Frequently Asked Questions
Who the heck is Dr. Z and why is she the one teaching?
Well, it all started when I was 8 years old and my sister was bornβ¦ I jest, but thatβs not too far off. Iβve been an over-responsible big sister and taught my entire life in multiple careers. You can get to know a bit about me in the pages of this website, the testimonials from practitioners & patients, the silly stories at the bottom of each page or by taking a free live Zoom class with me.
A few quick βsort-of-braggyβ facts β I led the team that outsold Disney in their own park (it had never been done before!), I have a genius IQ and a history of a TBI (fun combination), I created the worldβs first visual personality profiling system (which has since been copied many times!) that was published by McGraw-Hill, NY, Iβm a 5th-generation female entrepreneur, Iβve won awards (lots, in many areas), Iβve been on the news (2x), I owned 8 houses by the time I was 31 years old, Iβve created multiple businesses that were all profitable and debt-free from year one, I designed a functional medicine lab analysis software program, I created nomenclature for a complex metabolic condition, Iβve published peer-reviewed literature, my spatial reasoning score was 100%.
Now, donβt get me wrong β Iβve got a long list of things I suck at or challenges Iβve faced along the way. A loooong list! And I cringe at throwing around facts about my βwinsβ, but I want you to know, you are in good hands.
I love to teach. I want you to win. Iβm compulsively honest and endlessly creative.
Oh, I also make boring stuff fun. So, thatβs why I teach.
How long do I have access to The Academy course material?
Weβre excited for you to dive into this material because the sooner you do, the sooner youβll be on your way to success and making money! Hereβs the thingβweβve learned that when people go at their own pace, they sometimes wait too long, and thatβs not the path we want for you. We believe in your ability to start strongΒ right now.
Hereβs the good news: youβll have lifetime access to the core material (as long as the program is running). Plus, while youβre in the program, youβll have access to recorded classes, live sessions, and all the 1:1 support you need to thrive. Letβs get startedβyour success story is waiting to be written!
Whatβs the cost for the classes? Can I take just one? Do you have CMEβs?
- Cost?Β It varies, but weβre committed to offering the best value possible.
- Take just one?Β Absolutelyβyou can pick and choose what works for you.
- CMEs?Β Yes for nurses, and more to come for other practitioners β as weβre always evolving to meet your needs.
Weβre constantly working to improve and make our offerings as accessible and affordable as possible. For detailed information, check outΒ The AcademyΒ page and the FAQ section. If you ever have a question thatβs not answered, weβd love to hear from youβjust email us atΒ Team@TheDrZ.Com.
Why are you sometimes silly or (not) funny? Healthcare is serious business.
Yes, you are right β healthcare is serious business.
Iβm really good at being serious, so focused and no-nonsense that I could βcrackβ. You know the type, they are a little intense and can tune out everything else as they laser focus on an issue.
You probably need to be a little hyper-focused (or obsessive) to become a master at any profession and it can be rewarding to rise to the top in your field.
But thereβs more to life than excelling or winning or knowing or earning.
We have to have levity and love and lightheartedness β thatβs the energy that can keep you grounded and bring fun to serious work.
We want that for our patients too, they need more laughter.
So while the jokes donβt always land, I strive to keep a balance between deadly serious and deadpan humor.
Donβt get me wrong though and feel free to ask anyone in the program β we cover the facts, the science, the financials, the legal, the conflict, the labs, the doubts and every other hard topic that youβll face as a practitioner.
But you donβt get bonus points for not cracking a smile, so we grab the giggles where we can before sticking our heads back into the research article or the pricing grid or the HIPAA regulations or the EMR softwareβ¦
Why should I take this course or be in The Mentorship 3.0?
Well, if you are a great person wanting to build/expand your Functional Medicine practice and looking for solid clinical techniques with sound business practices and a wonderful, supportive group to share this wild journey of entrepreneurship withβ¦then you belong here.
