Complex Cases, Simple Truths

The EMJ Podcast | Episode 217

Valerie Gysberts, Functional and Nutritional Medicine Therapist, Beingwell Clinic, Melbourne, Australia and Jonathan Upfal, Integrated General Practitioner, National Institute of Integrative Medicine, Melbourne, Australia, discuss their medical practice with a diverse range of patients who have often been through the medical system but have seen no improvement and have complex conditions such as chronic fatigue, ADHD, and depression.

Spotify | Apple | Amazon Music | Download MP3 (50:24 mins)

Jonathan Upfal graduated with honours from University of Sydney in 1983 and trained at Sydney Hospital, Westmead Hospital, Prince Henry’s Hospital, Melbourne. Today he specialises in biochemical psychiatry and psychology, chronic fatigue, mental health, and ADHD. He is also the author of the “Australian Drug Guide” a multi-bestselling a consumer guide to medications and is co-author of “Your Medical Tests: What Do They Really Mean?”. Jonathan has also developed the Smart Phone application “Top300 Rx Plus”.

Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Valerie Gysberts is a Functional and Nutritional Medicine Therapist with over 15 years of experience in health and nutritional medicine. She holds a Bachelor of Science, an advanced Diploma of Nutritional Practice and an advanced Diploma in nutritional medicine. Her focus is on Nutritional Therapy, and she is passionate about helping individuals achieve optimal health through personalised nutrition and lifestyle interventions.

Together, the pair work very closely on complex health cases that slip through the cracks of the conventional medical system.

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 02:36 – From pageant queen to Functional and Nutritional Medicine Therapist
• 08:10 – How the pair met
• 10:50 – Working with patients with chronic fatigue, ADHD, and depression
• 19:25 – Postnatal anxiety and depression
• 25:05 – Zinc and copper testing
• 29:50 – What can healthcare professionals do?
• 32:29 – Ozempic
• 36:30 – The importance of responsible use of social media
• 41:15– Jonathan and Valerie’s three wishes for healthcare