Vitalism, Labs and the Art of Listening: A Deepo Dive with Dr. Brad Rachman (Part 1)

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brad Rachman to explore his remarkable journey from a personal autoimmune crisis to decades of work in functional medicine and laboratory medicine, including his time with Genova Diagnostics. We talk about the early days of functional medicine, how the field has evolved, and how clinicians can choose tests that actually matter instead of drowning in data.Brad shares his origin story with ankylosing spondylitis and how it shaped his entire clinical philosophy. We get into high‑value markers like complement C3/C4, MMP‑9, TGF‑β1, GGT, oxidized LDL, and CD4/CD8 ratios, as well as the role of stealth pathogens such as EBV, Coxsackie, and Chlamydia pneumoniae. We also break down practical approaches to assessing dysglycemia using tools like HOMA and C‑peptide, and how to build a testing strategy that gives clarity instead of overwhelm.We also dive into clinical models and practice design—everything from volume‑based care versus engagement‑based care, to creating a patient roadmap, to using AI for long‑term 10‑year risk analysis. Brad shares his therapeutic priorities around diet, lifestyle, and pro‑resolving mediators, and we spend time on the philosophy of vitalism: trusting and stewarding the body’s innate ability to self‑regulate.If you’re a clinician, you’ll walk away with practical insights on which tests are truly actionable, how to communicate with patients during symptom flares, when to prioritize lifestyle over supplements, and how to design care that restores long‑term vitality and resilience.LINKSRachman ClinicTikTok @dr.brad.rachmanInstagram @rachmanclinicYouTube @drbradrachmanLinkedIn linkedin.com/company/rachman-clinic