But, no mean girls allowed. So, if you want to tear down other people, love drama, create controversy or be in a perpetual state of negativity β then donβt join. This isnβt a reality TV show.
For those that want it, are coachable, open-hearted and determined to make this work β then we want YOU! Because there is nothing we love more than seeing our practitioners soar.
You arenβt a number to us or some faceless person pressing βbuyβ. We are invested in you and your success.
Whatβs up with these testimonials? Are they real?
Yes, every single one! We go above and beyond to share all of our knowledge, skill, experience and wisdom with one single goal in mind β we want YOU to succeed.
Now, there are no guarantees and you still have to do the work β but we make every effort we can to support you.
Thatβs why the testimonials are so awesome π
Iβm just starting, what if I donβt have money for The Mentorship 3.0?
If you really are motivated to make your practice happen and you know The Mentorship is how you are going to do it β then we will likely be able to finance your program.
FMA offers payment schedules. We also have outside vendors that can help with financing.Β You shouldnβt have to wait until you have money to make money.
Contact the office and weβll see how we can help. Schedule HERE.
Iβm not a doctor or nurse like everyone else - will I be able to practice?
Everyone receives the same education, programs and access to Dr. Z. That being said, you need to always practice within the scope of your license. We do have some members that are nutritionists or non-medical licenses providing Functional Medicine coaching to their clients. FMA has been vetted by Designs for Health (DFH) DSS program which means that once you complete The Academy and then take a 7 hour course from DFH β youβll be able to have a practitioner account with all the privileges including virtual dispensary, rebates, coaching app and more!
How long do we get The Network benefits?
The Network benefits are included for free with Mentorship 3.0! Youβll also enjoy access to FMA Marketing and LabDx as part of the program. Itβs all designed to support your success every step of the way.
But if you want to be in the Network only, you can get the benefits for one long, magical year. 12 months. Enough time to utilize the benefits, get to know the crew and then should you continue, renewal opportunities in the years after.
How do we get our photo and bio information on The Dr. Z: Functional Medicine Network website?
To get your photo and bio featured, simply:
- Ensure youβre an active member in good standing.
- Use your login credentials to update your bio and upload your photo.
If you have any questions, email us atΒ Team@TheDrZ.comβweβre happy to assist!
Once your profile is live, youβll gain visibility with website visitors, connect with other practitioners, and increase your chances of patient referrals. When patients contact us looking for a practitioner, members of The Network are always our top recommendations!
What are the special events or socials?
A few times a year Dr. Z hosts webinars, training, live Q/A or guest speakers exclusively for members in The Network. You will have access to those activities free of charge.
Iβm new to Dr. Z, why is she the one teaching?
A few times a year Dr. Z hosts webinars, training, live Q/A or guest speakers exclusively for members in The Network. You will have access to those activities free of charge.
Should I sign up for FM Network or be in The Mentorship 3.0?
Well, if you are a great person wanting to build/expand your Functional Medicine practice and looking for solid clinical technique with sound business practices and a wonderful, supportive group to share this wild journey of entrepreneurship withβ¦then check out The Mentorship 3.0 β not only is it amazing but it includes FM Network for free!
But, no mean girls allowed. So, if you want to tear down other people, love drama, create controversy or be in a perpetual state of negativity β then donβt join. This isnβt a reality TV show.
For those that want it, are coachable, open-hearted and determined to make this work β then we want YOU! Because there is nothing we love more than seeing our practitioners soar.
You arenβt a number to us or some faceless person pressing βbuyβ. We are invested in you and your success.
If you just want to join FM Network β no problem β just click βjoinβ.
What makes the Mentorship 3.0 so special?
Mentorship 3.0 is uniquely designed to provide everything you need to succeed as a Functional Medicine practitioner, both clinically and professionally. Hereβs what sets it apart:
- Active Support & Communication: Stay connected with active message boards and a dedicated text channel for questions and updates.
- Comprehensive Training: Enjoy live classes every day, live and recorded clinical training, lab analysis training and interpretation, and telemedicine training.
