD microbiome sequencing tools, and neurodevelopmental nutrigenomic tools. These help to pinpoint the most serious issues and deliver targeted research-based interventions to help people with chronic conditions reach their full potential.
Dr Golik’s special areas of interest and passion are Autism, ASD, ADHD, Musculoskeletal medicine, Dietary and lifestyle therapy, the Gut-Microbiome-Immune-Brain Interconnection, Streptococcal infections, Thyroid conditions, and the Metabolic Syndrome. Dr Golik is passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of children of any age. MBBS (Hons QLD) FRACGP, FACNEM graduated from University of Queensland with 2nd class Hons in 1975; 2 years junior RMO at Royal Brisbane Hospital; 1 year as senior RMO at Atherton Hospital, Nth Qld. Dr Golik commenced in solo Private Family Practice at Clayfield, Brisbane in 1979. Dr Golik gained his fellowship in the RACGP in 1982; and is a Fellow and occasional lecturer of the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine. He is the first Australian doctor to complete the MedMAPS (USA) training and qualify for its Fellowship.
Dr. Elizabeth Mumper, MD, FAAP, IFMCP, is a seasoned pediatrician with several decades of experience in clinical practice and medical education. Dr. Mumper’s extensive clinical experience includes over a decade as Director of Pediatric Education in a Family Practice Residency Program, 16 years as clinical faculty at the University of Virginia, and five years as Medical Director of the Autism Research Institute. Her dedication to pediatric education extends to her current role on the faculty of the Medical Academy for Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS), where she developed the first advanced clinical training in pediatrics for the Institute of Functional Medicine, of which she is also a certified member. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Mumper has contributed to the medical field through writing book chapters, publishing her clinical research from the Rimland Center in peer-reviewed journals, and lecturing both nationally and internationally. Her commitment to pediatric health and education has made significant impacts in the field, providing invaluable resources and knowledge to both medical professionals and parents. She is the originator of FLCCC’s I-CARE: For Kids treatment guide, which aids parents in preventing and managing COVID-19 in their children. Dr Mumper is also a founding member of the Mindd Advisory Board.
Dr. Neuenschwander (a.k.a. Dr. Neu) has been practicing integrative medicine since 1988. He is the owner of Bio Energy Medical Center, a multidisciplinary, integrative medical practice with the philosophy of treating illness at its source using whatever tools are available.
Dr. Neu is a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School and is board certified in Emergency Medicine, Integrative and Holistic Medicine, as well as Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. In addition, he is a Fellow of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) as well as holds a certification in chelation therapy. He is a member of A4M, ACAM, and ILADS. He has been a DAN! Practitioner since 2007, a member of MAPS since its founding, and a MAPS fellow since 2014.
Dr. Nancy O’Hara is a board certified Pediatrician. Prior to her medical career, Dr. O’Hara taught children with autism. She graduated with highest honors from Bryn Mawr College and as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. She earned a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Pittsburgh. After residency, chief residency and general pediatric fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. O’ Hara entered general private practice in 1993, and in 1998 began her consultative, integrative practice solely for children with special needs. Since 1999 she has dedicated her functional medicine practice to the integrative and holistic care of children with chronic illness and neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, PANDAS/PANS, OCD, Lyme and ASD. She is also a leader in the training of clinicians, both in the United States and abroad. Dr. O’Hara has written a comprehensive guidebook, “Demystifying PANS / PANDAS: A Functional Medicine Desktop Reference on Basal Ganglia Encephalitis”, which is available on Amazon in e-book or soft-cover formats. For more information on her membership and mentoring program, please visit www.drohara.com. Additionally, Dr. O’Hara’s research on Folate Receptor Auto Antibodies and PANS/PANDAS was recently published. (https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14020166)
Dr O’Hara is a founding member of the Mindd Advisory Board.
