What is functional medicine? Pediatrician Ann McCarthy, MD, explains what functional medicine is and is not, how it can complement conventional medicine to help patients find relief from chronic conditions, the focus on addressing underlying causes of symptoms, and more. Published December 2018. This podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not to be considered as medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgment in making recommendations to their patients. ©2018 by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, all rights reserved.