Meet Dr. Birkmeier-Fredal - RMC Founder

Dr. Birkmeier-Fredal began her career as a board-certified Family Medicine Physician, spending a decade practicing within the bio-psycho-social model of care. During this time, she saw firsthand the importance of treating the whole person. However, she also realized that conventional medicine often fell short—especially when it came to addressing chronic disease. Determined to find a better way, she shifted her focus to Functional and Integrative Medicine in 2006, embracing a more personalized and root-cause approach to health.

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A Strong Educational Foundation

Dr. Birkmeier-Fredal earned her Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan in 1993. As an undergraduate, she was involved in groundbreaking genetic research, where she developed a deep appreciation for how molecular changes impact overall health. In 1998, she received her MD from Michigan State College of Human Medicine, a program known for its holistic approach to patient care. During medical school, she spent a month at the newly founded Integrative Medicine Program at the University of Arizona, led by Dr. Andrew Weil. This experience planted the seed that true healing goes beyond conventional treatments.

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Dedicated to Patient-Centered Care

Dr. Birkmeier-Fredal completed her Family Medicine Internship at Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY, followed by her residency at Henry Ford Hospital in downtown Detroit. Passionate about serving underserved communities, she took on the role of Medical Director at Community Health and Social Services (CHASS) in Southwest Detroit, while also serving as faculty for the Henry Ford Family Medicine Residency on Detroit’s East Side. While this work was deeply rewarding, she grew increasingly troubled by a pattern: patients weren’t necessarily getting sicker, but they also weren’t thriving. Instead of achieving optimal health, many were simply managing disease. She knew there had to be a better way.

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A New Approach to Chronic Disease

Dr. Birkmeier-Fredal’s search for more effective ways to prevent and treat chronic illness led her to Functional Medicine in 2005. Unlike conventional approaches that often focus on managing symptoms, Functional Medicine seeks to identify and address the root causes of disease. Inspired by its evidence-based, whole-person approach, she pursued extensive training through leading organizations, including the Institute of Functional Medicine, the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, the International Lyme and Associated Disease Society, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, the American Holistic Medicine Association, the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs, and the International Society of Environmentally Acquired Illness. This deep dive into Functional Medicine gave her the tools to truly help patients reclaim their health.

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The Evolution of the Root Cause Triad Model

After leaving her conventional medical practice, Dr. Birkmeier-Fredal spent a year working under Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum at the Fibro and Fatigue Center, collaborating with colleagues using a Functional Medicine approach to treat Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Here, she worked with a comprehensive treatment algorithm developed by Dr. Kent Holtorf, which introduced her to the importance of Vector-Borne Infections (such as Borrelia burgdorferi) and Mold Illness markers as defined by Dr. Richie Shoemaker. Through this experience, she saw firsthand that while treatments like IV nutrition, hormone therapy, and supplements provided some symptom relief, many patients didn’t experience real, lasting improvement until their chronic infections and toxin overload were properly addressed.

Given the year-long patient commitment at the Fibro and Fatigue Center and the nine-month waitlist for Michigan Lyme specialists, she pursued ILADS training and became an expert in her own right. However, she soon realized that focusing solely on Vector-Borne Infections wasn’t enough—they had to be treated within the larger context of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), a concept developed by Dr. Richie Shoemaker to explain immune dysfunction triggered by biotoxins. At the same time, keeping the bio-psycho-social model in mind from her early medical training, she found that calming an overactive stress response was also essential for true healing—a principle supported by Dr. Robert Naviaux’s work on the Cell Danger Response.

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The Root Cause Triad Model: A Roadmap to Healing

Drawing from years of training and clinical experience, Dr. Birkmeier-Fredal developed what she calls the Root Cause Triad Model—an approach that focuses on identifying and treating three key drivers of immune dysfunction: Microbes (such as Lyme and other chronic infections), Biotoxins (from mold, environmental toxins, and other sources), and Stress & Nervous System Dysregulation (which impact immune and cellular function). By addressing these core factors, she helps patients move beyond symptom management and reclaim true wellness.

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While her approach continues to evolve with emerging research, the Root Cause Triad Model remains a powerful framework—guiding patients out of chronic illness and back to optimal health. This comprehensive approach allows her to restore her patients to optimal health and wellness by addressing chronic conditions with innovative, individualized interventions. Though the framework continues to adapt as new information becomes available, it provides a consistent and effective roadmap for helping patients move from managing symptoms to achieving true health and wellness.

Meet Patti – Our Dedicated Office Manager

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A Wealth of Experience

With over 30 years in management—including the past 20 years in medical office administration—Patti brings a deep understanding of both operational efficiency and patient care. She’s passionate about creating a seamless experience for patients and supporting healthcare teams with expertise and compassion.

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Expertise & Education

Patti holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education and has completed specialized training in Medical Office Administration, Insurance Billing, and Coding at Oakland Community College. Her strong educational foundation, combined with hands-on experience, allows her to navigate the complexities of medical office management with ease.

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Here to Help

Patti is your go-to resource for:
✔ Scheduling appointments that work for you
✔ Answering billing and insurance questions with clarity
✔ Coordinating lab testing and ensuring a smooth process

Her commitment to exceptional service ensures every patient feels supported and valued. Whether you need assistance or just a friendly face, Patti is here to help make your experience stress-free!

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Meet Christine – Our Friendly and Professional Front Office Medical Assistant

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Since joining the Restorative Medicine Center in 2016 as a certified Front Office Medical Assistant, Christine has been the warm and welcoming face that greets you with a smile. With a passion for patient care and attention to detail, she ensures every visit starts on a positive note.

In addition to making patients feel at home, she also coordinates Low Dose Antigen Therapy, helping to streamline the process and provide seamless support. Whether scheduling appointments, answering questions, or assisting with treatment coordination, Christine is dedicated to making your experience smooth and stress-free.

She looks forward to welcoming you to the Restorative Medicine Center!

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Meet Robricka "Bri" Cole - Our Superstar Phlebotomist. 

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Bri is an outstanding certified phlebotomist with 17 years of experience. She’s known for her gentle touch, reliability, and dedication to making every patient feel comfortable and cared for. With a strong work ethic and a warm approach, Bri goes above and beyond to ensure a positive experience for everyone she helps.