MIF2025 Session:
-Demystifying PANS/PANDAS: A Functional Medicine Guide to Basal Ganglia Encephalitis
Charlie, an award-winning grazier and passionate advocate for regenerative farming practices, has transformed his family’s 5,000-acre property in Boorowa, New South Wales, Australia, from a conventional high-input farm into a biodynamically principled, holistically managed farm in harmony with nature. Over the past 20 years, Charlie has embraced regenerative agriculture principles that align with his innate connection to the land and his commitment to producing quality food.
Hanaminno now operates using organic, biodynamic, and holistic grazing principles to produce chemical-free, pasture-raised beef, lamb, and pigs. Prioritising animal welfare and the health of both land and consumers, the farm prides itself on being “Certified by Community” – fostering transparency, openness, and strong connections with clients, who are considered co-producers.
Theanna is Founder of The School Food Project. Raised in a food-centric family, she is inspired by her grandmother, a caterer who co-founded the St Canice Kitchen for the Homeless in Sydney. Theanna began her career at Opera Australia as Music Assistant, then pivoted to train in hospitality. She worked under Marcella Hazan’s son Giuliano in the USA and at Sydney’s Bistro Moncur. She passionately supports improving childhood health, nutrition and happiness through school food. SFP can catalyse this.
Passionate Jack of all Trades finding purpose in his regenerative story.
Having worked in many realms of business and activism, Blair’s true purpose is grounded in the advocacy of Regenerative Agriculture, manifesting itself as the director of Farmer’s Footprint Australia.
With vast experience in food systems, native ingredients, and soil health, Blair’s knowledge in these fields is equaled by his passion for community, sovereignty, and his family. As he continues to learn, listen, stumble, and be humbled by his journey, his focus is to educate, empower and activate humans toward a regenerative life.
Presenter: Dr Christabelle Yeoh, MBBS, MRCP (London), MSc (Nutrition)
Creating Brain Energy for Neuroplasticity
Cognitive health is on everyone’s mind, with ADHD and cognitive decline rates being higher than it’s ever been. What does it mean to have good cognitive health? This talk focuses on the bioenergetic aspect of neuronal function which is the foundation to creating the behaviours and the plasticity that we want to see in our brains. It is imperative to learn about what blocks it and what makes it flourish!
Understand what the important components of brain health are
Presenter: Dr Christabelle Yeoh, MBBS, MRCP (London), MSc (Nutrition)
Mitochondria- the Biophysics of Health Creation
Mitochondria are much more than the popular description: ‘powerhouses of the cell’. Mitochondria are transducers which means they convert one form of energy into another form. Chemiosmosis, a fundamental biological process housed by mitochondria (and chloroplasts) are driven by quantum mechanics principles. Understanding these allow patients and practitioners to harness the desperately needed bioenergetics to successfully drive the biochemistry protocols that we prescribe. It is foundational to health creation.
Presenter: Elyse Comerford, Nutritionist
Meat Stock – The Golden Elixir!
Bone broth gets a lot of attention (for good reason), but have you been focussing on meat stock? Elyse will take us through the do’s and dont’s of making the most important healing food for gut and connective tissue repair, how to include it in your diet (it doesn’t just have to be soup!), and how to get it in for even the fussiest eaters. Elyse will also take us through the cases where meat stock is better for healing than bone broth, and share some stories of healing from her clinic, ‘Well Belly Health Clinic’.
How meat stock functions as a healing food
How to make the most effective (and tasty!) meat stock
How to include meat stock in your current diet
Including meat stock for fussy eaters
Real life stories of the benefits of meat stock
Elyse Comerford is an Integrative Nutritionist and Certified GAPS Practitioner, Keynote Speaker, Mentor, and most importantly, Mum to Dylan & Bowie! Elyse’s primary focus for the past decade has been in private practice, helping hundreds of families overcome a whole host of health issues through the implementation of nourishing and healing principles, reducing toxic stress, and the GAPS protocol. This has become Elyse’s specialty, and has led her to work with families all over the world becoming well known for her specialisation in complex chronic health conditions. It has been a culmination of her education and experience in Nutrition, but most importantly her experience with her own healing journey that has driven her passion to empower as many people as possible with the key to their own health. Elyse’s approach is based on taking the normal “guilt, blame, shame and deprivation” approach and completely turning it on its head, focussing instead on healing, nourishing, and listening to the body at a deep root cause level.
