Photos: Courtesy of MEDIWELL Clinic

Seventeen years ago, I survived a near-fatal heart attack. Twelve years ago, I battled prostate cancer. Today, I’m taking 15 different pills a day. It’s a pharmaceutical jungle. Since moving to Cuenca, I’ve wondered if there’s a way to escape this reliance on drugs. That’s when I stumbled across the intriguing world of Functional Medicine.

Functional Medicine is revolutionizing healthcare worldwide by shifting the focus from managing symptoms to uncovering the root causes of illness. Unlike traditional medicine, which often targets individual symptoms, Functional Medicine offers a holistic, patient-centered approach that looks at how interconnected the body’s systems are. Practitioners don’t just prescribe; they dig deeper into your genetics, environment, and lifestyle to understand the bigger picture of your health.

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This approach is gaining traction, particularly in the U.S. The Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Functional Medicine, the first major center of its kind, boasts a waitlist of over 2,000 patients—evidence of growing public interest in this emerging field.

So, what makes Functional Medicine so appealing? Practitioners use advanced diagnostic testing and detailed health histories to create a roadmap for better health. They don’t just treat disease; they focus on prevention, promoting sustainable solutions like dietary changes, stress management, and lifestyle modifications. It’s a personalized path to wellness, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

The empowerment that comes with Functional Medicine is refreshing. It gives patients the tools to take control of their health, offering alternatives to the pill-popping culture. As more people seek proactive ways to manage their well-being, Functional Medicine continues to gain popularity as a bridge between natural remedies and conventional care.

Luckily, Cuenca is no stranger to this health revolution. I was fortunate to meet Dr. Stefanía Montalvan, a certified Functional Medicine practitioner at MEDIWELL Clinic.

Her journey into Functional Medicine is just as inspiring as the practice itself.

After graduating from medical school, Dr. Stefania spent a transformative year in the Galápagos on Santa Isabela Island, working on international health programs. There, she and her colleagues made lasting improvements in prevention and healthcare management for the island’s population. Later, she became the head of nutrition at a public hospital in El Oro Province during the pandemic. This challenging role opened her eyes to the complications faced by those with chronic diseases.

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Juggling motherhood, long hospital hours, and her own health crisis led Dr. Stefania to seek answers beyond conventional medicine. That’s when she discovered Functional Medicine. Inspired by peers in Colombia and Mexico, she pursued certification at the prestigious Functional Medicine Institute in the U.S. “It transformed how I approach medicine—not just for my patients, but for myself and my family,” she explains. “I realized this was the right path.”

Dr. Stefania founded MEDIWELL Clinic in Cuenca, where Functional Medicine complements conventional care. Her clinic dives deep into what matters most—true, long-lasting health.

Located near Hotel Oro Verde, MEDIWELL offers consultations both in person and via telemedicine, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Services are available in both English and Spanish.

Ready to take control of your health? I know I am. Schedule your appointment today!
Contact Information

Address: Ordoñez Lasso 633 y Olivos sector Oro Verde, Cuenca
Phone: 096 982 1223
Email: Mediwellcuenca@gmail.com
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Facebook: MEDIWELL Clinic
Find Dr. Stefania on the Functional Medicine Institute: Dr. Stefania Montalvan