Hello! It’s nice to meet you. If you are new here, I am Dr. Terry Van Oort.
My career began with conventional medical training. I earned my MD degree from the University of Iowa and completed my family medicine residency in Des Moines. My family medicine practice flourished, but over time more of my patients were asking what other options were available for problems like hormone imbalances, mood disorder, low energy, gut issues, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
New Discoveries
Thomas Edison once said that discontent is the first necessity of progress. My discontent led to action and change. I researched less conventional healing methods and discovered the world of integrative and functional medicine. I found complementary physicians, nutritionists, and mind-body practitioners with a great wealth of medical knowledge and genuine compassion.
I now could tell my patients that there were many scientifically-based choices available. But I wanted to get more training so I could offer my patients better guidance. After practicing family medicine for more than 30 years, I was at a crossroads in my life. I had to do something we’re not usually called to do after 30 years of being “an expert.” I had to go back to school to learn and experience a whole new dimension of health and medicine.
I took a sabbatical from my medical practice to complete a 2-year fellowship through the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine under the esteemed Dr. Andrew Weil. I also obtained further training in functional medicine, nutrition and evidence-based alternative therapies, which vastly expanded the options I can offer my patients. They now can choose from the best of conventional and complementary medicine.
The conferences were filled with compelling scientific information, but also with a profound holistic principal that conventional medicine did not teach me. Namely, that by addressing the whole person, the body’s innate healing capacity can be strengthened and energized, bringing a more balanced state of health.
Medical Education and Credentials
- I obtained my MD degree from the University of Iowa, where I served as president of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.
- I am board certified in the American Board of Family Medicine, recertifying in 2015 for 10 years.
- I practiced family medicine in Ankeny for over 30 years.
- I am a diplomate of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine.
- I completed a 2-year Integrative Medicine Fellowship at the University of Arizona under the guidance of Dr. Andrew Weil, MD.
- I have had further training in nutrition, functional medicine and evidence-based therapies through the Institute for Functional Medicine’s AFMPC and Advanced Practice Modules; the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine; and the HeartMath Institute.
- I am certified in the NeuroEmotional Technique. To learn more about this fascinating intervention, click HERE.