Applied Nutrigenomics Bootcamp: Mastering Clinical Translation from Basics to Biomarkers
Course Description
This immersive bootcamp is designed to equip clinicians with the foundational science and advanced clinical application skills required to confidently integrate nutrigenomics into everyday practice. Moving from core genetic principles to biomarker correlation and case-based translation, this program bridges the gap between genomic theory and precision clinical implementation.
Through a systems biology and precision medicine lens, participants will revisit the fundamentals of genetic science while progressing into deep exploration of key biochemical pathways including detoxification, methylation, inflammation, insulin signaling, lipid metabolism, hormonal regulation, and gut–immune interactions. Emphasis will be placed on interpreting dnalife’s DNA Core, DNA Hormones, and DNA Gut assessments and aligning genomic insights with functional testing, including DUTCH, GI-MAP, and other biomarker tools.
Clinicians will develop confidence in translating gene–environment interactions into personalized therapeutic strategies, selecting appropriate follow-up testing, and monitoring meaningful clinical outcomes. Grounded in PLMI’s commitment to evidence-informed, clinically actionable education, this bootcamp provides a structured pathway from foundational knowledge to biomarker-guided precision care.
Program Sessions
The Science Behind Nutritional Genomics: Getting Back to Basics & Introducing DNA Core
Helen Gautschi
This foundational session demystifies the language of genetics, exploring core concepts such as genes, DNA, and genetic variants, and how they interact with environmental factors to influence disease risk. Participants will learn how to critically evaluate nutrigenetic testing options and gain an overview of the DNA Core assessment, including what it measures and how to interpret results in clinical practice.
Genetics of Detoxification & Methylation: DNA Core & DNA Hormones Matched with DUTCH Results
Dr Denise Furness
This session provides a deep dive into the biochemical pathways of detoxification and methylation, highlighting relevant genes and genetic variants that influence health and disease risk. The discussion will extend these concepts into hormonal health, integrating DNA insights with DUTCH hormone testing. Personalized interventions and appropriate follow-up biochemical markers for monitoring clinical progress will be explored.
Genetics of Inflammation, Insulin Resistance & Lipid Metabolism: DNA Core & DNA Gut
Dr Denise Furness
Focusing on key pathways influencing cardiometabolic and cognitive health, this session explores the genetics of inflammation, insulin signaling, and lipid metabolism, with particular emphasis on the role of gut function. Participants will examine relevant gene variants, understand their clinical implications, and review personalized intervention strategies alongside appropriate biomarker monitoring.
DNA Case Study: Core, Gut & Hormones — Integrated with DUTCH & GI-MAP
Dr Devan Szczepanski, MD
Through a clinician-led case study in immune function, this session translates gene–environment interactions into real-world application. Participants will learn how to integrate findings from DNA Core, DNA Gut, DNA Hormones, DUTCH, and GI-MAP testing into cohesive, personalized treatment strategies.
Genetics of Maternal & Fetal Health: Insights from GrowBaby
Emily Rydom & Dr Leslie Stone
This session explores the genetic and biochemical pathways influencing maternal and fetal health, highlighting how genetic variants, nutrient status, and environmental factors intersect during pregnancy. The role of GrowBaby, TinyHealth, and complementary biomarkers will be discussed, alongside personalized strategies to support optimal maternal and early-life outcomes.
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Event Information
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Speakers
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Leslie P. Stone, Family Medicine/Obstetrics IFMCPLeslie Stone, MD, is a Board Certified Family Practice Obstetrician with fellowship training in Surgical Obstetrics, a published researcher, and an internationally recognized lecturer. She is highly regarded for integrating functional medicine principles into evidence-based, insurance-reimbursed obstetric care. She is a primary author on multiple peer-reviewed publications in maternal and perinatal health and a co-founder of a clinically validated, integrated perinatal OB–nutrition care model designed to improve pregnancy and intergenerational health outcomes.
Dr. Stone was also the owner of a family practice clinic serving diverse clinical populations across two rural settings, bringing deep experience in rural and community-based care delivery. Since 2011, she and Emily Stone Rydbom have implemented the GrowBaby model in a high-Medicaid obstetric setting, demonstrating over a decade of improved pregnancy and birth outcomes across four states and four delivery systems. She has served as principal investigator on multiple GrowBaby studies and is the principal investigator of the ROOT Study, a 500 mother–baby dyad study launching in North Carolina (2026). She has delivered more than 5,000 babies and continues to provide OB call coverage.