Brittany Darling is a mum and nutritionist, with over 15 years of clinical experience. Frustrated by the lack of truly effective children’s supplements, she set out to create targeted, science-backed formulations that address specific health concern facing children today. Her multi-award winning supplement brand, I’m Nutrients is purpose led, providing only targeted formulations minus the junk.
Presenter: Liz Mumper, MD FAAP, FMAPS
Case Study in Immune Injury
Dr. Mumper will deconstruct the history of a difficult patient with baseline mold toxicity who worsened after he received a mRNA COVID vaccine. She will demonstrate the value of constructing a timeline to identify antecedents, triggers and mediators to lead to therapeutic strategies. She will examine lab evaluation of mold toxicity and resources for treatment protocols. Dr. Mumper will look at the pathology associated with spike protein and potential ways to help those suffering from prolonged spike exposure or adverse reactions to COVID vaccines.
To use timelines to organize history considering antecedents, triggers and mediators
To interpret labs to diagnose
To find resources for a step-wise treatment strategy
Presenter: Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP
A Functional Medicine Guide on Microbes & Mental Health
PANS & PANDAS are complex autoimmune diseases that require a multi-system approach. PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Strep) involves antibodies from a strep infection reacting with brain tissue (specifically the basal ganglia in the brain) and triggering an abrupt onset of immune dysregulation and movement, learning and behavioral problems including OCD, anxiety and tics. With PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), other infectious etiologies besides strep (especially Mycoplasma as well as COVID, viruses, other bacteria, and more), toxic exposures, and metabolic abnormalities are among other potential triggers for the immune dysregulation resulting in an abnormal autoimmune reaction and negative behavior, neuropsychiatric, and cognitive changes. Dr. O’Hara will discuss the latest research in the assessment and treatment of these devastating but recoverable illnesses. Participants will learn the research-based functional medicine approach to the care, diagnosis and treatment of these children.
The participant will be able to understand the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of PANS, PANDAS and Post Acute Infectious Syndromes (PAIS).
The participant will be able to differentiate causes of anxiety, OCD and tics, as it relates to autoimmune encephalitis.
The participant will be able to define the triad of treatments for PANS, PANDAS & PAIS.
Presenter: Presenter: Liz Mumper, MD FAAP, FMAPS
Kids and COVID
When COVID first emerged, everyone was confused – doctors, parents, patients,
government officials, and agency workers. However, it emerged rather quickly that COVID was
not a mortal threat for healthy children and adolescents. Nor were children with COVID a
transmission threat to immuno-compromised patients or vulnerable elderly. Dr. Mumper will
share her perspective, derived from four years of COVID research and collaboration, on how
different strategies should have been adopted during the first year of the crisis. She will argue
that mandates were never a good idea, that critical analysis of the initial clinical trials would
have led to different decisions, and that what the public was told differed from emerging
scientific truth.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Presenter: Liz Mumper, MD FAAP, FMAPS
Kids & COVID
COVID in healthy children and adolescents was very different than COVID in sick
adults with multiple co-morbidities. Dr. Mumper will argue that a “one size fits all” strategy
focused on a novel gene therapy technology was misguided. She will review the data about risk
factors, early treatment and potential repurposed medications. She will outline the fallacies
inherent in testing and isolating people without symptoms and review the limitations of PCR
testing.
The vaccine “safe and effective” mantra is not nuanced enough to describe what really
happened during roll-outs of COVID injections. Dr. Mumper will critically analyse evidence that
the shots were not studied for and did not decrease transmission, that those who received
injections were more likely to get COVID multiple times, and that more adverse events were
reported than for other vaccines combined. She will share documentation of adverse events in
the following categories: cardiac, autoimmune, reproduction, cancer, and neurologic.
