The short answer: The most practical path into functional endocrinology is learn → apply → mentor. Start with focused training in reading blood chemistry through functional ranges, add therapeutic tools like herbal protocols, apply them with your own patients — and work through your real cases one-on-one with an experienced mentor. Dr. Annette Kutz Schippel has trained thousands of practitioners worldwide through exactly this path.
Every practitioner knows the patient: her labs are "normal," she feels awful, and the tools you were trained with don't have a next move. Functional endocrinology gives you that next move — and your patients are already searching for someone who has it.
Why add functional endocrinology?
Because hormones touch everything your patients complain about: energy, sleep, mood, weight, cycles, focus. Reading the endocrine system functionally — the HP axis, adrenal-thyroid relationships, blood chemistry patterns — lets you help the large population of patients who are drifting toward disease but not yet in it. Clinically it's deeply satisfying work; practically, it differentiates your practice with the fastest-growing patient demand there is.
Where should I start?
Start where the leverage is: blood chemistry. Routine labs your patients already have contain digestive, nutrient, liver, and immune patterns most eyes never read. Dr. Annette's Understanding Blood Chemistry and Immune Patterns Masterclass teaches the full method — including a worksheet of optimal functional values and protocols you can apply the same week. From there, add therapeutic depth: the Herbal Blending Masterclass (with a hardbound cookbook of blends) and Navigating Women's Health Through Perimenopause & Beyond for the patients who need you most. All are recorded — learn on your schedule.
How does one-on-one mentoring work?
This is where knowledge becomes competence. Bring your actual cases — the confusing labs, the stubborn presentation, the protocol question — and work through them directly with Dr. Annette. Sessions are one-on-one, tailored to your practice, and billed at $4 per minute: you choose the length and pay only for the time you use. Complete the required forms on our Professional Mentoring page, then call 217.370.5060 for an appointment.
Who is Dr. Annette, and why learn from her?
A 1998 Logan University graduate, Dr. Annette built a large family practice drawing patients from across the country and around the world — and has spent more than two decades teaching functional endocrinology to thousands of practitioners. She has authored numerous clinical manuals and spoken for the Weston A. Price Council, the Parker Seminar, and the International Health Management Forum. Her teaching is like her practice: rigorous about physiology, practical about protocols, and warm about people. Meet Dr. Annette →
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of practitioners does this fit?
Chiropractors, nutritionists, nurses, naturopaths, acupuncturists, and integrative MDs and DOs have all trained with Dr. Annette — anyone whose scope includes nutritional and herbal support.
Do I need the masterclasses before mentoring?
They're the fastest foundation, but not a gate — mentoring meets you where you are. Many practitioners do both: classes for the framework, mentoring for their real cases.
Is there a program fee or commitment?
No packages, no lock-in. Masterclasses are one-time purchases; mentoring is $4/minute, used as you need it.
Ready to serve the patients "normal" leaves behind?
Educational programs and mentoring support practitioners in applying nutritional and herbal protocols for normal body physiology; they are not medical training in diagnosing or treating disease.