by Dr. Eric Gordon

Every day, we work with patients with complex chronic illnesses. Each individual is a puzzle, with varying symptoms and overlapping medical concerns. We know how hard it is to have complex health issues and so much confusing information out there.

To continue to support our patients at the highest level, Gordon Medical Associates (GMA) is thrilled to share that in April, Dr. Steven Harris and Pacific Frontier Medical, Inc. (PFMI) is officially merging with us, making GMA the premier Lyme, tick-borne illness, and environmentally acquired illness clinic on the West Coast.

One of the key motivations behind this merger is the recognition of our complementary strengths. While PFMI has established itself as a leader in addressing Lyme and tick-borne diseases, GMA has a track record of treating a diverse range of complex conditions, including autoimmune disorders and mystery illnesses often linked to Lyme disease. By joining forces, we will leverage our expertise to offer an even deeper breadth of patient care than we each did alone.

A shared hallmark of both clinics is our focus on the psyche and intuition in healing paired with medical care. We understand that true healing goes beyond the physical realm and encompasses the emotional and spiritual well-being of our patients. This holistic philosophy guides our treatment protocols and ensures that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs.

Collaborative efforts

Central to our approach is the emphasis on teamwork. Each member of our team brings to the table a wealth of experience and insights gained from years of patient care and the learning that comes with it. We recognize the individuality and complexity of each case, and our collaborative efforts allow us to explore multiple facets and find innovative solutions.

The depth of our new team is enriched by the addition of specialists from the former PFMI, like Dr. Jen Sugden, an expert in women’s and children’s health. Moreover, both Yvonne Sorensen, PA, and Dr. Jen Sugden work extensively with PANS and PANDAS patients. Both practitioners bring invaluable insights into the treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases, which are increasingly affecting patients across different age groups.

Another exciting aspect of this merger is the integration of treatment modalities from both clinics. PFMI’s extensive experience with IVIG therapy complements GMA’s expertise in plasmapheresis and detoxification therapies. The combination of this knowledge will offer patients an even more comprehensive and sustainable approach to managing neuroinflammatory diseases.

The merger will also allow us at GMA to enhance our think tank for complex and chronic illness. In the past, we have all experienced excellent results working on our own. Now, we will be working collectively on more difficult cases.

I am looking forward to our weekly team meetings, where we discuss individual cases and new ideas, which will undoubtedly be enriched by the diverse perspectives and expertise of our combined team.

Personalized medicine

Dr. Harris and I have been delving into the critical necessity of personalized medicine through tailored research in highly complex cases. Our conversations often circle back to the limitations of current medical paradigms, particularly when confronted with the intricacies of complex biology and chronic illnesses. We firmly advocate for a shift towards dedicating more time to patient research, recognizing it as the key to unraveling the root causes and personalized biochemical responses behind various conditions.

In our discussions, we’ve candidly acknowledged the strain we’ve experienced from attempting to deliver personalized care within existing frameworks. It’s become apparent that without sufficient time for research, our efforts are constrained, leaving us feeling overworked and often unable to provide the level of individualized attention our patients deserve. This merger of both clinics will allow us more research time, which is often needed in highly complex cases.

Together, we are committed to advancing the field of integrative medicine and improving outcomes for our patients.

Dr. Eric Gordon is medical director of Gordon Medical Associates, in San Rafael, California.