Beyond Symptoms: An Integrative and Functional Medicine Approach to Addiction Recovery

Dr. Yousef A. Elyaman is a board-certified Internist with a cross-specialization in Pediatrics. He desired to provide patients with the utmost quality of care and so he continued his education at the Institute for Functional Medicine. Dr. Elyaman became board-certified in the field of Functional Medicine and was part of the first graduating class worldwide to achieve this new and distinct accreditation.

Dr. Elyaman, also known as Dr. E, founded Absolute Health in 2006, bringing his unique approach to healthcare to the families of Ocala and its surrounding communities. The comprehensive treatment plans implemented by Dr. E, further distinguish him from most conventional family doctors and internists. Dr. E incorporates the latest in modern medicine as well as natural and alternative treatments and methods which have been found to contribute significantly to overall health and well-being. He believes,

“Just because a treatment may not have been created in a billion-dollar pharmaceutical lab, does not mean that we should overlook its benefits and not take advantage of them”.

According to his expesupplement ory cases, something as simple as altering a patient’s food plan, adding a nutritional supplement, or improving sleep habits can make a world of difference. Unfortunately, many patients are over-medicated and unaware of alternative treatments. Dr. E has used both approaches to find the solution to health problems. These solutions cannot nor will not always be found at the bottom of a prescription bottle”. He regards being a doctor as a sacred trust and responsibility and therefore, holds himself to the highest standards of ethics and professional excellence.

Dr. E is very meticulous and proactive in learning a patient’s medical history—including the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors to develop an effective strategy towards the goal of long-term health”. He considers patient education and patient involvement to be equally important. In his experience,

“When a patient truly understands the reasons, they are not feeling well and they understand how to improve their condition(s), they feel empowered and tend to act with determination”.

In addition to educating and caring for patients within his office, Dr. E provides educational events open to the public regularly and regularly. He is a frequent guest lecturer at local hospitals and community centers including Ocala Regional Medical Center, West Marion Hospital, and Master the Possibilities Education Center with Advent Health. He values having the opportunity to interact and share with the community and says that “it’s a win-win situation.”

With his passion for providing excellent quality care to all patients, Dr. E joined forces with his brothers Waleed Elyaman, M.D., and Mostafa Elyaman, M.D. to open Absolute Quick Care in Ocala, Florida. The driving principle behind Absolute Quick Care is a dedication to being accessible to patients and families after hours and during the weekends. Dr. E finds joy in knowing his patients, especially the parents of young children, can rest knowing if someone gets sick, they do not have to face the decision of whether to go to the emergency room or wait until Monday to see their primary care doctor.

With the same idea in mind, Dr. E and Dr. Waleed Elyaman formed Absolute Elder Care, a division of Absolute Health, which focuses on caring for patients in assisted living facilities. Dr. E explains: “many of my patients are older, and this allows me to continue caring for them when they cannot come to the office. Patients deal with enough changes in their lives without having to add the stress of finding a new doctor who makes them feel comfortable.”

Dr. Elyaman lives on a farm in Belleview with his wife and children. He is a devoted husband and father of seven, 4 boys and 3 girls. He enjoys spending quality time with his children.  Some of his favorite hobbies include camping, fishing, swimming, and playing chess. Dr. Elyaman acknowledges he is fortunate; having worked hard for everything he has, he recognizes this. He believes in giving back in ways that make a meaningful and lasting difference. It is the best way he knows to show his appreciation for all the things he has been blessed with. Dr. E gives back to the community through his involvement and support of local charitable organizations.