- Continuing Education & Compliance: Access continuing education classes, legal and compliance guidance, and resources to keep your practice up to date.
- Personalized Coaching: Benefit from a personal coach, 1:1 coaching sessions, and masterminds held twice a year to refine your skills and strategies.
- Business Tools & Software: Get hands-on training and access to marketing software with integrated EHR and business analytics, plus guidance on setting up your EMR system.
- Practice Development: Learn how to launch your practice with training in branding, marketing, sales, financial guidance, and leadership and management strategies.
- Find-a-Practitioner Directory: Increase your visibility with a practitioner search feature that helps patients and collaborators find you easily.
Mentorship 3.0 goes beyond standard Functional Medicine training by addressing the clinical, operational, and entrepreneurial skills you need to not only practice effectively but also thrive as a business owner. We have so much more than this to offer, but you really have to experience it to believe it.
How do I sign up/enroll?
Talk to one of our friendly Practice Advisors and they will give you all the details you need.Β BOOK A CALL
How do I get new patients for my functional medicine practice?
The fastest way to get new patients is by combining local marketing (networking, ads, SEO, speaking), clear niche messaging, and a simple lead magnet that builds your email list. Focus on solving one urgent problem your ideal patient is searching for, and make it easy to book with you. Consistency and visibility matter more than perfection.
π Want my FREE marketing book written for practitioners and entrepreneurs in health and wellness? Get your bookΒ HERE.
What is the best website platform for functional medicine?
The best website platforms for functional medicine are FMA Marketing, WordPress, Wix, and Kajabi, depending on your needs. WordPress is highly customizable but complex, Wix is beginner-friendly but not fully mobile-responsible, and Kajabi is great for combining websites with courses and email marketing but has a steep learning curve. FMA Marketing is the only βall in oneβ platform that includes website, texting, emailing, is HIPAA-compliant, allows you to place ads, schedule social media & has 24/7 chat support.
π Check out FMA MarketingΒ HERE.
How do I make my practice show up on Google?
To show up on Google, start by claiming and optimizing your Google My Business profile, using local SEO keywords on your website, and consistently collecting patient reviews. Being listed in local directories also helps boost visibility. Get listed on SearchFunctionalMedicine.com to help build your SEO.
π Check out SearchFunctionalMedicine.comΒ HERE.
What is the best freebie to get new patients?
The best freebie solves one urgent, specific problem your ideal patient has. Great examples include a symptom checklist, mini-course, quick guide, or βTop 5 Tipsβ PDF related to gut health, hormones, energy, stress, or a patient favorite β a quiz!
π Want my FREE marketing book written for practitioners and entrepreneurs in health and wellness that walks you through this process? Get your bookΒ HERE.
How do I build an email list for my clinic?
Build an email list by offering a valuable freebie (like a checklist, quiz, or guide), promoting it on social media, using popups on your website, and running simple Facebook or Instagram ads targeted to your niche audience. FMA Marketing allows you to do this all in one and is HIPAA-compliant.
π Check out FMA MarketingΒ HERE.
How do I sell high-ticket health programs?
To sell high-ticket health programs, focus on outcomes, not sessions. Highlight the transformation your patient will achieve, build real trust in your marketing, and offer clear, structured programs with strong payment options.
π Want my exact 3-Step Ideal Patient Formula to start signing new high-ticket patients faster? Download itΒ hereΒ free!
Should I offer a free consult or a paid one?
Free consults are great when youβre building visibility and volume. Paid consults work better once youβre established and in demand. Many practices use a free 15-minute discovery call to screen, then offer a paid intake.
π Want myΒ FREEΒ marketing book written for practitioners and entrepreneurs in health and wellness that walks you through this process? Get your book HERE.
How do I price my functional medicine programs?
Price your programs based on the value of the outcome, not just your time. A good starting point is $2,000β$5,000 for 3- to 6-month programs, adjusting based on your niche, deliverables, and experience.
