Standardized treatment guidelines, surgical techniques, and pharmacological developments have shaped medical practice for decades. While these treatments have shown important benefits, their emphasis on symptom management may sometimes overlook the underlying causes of chronic disease. Increasing exposure to environmental contaminants, lifestyle factors, and stress have contributed to more individuals seeking alternative medical approaches beyond traditional protocols. Functional and environmental medicine combine scientific study with a whole-body perspective to address this changing demand. Kelly K. McCann, MD, is among the physicians exploring this intersection of contemporary medicine, environmental health, and mind-body healing.
Functional medicine seeks to address root causes rather than isolated symptoms, offering a different perspective from conventional medical approaches. It acknowledges that genetic predispositions, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures can contribute to biochemical imbalances often involved in chronic diseases. Environmental medicine focuses on how external factors such as air pollution, chemicals, metals, pesticides, and other toxins may affect health. Emphasizing individualized therapies and preventive strategies, these approaches aim to complement traditional models.
A growing body of research suggests that environmental toxin exposure may be associated with ailments like autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue, hormonal disruptions, and neurological conditions—though these factors are sometimes overlooked in standard diagnoses. This gap in understanding has led to the emergence of practitioners like Dr. McCann, who adopt a multi-faceted approach to healing.
Dr. McCann’s medical philosophy centers on the belief that complex interactions among environmental, physiological, and psychological factors often contribute to chronic illness. To support patient recovery, she employs various diagnostic tools and integrative thinking at her clinic, the Spring Center in Costa Mesa, California.
Her practice combines advanced testing technologies to evaluate genetic predispositions, biochemical markers, toxic exposures, infectious burdens, and immune function, alongside conventional laboratory assessments. This comprehensive strategy helps her investigate the unique and often complex patterns of disease development in each patient.
A key aspect of Dr. McCann’s work is exploring the relationship between environmental pollutants and human health. Studies indicate that exposures to mold, toxic metals, pesticides, and industrial pollutants may contribute to inflammatory conditions, endocrine disruptions, neurological issues, and immune dysfunction. Drawing on research from pioneers in environmental medicine such as Dr. William Rae and Dr. Walter Crinnion, Dr. McCann incorporates these insights into her clinical approach.
She frequently works with patients experiencing conditions such as mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), chronic Lyme disease, autoimmune disorders, and hypersensitivity syndromes. These illnesses often manifest with a wide range of symptoms that can be missed or misdiagnosed in traditional medical settings. Dr. McCann’s goal is to identify potential toxicant exposures and apply focused detoxification and supportive therapies to help rebalance the body’s immunological, neurological, and endocrine systems.
Using detailed patient histories and thorough laboratory data, Dr. McCann develops personalized treatment plans incorporating a variety of integrative techniques that address both physical and psychological aspects of health. Nutritional and supplement protocols are tailored to individual biochemical needs and observed deficiencies. Detoxification pathways are supported to help reduce the body’s toxic load and promote overall wellness. Herbal and nutraceutical therapies are utilized to assist in managing biochemical and hormonal imbalances and modulate immune responses, aiming to offer patients a clearer understanding of their conditions and a pathway toward recovery.
Recognizing the close connection between physical and mental well-being, Dr. McCann also integrates mind-body approaches such as nervous system retraining, stress reduction techniques, and energy healing. These methods honor the psychological and spiritual dimensions of health and support the idea that healing encompasses more than just the physical body, fostering emotional balance and resilience.
Scientific interest in the links between emotions, trauma, stress, and chronic illness is growing. Psychoneuroimmunology, a developing field, explores how psychological stressors can influence immune function, inflammation, and disease progression.
Dr. McCann applies these concepts in her practice, emphasizing that healing often involves more than biochemical adjustments alone. Her approach is informed by her studies in spiritual psychology, including a master’s degree from the University of Santa Monica. She acknowledges that unresolved trauma, self-perception, and subconscious beliefs can manifest physically, and thus includes emotional wellness in her treatment plans.
Anecdotal reports from patients treated at The Spring Center suggest potential benefits of personalized functional medicine. Some individuals with longstanding health challenges—such as chronic fatigue, autoimmune diseases, and hypersensitivity conditions—have reported improvements after following customized protocols.
For many, prior experiences with conventional medicine resulted in unclear diagnoses, misdiagnoses, or limited treatment options. Dr. McCann’s incorporation of functional, integrative, and environmental medicine offers a broader framework for addressing complex health issues and supporting recovery.
As chronic diseases, unexplained medical conditions, and treatment-resistant infections become more common, functional and environmental medicine have gained increasing attention. Although these disciplines are not yet fully integrated into mainstream medicine, ongoing research continues to explore the roles of pollutants, nutrition, lifestyle, and mental health in disease development.
Collaborating with international researchers, clinicians, and physicians, Dr. McCann has organized virtual summits on topics such as mast cell activation syndrome, allergies, and chronic inflammation to raise awareness. She also participates in professional medical boards and organizations dedicated to educating practitioners on functional and environmental medicine. In February 2025, she was recognized with the Carlton Lee Award by the American Academy of Environmental Medicine for her contributions to the field. Dr. McCann is also authoring a book aimed at both patients and practitioners on personal transformation through illness and adversity.
The evolving healthcare landscape and rising prevalence of chronic diseases underscore the need for individualized, root-cause-focused medical care. Physicians like Dr. Kelly K. McCann are working to expand knowledge of functional and environmental medicine as conventional approaches sometimes fall short in addressing complex, chronic illnesses. Her work highlights a growing emphasis on whole-person health—examining physical symptoms within the broader interplay of mind, body, and environment by integrating scientific advances, environmental considerations, and holistic therapies.
While functional and environmental medicine remain somewhat controversial within conventional medical circles, the principles underlying these fields may gradually influence future approaches to chronic disease treatment. Exploring biochemical individuality, environmental exposures, comprehensive diagnostics, nutritional and nutraceutical options, and integrative healing approaches may offer new possibilities for individuals seeking alternatives to traditional care.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or care. Readers should consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice regarding any medical condition or treatment.