Clinicians may leave the lecture pondering such topics as the autonomy of healers, the role of
truly informed consent, and the insertion of politics into medical crises.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Presenter: Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPS
Tick-Borne Diseases, Mold & MCAS
PANS & PANDAS are complex autoimmune diseases that require a multi-system approach. With PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), infectious etiologies such as Borrelia, Bartonella and Babesia, are among potential triggers for the immune dysregulation resulting in an abnormal autoimmune reaction and negative behavior, physical, and cognitive changes. Tick-Borne Diseases and Mold may cause or contribute to an acute or subacute presentation of fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, OCD, tics and more. These symptoms need to be assessed and treated appropriately. Participants will learn the research-based functional medicine approach to the care, diagnosis and treatment of these children. She will present this informaiton in a case study format.
The participant will be able to understand the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of PANS and Basal Ganglia Encephalitis, especially as it relates to Borrelia, Bartonella and Babesia
The participant will be able to differentiate causes of anxiety, OCD and tics, as it relates to autoimmune encephalitis caused by Tick-Borne Diseases and Mold.
The participant will be able to define the triad of treatments for PANS, including antimicrobials, immune modulators and symptom supports for Tick-Borne Diseases and Mold.
something on MCAS
Presenter: Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPS
Post Acute Infectious Syndromes & Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
PANS & PANDAS are complex autoimmune diseases that require a multi-system approach. PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Strep) involves antibodies from a strep infection reacting with brain tissue (specifically the basal ganglia in the brain) and triggering an abrupt onset of immune dysregulation and movement, learning and behavioral problems including OCD, anxiety and tics. With PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), other infectious etiologies besides strep (especially Mycoplasma as well as COVID, viruses, other bacteria, and more), toxic exposures, and metabolic abnormalities are among other potential triggers for the immune dysregulation resulting in an abnormal autoimmune reaction and negative behavior, neuropsychiatric, and cognitive changes. Dr. O’Hara will discuss the latest research in the assessment and treatment of these devastating but recoverable illnesses. Participants will learn the research-based functional medicine approach to the care, diagnosis and treatment of these children.
Presenter: Dr Kelly Francis MBBS. BSci (Med). FRACGP (2006)
Healthy Home
Our physical environment can have an enormous impact on our health and wellbeing. Dr Kelly Francis will present to you all the potential hazards you can be exposed to under your own roof, and ways you can mitigate the dangers.
Learning Objectives:
Presenter: Soulla Chamberlain
The Fundamentals of Robust Nutrition (from Vegan to Omnivore)
In this presentation Soulla will focus on the key principles of a nutrient-dense diet which provides a solid foundation for a life-long sustainable health. While health is multifactorial (and directly influenced by numerous lifestyle factors), nourishing your body with the anti-inflammatory, nutritionally-dense whole foods that we as a species have biologically evolved to eat is the cornerstone (as well as the fastest and easiest way!) of reclaiming and maintaining spectacular health with the most profound impact. Food is the most powerful medicine available to us to heal chronic illness and to remain vibrantly healthy. Soulla will detail the most nutrient dense foods and well as how to source and prepare them.
Learning Objectives in bullet point format
Attendees will learn the fundamentals of robust nutrition including a brief overview of:
Soulla is a cooking instructor specialising in real & traditional foods, a health coach, an advocate and teacher of toxic free living, a public speaker, a wellness blogger, a lover of the sun and sea, and a mother! Her mission started with bringing nutrient-dense traditional wholefoods back to the modern table for vibrant health and longevity and has grown into empowering people to live a vibrantly healthy life in all areas of their life but focusing first and foremost with the food, personal care products, cleaning products and medicines that people choose to bring into their home. Soulla has been instrumental in pioneering a traditional wholefoods and holistic lifestyle movement across Australia and further afield over the past 2 decades. She is a passionate spokesperson on food as medicine and provides people with the tools and resources to swap out dietary and environmental toxins in their home in a positive and empowering way. Small changes, big impact. It was her first hand experience as a burnt out corporate lawyer and former ‘hard core’ vegetarian/vegan that was the catalyst to seek an alternative approach to heal herself and her family.
