Functional Medicine and Holistic Care in Charleston, SC

Functional medicine examines medical conditions as the result of underlying imbalances within the body rather than as isolated symptoms to be managed. Instead of focusing solely on prescriptions to suppress discomfort, functional medicine doctors look at how the different systems of the body interact and affect one another. This perspective allows them to identify the root causes of illness, whether they stem from nutritional deficiencies, environmental exposures, or chronic inflammation. By addressing these core issues, the patient is given a clearer path toward long-term wellness. The approach is both scientific and holistic, combining detailed diagnostic testing along with a broader understanding of how lifestyle, environment, and genetics influence health. Functional lab testing is often used to provide insights that standard screenings may overlook, such as hormone imbalances, detoxification capacity, or nutrient absorption.

At The Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (COEM), functional medicine specialists consider the patient’s entire health history, including current symptoms, past exposures, and contributing lifestyle factors. This comprehensive method ensures that treatment is individualized and focused on creating lasting improvements.

Getting started with functional medicine begins with a comprehensive evaluation that considers a wide range of details about a patient’s health and history. Functional medicine consultations are designed to understand the full picture of a person’s well-being. This process typically involves functional lab testing to uncover underlying imbalances and identify contributing factors that may be overlooked in routine checkups. Using this information, doctors develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs.

In Charleston, patients seek out COEM, where they have been treating patients in an integrative and holistic manner for 48 years. At COEM, specialists take the time to learn about each patient’s unique situation, whether they are dealing with gut dysbiosis, chronic fatigue, thyroid imbalances, mold exposure, or conditions linked to the immune system. For those making their first appointment, the process often includes reviewing nutrition, lifestyle, and environmental exposures, along with considering therapies such as provocation-neutralization allergy testing, biodetoxification, IV therapy, multi-step oxygen therapy or photo-biomodulation, when appropriate. This multifaceted approach allows functional medicine doctors at COEM to create customized pathways for recovery and resilience.

Functional medicine can benefit a wide range of individuals, from those managing chronic illness to those seeking preventive care. Because the approach is rooted in personalization, it is adaptable to patients with complex medical histories as well as those who want to optimize their health before problems arise. By focusing on the unique biochemistry of each person, functional medicine doctors tailor interventions that respect the individuality of every patient. This adaptability makes functional medicine particularly valuable for individuals dealing with conditions often resistant to conventional treatments. Patients with autoimmune disorders, mold-related illness, thyroid imbalances, or those on the autism spectrum often experience meaningful improvements when underlying imbalances are addressed, rather than just suppressing symptoms. Functional lab testing allows doctors to uncover hidden factors, such as nutrient deficiencies, digestive issues related to an imbalance in the microbiome, or toxic exposures, that may be contributing to the problem.

The specialists at COEM have decades of experience working with children and adults across a broad spectrum of health needs. Whether managing complex cases like cerebral folate deficiency in autism or supporting those with long-term environmental exposures, their personalized approach ensures that functional medicine is adaptable to each individual’s unique situation.

With decades of highly specialized experience, providers at COEM offer a wide range of functional medicine services to treat complex conditions. Dr. Stephen Elliott, MD, is the only Med MAPS-Certified physician Fellow in South Carolina, bringing unique expertise in treating autism spectrum disorders and related conditions. The clinic also specializes in addressing mold-related illness, thyroid imbalances, chronic inflammation, and the effects of environmental exposures. With access to advanced tools such as functional lab testing and personalized detoxification programs, the doctors at COEM develop individualized care plans that address the full scope of a patient’s needs.

Their extensive experience and wide range of specialized services have made COEM a sought-after clinic worldwide, particularly for its work with children and adults on the autism spectrum and its expertise in treating biotoxin-related illnesses. By combining traditional diagnostics with innovative therapies such as biodetoxification, IV therapy, multi-step oxygen therapy and photo biomodulation, the clinic not only manages symptoms but also works toward restoring long-term health. Patients seeking functional medicine in Charleston have access to one of the most experienced and renowned practices in the field through COEM.

At The Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (COEM) in Charleston, SC, we provide holistic health solutions that focus on the root causes of illness rather than just managing symptoms. Our functional medicine approach is applied by Dr. William Weirs, Board-certified in Emergency Medicine and Environmental Medicine with extensive training in Functional Medicine. Dr. Weirs combines personalized care, advanced diagnostic testing, and natural treatment options to address a wide range of health conditions. Whether you’re dealing with chronic fatigue, thyroid imbalances, autoimmune disorders, or environmental exposures, our team works with you to develop a tailored treatment plan designed to restore balance and improve overall well-being. As one of Charleston’s leading functional medicine clinics, COEM offers comprehensive care that integrates traditional medicine with innovative therapies, ensuring you receive the best in holistic health. Trust COEM to help you achieve long-term wellness and a healthier, toxin-free life with our expert, compassionate care.

At The Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (COEM), we are dedicated to providing functional medicine and holistic care tailored to your unique health needs. Our expert team works closely with each patient to identify the root causes of illness and develop personalized treatment plans that promote long-term wellness. Whether you’re managing chronic conditions or seeking preventive care, our comprehensive approach helps restore balance and vitality. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7510 North Forest Drive North Charleston, SC 29420. We serve patients from Charleston SC, Mount Pleasant SC, Summerville SC, North Charleston SC, Goose Creek SC, Ladson SC, Hanahan SC, James Island SC, John’s Island SC, Daniel Island SC, West Ashley SC, Moncks Corner SC, Sullivans Island SC, Folly Beach SC, Isle of Palms SC and all of South Carolina, Nationally, and Internationally. Patients routinely fly into Charleston to be evaluated by COEM and to enjoy this beautiful city, which is a Condé Nast and Travel and Leisure Top Domestic and International Tourist Destination.