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Bio
Lara is a Functional Medicine pharmacist, nutritionist, and public health professional based in New York City. Combining her background in pharmacy and training in Functional Nutrition, Lara designs personalized protocols that incorporate whole food, herbs, nutrigenomics/pharmacogenomics, medication history, and lifestyle modification to optimize patient health outcomes.
Lara works with her patients to find practical and delicious options to help them thrive within the demands of their unique lifestyles. She’s experienced in working with complex cases addressing digestive issues, autoimmune conditions, cognitive health, metabolic disease, kidney disease, and weight loss resistance, layering in customized therapeutic dietary plans.
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Highlights
Education & Credentials
Pharmacy
Bachelors of Science in Pharmacy (Earnest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University)
Doctor of Pharmacy (Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado)
Registered Pharmacist NJ and NY
Institute for Functional Medicine Certified F Practitioner (IFMCP)
Certified in Medication Therapy Management (MTM) by the American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA)
Nutrition
Masters of Science in Functional Nutrition (University of Bridgeport, CT)
Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
Certified Dietician Nutritionist (CDN) in New York & Connecticut
Post-Bachelors Certificate in Medical Herbalism from Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH)
Certified Health Coach (CHC) and Lifestyle Educator (LE)
Public Health
Candidate, Masters of Public Health (Milken Institute of Public Health, George Washington University)
Member Board of Directors, volunteer, and representative for the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS)
Professional Highlights
• 20 years of experience in community pharmacy. Focus has always been on delivering safe and reliable services and consulting with patients while collaborating with community physicians and nurses.
• Integrative Pharmacy Business Consulting and Mentorship for community pharmacists and owners seeking support in creating a Functional Medicine and nutrition consultation model to capture growing consumer interest.
• 10 years’ experience in Clinical Nutrition specializing in Functional Medicine for prevention and reversal of chronic disease. Master of Science in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport and Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS).
• Nutrition Team Manager & Nutritionist, content contributor at the Sandy Hook Clinic, under clinic director Dr. Kara Fitzgerald.
• Board for Certified Nutrition Specialists (BCNS) mentor: CNS candidate nutritionists interested in the Functional Nutrition Residency Program (FNRP), please contact proed@drkarafitzgerald.com
• Adjunct professor of nutrition at the Nutrition Institute graduate studies at the University of Bridgeport
• Guest instructor for Functional Medicine in pharmacy practice at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) College of Pharmacy
• Contributing author.A Functional Approach to the Chronic Disease Epidemic. Journal of Health Systems Pharmacists. April 2020.
• Co-Author The Functional Memory Rx Food Plan & Lifestyle eBook andFxMed Immersion Programs
• Content Manager and contributing author at InKidney.com
• Contributor to Methylation Diet and Lifestyle eBook and Everyday MDL: Recipes for Methylation Diet & Lifestyle Program authored by Dr. Kara Fitzgerald and Romilly Hodges.
• Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) Board of Directors, member, and field volunteer. Ground experience includes Jordan and Lebanon. Serving on the Research, Pharmacy and Nutrition Committee (chair), Advocacy committee, Jordan Relief Committee, and Za’atari Clinic Commission representing pharmacy.
Professional Affiliations
Institute for Functional Medicine {IFM}
Board of Certified Nutrition Specialists {BCNS}
American College of Nutrition {ACN}
American Pharmaceutical Association {APhA}
Syrian American Medical Society {SAMS}
Staff Nutritionist, Education Programs Coordintor, blog contributor
Available for remote nutrition consultations as part of the clinic staff under the direction of Dr Kara Fitzgerald. To schedule a consultation with Lara, contact the Office Manager at 203.304.9502 of email frontdesk@DrKaraFitzgerald.com
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Board of Directors, Advocacy, Research, Volunteer
SAMS works on the front lines of crisis relief in Syria, in neighboring countries, and beyond to alleviate suffering and save lives. SAMS proudly provides dignified medical care to every patient in need.
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