The Future of AI in Functional Medicine with Dr. Cheng Ruan

Host & Guest Details

Host: Dr. Yousef Elyaman, Functional Medicine Primary Care Physician
Guest: Dr. Cheng Ruan, MD, Internist, Health Technologist, AI Developer, and Founder of Synaptic and the Physician Transformation Institute

Episode Overview

In this episode of FMP Essentials, Dr. Cheng Ruan joins Dr. Elyaman to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping functional medicine. From smart scribing and team training to dynamic SOPs and practice optimization, AI is becoming a practical tool for clinicians who want to work smarter, not harder.

Key Questions Answered

• What is the difference between transformational and transactional data?
• How does AI simplify complex clinical decisions?
• Which tools are HIPAA-compliant for research and documentation?
• What is a digital twin and how does it help patients and practices?
• Can AI help reduce burnout and improve outcomes?

Why You Should Watch

Functional medicine often feels overwhelming. Learn how AI can simplify your workflow, improve documentation, and support better patient care without replacing the human touch.

What You’ll Learn

• How AI reduces screen time and improves focus
• Tools like Heidi, DeepScribe, and Ambience.AI for documentation
• Why Gemini and Copilot are HIPAA-compliant research tools
• Ways to automate SOPs and onboarding
• What a digital twin is and how it builds legacy

Bonus Insight

AI helped reveal how the trigeminal nerve influences fibromyalgia and mitochondrial dysfunction. This led to a major shift in clinical protocols.

Shareable Quotes

"Stop touching the keyboard and look your patients in the eye."
"AI doesn’t anchor to bias. It starts with the data."
"Complexity is the enemy of execution. AI brings clarity."

Disclaimers

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Listening does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.
Supplement recommendations are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Practitioners should use their professional judgment when applying strategies discussed.
The host, guest, and organizations are not liable for misuse of the content.

This Episode’s Sponsor

FMP Essentials is the #1 Resource for Functional Medicine Practitioners
https://www.fmpessentials.com

For serious practitioners ready to go further, the FMP Essentials Mastermind offers advanced mentorship, exclusive resources, and a trusted peer network.
Apply or learn more at:
https://www.fmpessentials.com/mastermind

Connect with Us

Dr. Cheng Ruan
Instagram: @cheng_ruan_md
LinkedIn: Cheng Ruan, MD
Website: www.physiciantransformationinstitute.com

Dr. Yousef Elyaman
Instagram: @drelyaman
FMP Essentials
Instagram: @fmpessentialshq
Website: www.fmpessentials.com

Music Credit: “Heroes Approaching - Extended” by tunes2go

Don’t Just Watch, Take Action

• Share this episode with a colleague
• Leave a review with your biggest takeaway
• Subscribe for insider content through the FMP Essentials Mastermind