The announcement comes as IFM commemorates its 30^th anniversary at the 2021 Annual International Conference (AIC).

The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) is proud to announce immediate-past IFM CEO and chair of the Board of Directors Laurie Hofmann, MPH, as the 2021 recipient of the Linus Pauling Award in Functional Medicine. The Linus Pauling Award recognizes a visionary leader who has made a significant contribution to the development of the functional medicine model or to the reach of functional medicine, nationally or internationally. This award has been presented to 26 recipients since 1996. IFM recognizes Laurie Hofmann for her instrumental role in the growth and maturation of IFM and the field of functional medicine.

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Laurie Hofmann, MPH, winner of the 2021 Linus Pauling Award in Functional Medicine (Photo: Business Wire)

As a founding member of IFM’s Board of Directors, then as CEO, and subsequently as chair of the Board of Directors, Ms. Hofmann skillfully managed the rapid growth of the organization over a 20-year span with incredible commitment, laser focus, and sustained compassion. The evolution and expansion of the functional medicine ecosystem and IFM is a direct result of Ms. Hofmann’s leadership, vision, and perseverance.

“Laurie’s visionary leadership evolved IFM from a leader in functional medicine education to a leader of the functional medicine movement,” says Amy R. Mack, MSES/MPA, CEO of IFM. “It is an honor for both the IFM team and for me to build upon the direction she charted and recognize the role she played in positioning root-cause medicine as critical to the transformation of health care.”

Ms. Hofmann was the architect of IFM’s 2016-2020 Strategic Plan. At the heart of this plan was ensuring the field of functional medicine was strengthened and equipped to provide the highest expression of care for individual health through education, collaboration, research, innovation, and inspiration—central tenets of her work throughout her career.

"Laurie's formidable leadership is matched by her dedication to ensuring the organization was positioned to realize her vision. Both were immensely important to functional medicine becoming a transformative force in medicine," says Joseph E. Pizzorno, ND, chairman of IFM’s Board of Directors and previous Linus Pauling Award recipient. "We are grateful for her leadership, which has catalyzed the functional medicine field and IFM to be change agents in health and well-being."

By harnessing the power of collaboration and guiding the development of a strong evidence base, Ms. Hofmann galvanized the functional medicine ecosystem of practitioners, partners, and collaborators. She helped conceptualize and implement the IFM Certification Program and was also instrumental in seeding the development of program offerings internationally in England, South Africa, Latin America, China, and Brazil. Another impactful legacy is the development, collaboration, and creation of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, a first-of-its-kind, patient-centered clinic.

"I am humbled and honored to receive this award and to become part of this distinguished lineage of Linus Pauling Award winners as we celebrate the growth and expansion of the functional medicine field on this 30^th anniversary of IFM,” says Ms. Hofmann. “Through empowering patients and practitioners to work as partners to address the underlying causes of disease and to optimize health, together, we will transform health care and improve patient outcomes. I am deeply moved to join this prestigious group and proud to continue to serve the functional medicine community.”

Ms. Hofmann continues to support the functional medicine field as a partner at OvationLab. She also serves on a number of boards in the sector as a strategic advisor.

The Linus Pauling Award in Functional Medicine has recognized a visionary, clinician, or researcher who has made a significant contribution to the development of the functional medicine model or to the extension of the reach of functional medicine, nationally or internationally, since 1996. For more information, visit IFM.org/LinusPauling.

About IFM

The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) is the global leader in functional medicine and a collaborator in the transformation of health care. IFM is a nonprofit organization that believes functional medicine can help every individual reach their full potential for health and well-being. Founded in 1991 and dedicated to the widespread adoption of functional medicine, IFM works to advance education and training, clinical patient care, research, and outcomes in functional medicine worldwide. For more information about IFM, please visit IFM.org.

About Functional Medicine

Functional medicine determines how and why illness occurs and restores health by addressing the root causes of disease for each individual. The functional medicine model is an individualized, patient-centered, science-based approach that empowers patients and practitioners to work together to address the underlying causes of disease and promote optimal wellness.

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