Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr Durrell Handwerger DNP, APRN.
Hi Dr Durrell, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The greatest lesson I was ever given came early in life: my mission should always be to help others. That truth has guided every decision I’ve made, shaping not only my career but also my deepest sense of purpose.
More than 25 years ago, I was given a unique opportunity—to study functional medicine at a time when few even knew what it was. Unlike conventional medicine, functional medicine seeks to uncover the root causes of disease, addressing imbalances in the body and restoring harmony through personalized care. For me, it wasn’t just a new way of practicing medicine—it was the foundation of a calling.
My journey has been a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and healing. Along the way, I’ve earned degrees and certifications in nutrition, herbal medicine, family medicine, and primary care as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I’ve provided community nutrition programs for seniors, designed after-school health initiatives, and dedicated decades to research in herbal medicine, nutritional science, and holistic health.
Today, as a double board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner in both conventional and holistic medicine, I stand at the intersection of two worlds. This unique blend allows me to bridge the gap between modern science and natural healing, giving patients the best of both approaches.
For more than two decades, I’ve seen what happens when people are given the right tools—when food, lifestyle, supplements, and environment are considered as part of the bigger picture. I founded South Florida Integrative Health Center in Miami Beach nearly a decade ago with one mission in mind: to give people answers, hope, and a path to true healing. Through both in-person visits and telemedicine across Florida, I’ve been able to bring this vision to life.
Patients who come to me often share a common story: they’ve been told that “everything looks normal,” or they’ve been offered medications that only mask symptoms without solving the underlying problem. At my practice, their voices are heard. Every recommendation is grounded in research, science, and decades of clinical experience—ensuring both safety and real results.
There is no greater fulfillment for me than witnessing patients reclaim their health—becoming more vibrant, more active, and more alive. Every story of renewed energy and restored well-being is a reminder that I am living my mission.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Yes, there are challenges. Conventional medicine often relies on a “pill for every ill” mindset, waiting until disease is advanced before taking action. But I believe in a different approach. Science has shown that vitamins, herbal medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle changes are not only effective—they are good medicine.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In addition to my practice, I am a firm believer in the power of educating the public about health. On my podcast, The Power of Functional Medicine Podcast, available on Apple, Spotify and YouTube, I have been able to educate and empower wellness in my listeners which is very rewarding.
This is the heart of my philosophy: true healing happens when we treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. For over 25 years, I’ve committed myself to this path, and it continues to inspire me every day.
At South Florida Integrative Health Center, that is exactly what I do: listen deeply, look for the root causes, and empower people to take back their health naturally. Because when we honor the body’s ability to heal, we don’t just prevent disease—we create a future filled with energy, resilience, and hope.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My message to anyone reading is simple: stay true to your mission. The gifts and talents you’ve been given are not meant to be kept—they are meant to serve others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sfihc.com
- Instagram: @southfloridaintegrativehealth
- Facebook: facebook/southfloridaintegrativehealthcenter.com
- LinkedIn: Durrell Handwerger
- Youtube: Youtube/southfloridaintegrativehealth.com