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Denise Furness, PhDDr Denise Furness, PhD is a molecular geneticist and functional medicine practitioner. She is a pioneer in the field of nutrigenomics and epigenetics (precision medicine) with 20 years’ experience.
Denise began her career as a research scientist focusing on folate nutrigenomics, methylation, and DNA damage. She has published her work in peer reviewed journals and won numerous awards for her research and conference presentations.
In 2012 she founded Your Genes and Nutrition and began applying her knowledge in clinical practice. Denise has a special interest in fertility, thyroid and autoimmunity (after recovering from autoimmune thyroid disease herself), as well as healthy ageing. She is currently running a biological ageing study, aimed at improving mental health and naturally slowing the ageing process. -
Devan Szczepanski, MD, MSDr. Devan Szczepanski is a Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician and a global leader in genomic and nutritional medicine. With a graduate degree in Neuropsychology and advanced certifications in genomic and nutritional medicine, she has spent over a decade pioneering gene-based healthcare, transforming the health of more than 20,000 patients worldwide.
As the founder of Reformative Medicine®, Dr. Szczepanski integrates cutting-edge genomic science with personalized healthcare strategies, bridging the gap between innovative research and practical clinical application. Her approach blends both allopathic and naturopathic philosophies, creating a precision-based, patient-centered model for achieving optimal health.
A respected educator, speaker, and healthcare innovator, Dr. Szczepanski is committed to redefining the future of medicine. Through her work at NuWell Medicine™, she empowers both patients and medical professionals with science-backed, gene-based solutions to enhance longevity, wellness, and disease prevention.
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Emily Rydbom, BCHN, CNP, MDHcEmily Stone Rydbom, BCHN, CNP, and Master of Digital Health candidate, is a nationally recognized Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist, clinical nutrition consultant, and scientific advisor specializing in the implementation of functional and precision nutrition across chronic disease, pediatrics, and maternal wellness. She is an author on multiple peer-reviewed publications, a co–principal investigator on three clinical research studies, and a co-founder of a clinically validated, integrated perinatal OB–nutrition care model designed to improve pregnancy and intergenerational health outcomes.
Her work has been instrumental in advancing scalable, evidence-informed maternal nutrition pathways, particularly within diverse and low-socioeconomic communities, across Oregon, Nevada, California, and soon in North Carolina (2026) through partnerships with Medicaid managed care organizations, hospital systems, and OB-GYN clinics. These initiatives integrate micronutrient biomarker assessment, nutrigenomics, microbiomics, and personalized nutrition counseling within real-world clinical workflows and have demonstrated meaningful reductions in maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes.
Emily has also helped co-create a first-of-its-kind nutrigenomic test designed to assess genetic variants associated with maternal and neonatal outcomes, translating emerging genomics research into actionable clinical decision support. A member of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals, she bridges clinical nutrition science, genomics, digital health, and implementation research.
Internationally, her work extends to Great Britain, the Philippines, and Abu Dhabi through the GrowBaby, GrowHealth, and GrowBaby Life Project platforms. GrowBaby Life Project, a nonprofit environmental partner of 1% for the Planet, was a finalist in the Action for Women’s Health Global Call. In 2026, she will serve as co-principal investigator on a groundbreaking, multi-site study launching in partnership with a Medicaid managed care organization, hospital system, and OB-GYN clinic.
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Helen Gautschi, MScHelen Gautschi is the Head of Research & Development and Education for dnalife, where she leads the innovation and strategic direction of nutrigenetic testing and personalized healthcare solutions. A registered dietitian with over 15 years of experience, Helen holds an MSc in Nutritional Epidemiology and Public Health from Wageningen University and Research. Her advanced research focused on the intersection of early-life exposures and long-term breast cancer risk, a study currently slated for peer-reviewed publication.
Throughout her career, Helen has been a pioneer in translating complex genetic data into clinical utility. She spearheaded the development of several “first-of-its-kind” genetic tests, including DNA Mind, DNA Pain, and GrowBaby, which address critical areas such as mental health, pain management, and maternal wellness. Beyond product innovation, she is the architect behind dnalife’s CPD-accredited online training platforms, designed to upskill the global healthcare community in gene-environment interactions.
A sought-after educator and keynote speaker, Helen has provided clinical training to healthcare practitioners across the USA, UK, Europe, and South Africa. She is a passionate advocate for the role of nutrigenomics in chronic disease prevention and healthy aging, dedicated to empowering practitioners with the tools needed for precision medicine.
