About Dr. Shannon

About Dr. Shannon

Dr. Shannon

Shannon Evans, DO, IFMCP

Undergraduate Education
  • Montana State University-Billings
Medical School
  • Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency
  • University of Wyoming Family Medicine Residency Program at Cheyenne
Board Certifications
  • American Board of Family Medicine
  • The Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner
Memberships
  • CommunityPIF
Dr. Evans completed medical school at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in 2008. She then completed a family medicine residency program in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 2011. She went on to work in a rural Wyoming clinic providing outpatient and ER services. Dr. Evans then worked in Hawaii for a multispecialty group as a family medicine physician providing outpatient and urgent care services until May 2018.

In 2014, Dr. Evans was introduced to functional medicine, as she was not able to alleviate personal symptoms with conventional medicine. Her symptoms were successfully treated with the scientific, patient-centered approach from a functional medicine practitioner who focused on root cause and prevention.

Inspired to learn more about functional medicine, Dr. Evans started to dive deeper into understanding functional medicine. In Dr. Evans’ personal health and most of her patient’s health, she was well aware that medication does not solve the problem or alleviate the symptoms. Dr. Evans began formal education with The Institute of Functional Medicine in September 2015. She is an Institute of Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner. 

Dr. Evans changed the focus of her career from family medicine to functional medicine to better serve, advocate, and partner with her patients.

 Dr. Shannon's Personal Journey 

My inspiration to become a physician started after my own journey of being ill for a year during my adolescence. I was not able to attend school and was bedridden. I went to several clinics and physicians and had several tests performed before learning that I had a terminal diagnosis, and nothing could be done. For the first time in my life, I accepted God into my life. I asked Him to either heal me or take me. God healed me. God also blessed me with my purpose here on earth: becoming a physician.

The year I had been ill during my adolescence, I experienced several physicians that were lacking in their bedside manner. When some of the physicians could not figure out why I was so ill, they attributed my symptoms and illness to being caused by psychological issues, which added to the difficulty, frustration, and challenges of being ill. During this year, I realized how important it is for a physician to listen and be humble, compassionate, and open-minded. This experience instilled a passion in me to become a physician who would be caring and open-minded and sincerely listen to patients.

After completing medical school and then residency, I worked as a family medicine physician in rural Wyoming. Since my teenage years, I had always had issues with what I thought were seasonal allergies, acid reflux, and fatigue. In 2014, my symptoms had become worse. I was feeling more fatigued, having more allergy symptoms and acid reflux. I was taking the conventional medicine approach and was on three medications with no relief.

One of my friends recommended functional medicine. At first, I was skeptical, but did some research and decided to go for a consult. After obtaining a detailed medical history and obtaining labs, the functional medicine specialist was able to explain why I was having these symptoms and what steps were needed to address them. This explanation of the lab results and my symptoms were based on human pathophysiology. The specialist was able to explain what was going on at both an organ and cellular level.

I was impressed and amazed. This explanation was based on science and was information I learned in undergrad and medical school. After making dietary changes and working on adrenal health, I was feeling much better. I went off all medications. My fatigue significantly decreased. I no longer had acid reflux or symptoms of environmental allergies.

After my personal success with functional medicine, I was a true believer in functional medicine! In September 2015, I began formal training to become certified in functional medicine. My first course with The Institute of Functional Medicine was a life changer. Everyone — including facility, educators, and attendees — was so excited and eager to learn or share their knowledge on addressing the root cause of a person’s disease or symptoms to work towards optimal health for patients.

I knew immediately that this paralleled well with my goals and beliefs as a physician. I understood that this was a path to a therapeutic relationship with my patients without more regulations and restrictions from health insurance companies and the government. Utilizing functional medicine principles, I feel I can better serve my patients by listening, treating and alleviating symptoms and disease.

Since changing to a functional medicine approach, I have been able to partner with patients to get to the root cause of their diseases and have helped some patients decrease or get off of medications entirely. I also feel that a “fee for service” clinic allows less interference from outside agencies and is the most effective way for the health and wellness of my patients.

I enjoy hiking and spending time with my husband and two beagles. My passion is to partner with patients to help in their journey to new beginnings to better health.
When you come to New Beginnings Functional Medicine Clinic, you'll be seen by Dr. Shannon Evans, the practice's founder. To schedule your appointment, please call us today.
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