The American Chiropractic Association Council on Diagnosis and Internal Disorders is proud to announce that Dr. Ron Bouffard, The Boothbay Chiropractor, has completed his first 100 hours of post doctoral work towards his functional medicine specialization. With this 100 hours coursework, Dr. Bouffard is now recognized and certified as a Chiropractic Family Physician and can now perform complete physical examination and evaluation for most ailments, not necessarily restricted to musculoskeletal problems.

The functional medicine program is an intensive three year program for chiropractors to learn how to diagnose and treat health problems beyond the common restriction of the musculoskeletal system. The basis of the program uses all physical exam tools and exams commonly used by the traditional medical community to help evaluate and assess the root cause of disease. Functional medicine works to resolve the physiological imbalance by using natural treatment protocols like lifestyle changes, diet, nutrition, homeopathy and herbal remedies as well as vitamin supplementation.

With the completion of the first 100 hours, Dr. Bouffard has proven his proficiency and competency in physical exam and evaluation, blood laboratory testing, gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, sensitivities and autoimmune response, cardiovascular disease, clinical endocrinology and pharmacognosy (the study of herbs and botanicals). He plans to continue to complete the remainder of the program and upon completion, will take the National Board in October of 2017 which will allow him to achieve diplomate status through the American Chiropractic Association. With this diplomate status, he will achieve recognition as a certified Primary Care Physician but restricted to treatment protocols allowed by the American Chiropractic Association. This diplomate will allow Dr. Bouffard the ability to treat without drugs or surgery, and instead, use natural remedies, vitamins and botanical supplements.

Dr. Bouffard is the owner of The Boothbay Chiropractor located at 18 West Street in Boothbay Harbor. Appointments can be made by calling the office at 207 633-5500.