Dr. Susan Lan
Dr. Susan Lan
Dr. Susan Lan, DO, MPH, MS, IFMCP is a traditionally trained osteopathic physician specializing in preventive medicine, public health, and functional medicine.
She has been in practice for over 20 years and has experience in emergency medicine, family practice, military medicine, and medical directorship.
Dr. Lan started her training in the biomedical sciences with a Master of Science in Biotechnology from Northwestern University in Illinois. She received her medical degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1999.
Upon graduation, she served in the US Air Force in a Family Practice clinic at Lackland Air Force Base in TX before transitioning to a multi-year appointment in the Emergency Department at Yokota Air Base in Japan.
She returned to the US to complete a Preventive Medicine/Public Health Residency at Nova Southeastern University/Palm Beach Co. Health Dept. in Palm Beach, FL along with an additional master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Dr. Lan went on to serve as Medical Director for numerous clinics including the Vail Valley Medical Center’s Comprehensive Occupational Medicine Program.
In the early 2000’s, Dr. Lan discovered Functional Medicine and rekindled her love of Osteopathy.
She founded Vail Osteopathy, InSpero Medical’s predecessor, in 2008 and has been studying functional and integrative medicine for well-over a decade.
Dr. Lan is a Certified Gluten-Free Practitioner with a strong focus on Ancestral Nutrition. She received her certification from the Institute of Functional Medicine in 2020.
She has also studied extensively with the American Academy of Anti Aging Medicine (A4M) and the Kresser Institute for Functional and Evolutionary Medicine and embraces the Kalish Method.
She is an active member of the American Osteopathic Association, the American Academy of Anti Aging Medicine, the Association for the Advancement of Restorative Medicine (AARM), and The Institute for Functional Medicine.
With her strong background in western allopathic medicine, a love for learning, and an unwavering commitment to helping her patients, Dr. Lan meets every patient with compassion, wisdom, and possibility.
From Doctor to Empowered Patient
I’ve always been interested in alternative medicine. I chose osteopathic over allopathic medical school because of the additional training in manipulative medicine. I sought out a preventative medicine residency and a master’s degree in public health because of my desire to help individuals and communities engage in their health outcomes. I also served as a consultant for the Department of Defense for the University of Arizona’s Fellowship in Integrative Medicine. Previously, my master’s degree in biotechnology provided me with a solid background in scientific research and laboratory skills.
My time in emergency and military medicine taught me the best of western medicine – treating acute injuries and illnesses. When I found myself in the role of the patient, however, my own profession failed to provide me with anything but life-long prescription medications and a worsening prognosis over time.
I first noticed subtle neurological symptoms in 2012 when, under immense stress while searching for my lost dog, a friend noticed my arm swing was diminished. Next came slurred words and inconsistent snowboard steering. Multiple neurologists told me everything was normal even though my body was clearly changing.
Eventually, I was diagnosed with Parkinsonism due to the atypical nature of my symptoms. I continued to seek out specialists but none of them were able to tell me why in my mid 40’s, I had to give up trail running, Spartan Races, snowboarding, and hikes with friends and our dogs… or offer any hope for improvement. Of the multiple movement specialists that evaluated me, not one of them mentioned toxins, Lyme, or mold as known and potentially reversible causes of Parkinson’s.
My interest in alternative medicine was reignited and I took an even deeper dive into Functional Medicine.
I changed my diet to Autoimmune Paleo, corrected nutrient imbalances, treated gut infections, removed mold, addressed Lyme, made detox an everyday habit, and addressed my mental-emotional-spiritual health with a daily meditation practice. I did something that none of my neurologists had thought possible. I changed the course of my prognosis.
Now that the underlying causes of my symptoms have been addressed, I have entered the repair and regeneration phase and I can see a 5k in my future. Through my experiences, both as a physician and a patient, I now know there is always opportunity for transformation. I am always on the lookout for new and cutting-edge therapies.
It is my mission to help others utilize Functional and Integrative Medicine principals to prevent, halt, and even reverse symptoms and disease.