π Want my FREE marketing book written for practitioners and entrepreneurs in health and wellness that walks you through the pricing process? Get your bookΒ HERE.
What is a good script for a discovery call?
A strong discovery call script asks about symptoms, goals, and readiness, then frames how your program solves their problems. Stay curious, listen deeply, and invite them into the next step without pressure. Be the coach, not the salesperson.
π Want my FREE book written for practitioners and entrepreneurs in health and wellness that teaches how to make an offer to create βbuyerβs easeβ? Get your bookΒ HERE.
How do I handle objections on sales calls?
Handle objections by staying calm, asking clarifying questions, and helping the person reconnect to why they sought help in the first place. Donβt push; coach them toward a decision that feels right.
π Download my exact 3-Step Ideal Patient Formula that will transform how you handle objections. Get itΒ hereΒ free!
What is the best EMR for a functional medicine practice?
Handle objections by staying calm, asking clarifying questions, and helping the person reconnect to why they sought help in the first place. Donβt push; coach them toward a decision that feels right.
π Download my exact 3-Step Ideal Patient Formula that will transform how you handle objections. Get itΒ hereΒ free!
How do I automate appointment reminders?
Use your EMRβs built-in features or connect tools like Calendly, Practice Better, or JaneApp to send automatic email or text reminders. Automation reduces no-shows and saves hours every week. Consider FMA Marketing for HIPAA compliant scheduling for leads.
π Have more EMR and Functional Medicine questions? Join our Facebook group for practitioners and health/wellness coachesΒ HERE.
Should I use Practice Better or something else?
Practice Better is a favorite for functional medicine, but other options like SimplePractice, JaneApp, or Healthie may also fit depending on your needs. Always match software to your business model. You can check out the Practice Better Facebook group before buying.
π Have more EMR and Functional Medicine questions? Join the Practice Better Facebook group for practitioners and health/wellness coachesΒ HERE.
What legal forms do I need for a virtual practice?
At minimum, you need a privacy policy, telehealth consent, informed consent forms, financial policy, and HIPAA-compliant communications disclosure. Always consult a healthcare attorney for your state.
π Download our Practice Startup ToolkitΒ HERE.
What is functional medicine?
Functional medicine looks at the root cause of disease rather than just managing symptoms. It uses nutrition, lifestyle changes, and targeted therapies to help restore optimal function in the body.
π Want a free chart to 28 different functional medicine training programs? Download itΒ HERE.
How do I become a functional medicine practitioner?
To become a functional medicine practitioner, you typically complete a certification program, build hands-on clinical skills, and create a practice model that aligns with lifestyle and root-cause care principles.
π Want a free chart to 28 different functional medicine training programs including cost and duration? Download itΒ HERE.
Where can I get functional medicine certified?
Top programs include the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), The Dr. Z Functional Medicine Academy (FMA), and SAFM. Choose based on cost, style, and what fits your clinical and business goals.
π Want a free chart to 28 different functional medicine training programs including cost and duration? Download itΒ HERE.
How do I stay motivated running my own practice?
Stay motivated by focusing on your bigger βwhy,β building a daily routine for energy, and celebrating small wins. Community, coaching, and self-care are critical for long-term success.
π Have more practice and Functional Medicine questions? Join our Facebook group for practitioners and health/wellness coachesΒ HERE.
How do I stop feeling like an imposter?
Recognize that imposter feelings are normal during growth. Track your wins, get mentorship, and remember that confidence is built through action, not waiting for βreadiness.β
π Watch my free mini-class on 10 Patients in 30 DaysΒ HEREΒ β the best way to beat Imposter Syndrome is with success.
How do I make better business decisions faster?
Use a simple decision framework: 1) Define the real goal, 2) List your top 2β3 options, 3) Pick the best βnext right step,β and 4) Adjust as you go. Speed beats perfection.
π Want my FREE marketing book written for practitioners and entrepreneurs in health and wellness that takes the guesswork out of your business decisions? Get your bookΒ HERE.