Why is Dr. David Tsai helping people get the health they want through Functional and Longevity Medicine? The foundations trace back to his upbringing.
From a young age, he participated in sports, playing little league baseball throughout elementary and middle school and intramural basketball and floor hockey in high school and university. He did not have the concept of “creating health” at the time, but he was doing just that by staying active and being in motion with exercise.
Seeing how his parents served others in the church and the community has inspired him to serve others. His Christian faith is important in helping him have the proper mindset of being a “new creation.” Having the right mindset is also important for health.
His mother’s use of Traditional Chinese Medicine practices in her cooking was a nascent idea for his desire to heal others. His journey in medicine began at Temple University and was refined through his clinical years at Duke University Medical Center. Even though he had a successful medical practice in Austin, Texas, a nagging feeling of unfulfillment began to overshadow his achievements.
Approaching his 40th birthday, Dr. Tsai found himself struggling with a sense of despair and frustration. Despite his professional successes, life in Austin felt isolating; he was unmarried, distant from family, and professionally burnt out. It was during this period of introspection that he changed the narrative from being “in effect” – “Why is this happening for me?” to being “at cause” – “why is this happening to me?”—this pivotal moment led him to redefine his life’s purpose through his faith in Jesus Christ.
God blessed him with a beautiful wife and two children, but new challenges emerged as Dr. Tsai entered his fifties. He experienced unexplained health symptoms, such as chronic nasal congestion, urination at night without an enlarged prostate, unintentionally dropping objects, hair loss, and unexplained fatigue – that conventional tests and specialists could not decipher. These unsolved health concerns weighed on him. He wanted to have a healthier, longer life and to be able to support his young children into their early adult lives. This personal health crisis highlighted the limitations of the medical approaches he had long relied upon and inspired him to seek more profound answers.
In his quest for answers, Dr. Tsai discovered A4M (The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine), which introduced him to functional medicine and longevity medicine. His experience was enhanced by his collaboration with thought leaders like Dr. Elena Villanueva at Modern Holistic Health and further academic pursuits at George Washington University, where he earned his Master of Science in Health Sciences in Integrative Medicine.
Armed with new knowledge and a revolutionary approach, Dr. Tsai began testing for the root causes of his symptoms and found that his barriers to healing were high levels of stress to which he had grown accustomed hidden infections, and a heavy metal burden. (see his personal case report). By treating these underlying causes, he achieved remarkable improvements in his health. He also addressed the causes of aging. This transformation was both physical and philosophical, shifting his practice to focus on functional and longevity medicine.
Today, Dr. Tsai’s journey is hope for those facing similar medical dilemmas. His practice, rooted in a holistic approach, not only treats but empowers patients, guiding them towards a healthier, more vibrant future.
Dr. Tsai’s journey is a testament to the power of personal transformation, healing that comes from within oneself, and the impact of finding one’s “why.” His narrative is not just about medical innovation but also about spiritual and personal rebirth, inspiring all to take control of their health and destiny.