About Dr Wanek
Specialties
Fatigue
Thyroid Issues
Adrenal Issues
Digestive Wellness
Food allergies & intolerance
Allergies, Asthma
Eczema, Psoriasis
Hormonal Issues
Inflammatory Conditions
Chronic Fatigue/Fibromyalgia
Diabetes
Enzyme Deficit
Cognitive Issues
Osteoporosis/Osteopenia
Blood Disorders
My Story
Prior to studying for surgical boards around 40 years of age, I thought nutrition and basic science were something that only applied to my patients. However, as I made the connection between food and my biochemistry, I became profoundly aware that what and how I was eating had a major impact on how I functioned: emotionally mentally, physically and spiritually. When I ate according to the principles of biochemistry, I felt COMPLETELY different, no longer struggling with continuous cravings, yo-yo dieting, fatigue, frustration and, at times, complete anguish and despair.
This experience led from the private practice of Pediatric Surgery to a consultative practice in Functional Medicine, with a focus on teaching patients how to stabilize blood sugar and meet needs for essential nutrient by balancing protein, carbohydrate and fats calories at each meal and/or snack. In addition, I recommended a daily intake of equal amounts of Omega 3 and Omega 6 polyunsaturated fats (which human cells cannot produce) to supply the raw materials needed to construct and maintain a properly functioning cell membrane (Phospholipid bilayer in the figure below) and to supplement with the 8 simple sugars needed by the cell to construct receptor sites on the cell membrane (Glycoprotein in the figure below) which are used to call for and receive the nutrients required for proper cell function. With Functional Medicine, I went from the anatomy I could see as a surgeon to the anatomy of a cell, visible only with a microscope.
Human Cell Membrane
While the rules of biochemistry and the aforementioned recommendations still apply today, there was even further for me to go as I moved from cell biology and biochemistry to what I call Foundational Medicine™, understanding that there are fundamental, foundational principles on which all life depends, whether plant, animal, human or microorganism. These principles are "science-based" and "evidence-based" and come from the fields of mathematics, electricity, electromagnetism, chemistry, physics and quantum physics. Whether or not you are familiar with these disciplines or the terminology used, you can learn and apply "basic science" in your daily life to support optimal function of your body, as countless of my patients have already done. After all, your life is SCIENCE IN ACTION!
What and how you eat and drink plays a HUGE role in how you think and feel every day. What and how you eat and drink determines how you will age and also determines, in large part, what DISEASE(S) you will face in your lifetime.
In order for eating to be healthy, it has to translate into cell nourishment. If you are willing to accept this and open to the possibility that you can do better, feel better and live better, the information presented on this website and in consultation with me will teach you a new way of thinking and doing relative to taking care of yourself and assist you in making positive changes in your life. All that is required is a decision to change and a decision to try, one step at a time.
Please enjoy this website. I had a lot of fun creating it! ☺️ I look forward to working with you!
ELIZABETH ANN WANEK, MD Curriculum Vitae
Private Practice, The Wanek Medical Center 1998 – Present
Greensboro, North Carolina
Certified - Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice 1999
Institute for Functional Medicine
Gig Harbor, Washington (ACCME accredited)
Private, Practice Piedmont Surgeons for Children 1989-1998
Greensboro, North Carolina
Certified - American Board of Surgery 1988 – 2008
General Pediatric Surgery Fellowship 1988-1989
University of Colorado Medical Center Denver, Colorado
Pediatric Liver Transplantation Fellowship 1987-1988
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
Dallas, Texas
General Surgery Residency 1982-1987
Henry Ford Hospital Detroit, Michigan
Medical Doctor 1982
Creighton University School of Medicine
Omaha, Nebraska
BS Chemistry 1978
Creighton University
Omaha, Nebraska
Valedictorian, Class of 1974
Marian High School
Omaha, Nebraska
Daughter of
Frank William Wanek, MD and Mary Lucille McGuire, BSN
Sister to
John Francis, BS Pharm, Mary Margaret, JD,
Theresa Lucille, JD and James William, BS Eng