Name: Pearl Zimmerman, MD, MPH, Diplomate American Board of Integrative Medicine
Location: Irvine, CA and San Clemente, CA
Website: pearlzimmermanmd
Member Since: 2015
Occupation: Functional and Integrative Medicine Physician in Private Practice
How did you hear about MFN?
While completing a Brain Coaching Certification course with Daniel Amen, MD
How do you or your business help those with chronic disease/medical conditions or who need pre & postnatal care?
I specialize in patients with multiple medical problems that haven’t found help through Conventional Medicine. I use the Functional Medicine Systems approach to address genetic variations and nutritional deficiencies, balance the immune system, hormones, and brain neurotransmitters, plus diagnose undetected Infectious Diseases, GI (gastrointestinal) health, and Cardiovascular/Metabolic issues instead of just treating symptoms.
What makes you different from all the other fitness professionals out there?
I’m dedicated to giving my patients HOPE; the extra hours I put into sleuthing before, during, and between visits has helped me diagnose and treat chronic problems my patients had previously struggled with for years.
I enjoy NURTURING my patients; 60-90 minute appointments so my patients can have the support and education they need to successfully carry through with our holistic treatment plans.
My goal is to fill my patients with INSPIRATION; I love helping my patients reach their dreams, realize peak performance, and enjoy graceful aging.
I don’t accept health insurance, because I choose to spend more time and use more treatment options than health insurance companies will approve and cover.
What is your favorite activity or class to participate in?
Body Pump-a combination weightlifting/aerobics/stretching class
Running along the San Clemente beach path then walking back in the waves.
What is one piece of advice that you would give other fitness professionals about working with special populations or those who need pre & postnatal care?
Focus on the power of helping people through knowing and treating their Genetic Variations and Nutritional Deficiencies
What type of community activities are you involved in?
I’m a medical advisor and volunteer clinician for The Breath Center, an organization that provides extensive healthcare services for the military and underserved populations
What is one of your favorite memories involving working with someone who has a health challenge or disability?
One patient came to me with “mystery” pains and fatigue. Thousands of dollars had been spent on MRIs, CTs, and other testing. Doctors were now just telling him that he needed Prozac and anti-anxiety meds because “nothing was wrong.” In two visits, I diagnosed myopathy from red yeast rice with a genetic variation that made him metabolize statins poorly (which have the same mechanism as red yeast rice). His pain began to diminish immediately, and his strength quickly began to return as well. He and his wife were so happy, and so was I!
What would you like to see change/develop/emerge in the future of healthcare and the fitness industry?
Significantly more positive collaboration and understanding between Conventional and Natural Medicine professionals
And what are you doing to make this happen?
Teaching Functional and Integrative medicine to medical students and medical residents at Loma Linda University
Working as a National Speaker for Apex Energetics, presenting cutting-edge science-guided Functional Medicine education
What is your favorite fitness/inspirational/motivational quote?
A good doctor should be like a good mother, willing to move heaven and earth for those under his/her care. (by me)
Anything else we should know about you?
I’ve lived and loved the city in San Francisco, the country on Whidbey Island, WA, and now my beach town of San Clemente. I’ve worked as a nurse in Student Health, Diabetes Education, Rehab, Medical, and Surgical Hospital units.
Previous Conventional Medical Doctor positions include:
Assistant Professor at Loma Linda University School of Medicine,
Attending Physician at the Social Action Corps clinics for the underserved,
College Health Services, Indian Health, and the VA Hospital
I have a special interest in Qi Gong and Energy Healing.
I love working alongside Acupuncturists, Chiropractors, Fitness Trainers, Life Coaches, Behavioral Health Therapists, and any and all colleagues who can help my patients become all they want to be.
View Pearl’s MFN profile »
