Hi, I’m

Dr Malini Bose.

I’m an integrative general practitioner dedicated to optimising your health, allowing you to live your life to the fullest.

Special Interests:

  • Metabolic Health e.g. insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol

  • Women’s health - PCOS, PMS, perimenopause, menopause, subfertility, preconception health, endometriosis

  • Gut health - IBS, SIBO

  • Thyroid disorders

  • Mental health - anxiety, depression, stress management, burnout

  • Iron infusions

Case Studies

These are a few case studies to highlight the differences in approach between conventional GP management and integrative/functional doctor management in various symptoms/conditions. These case studies are fictitious patients and the management examples provided are by no means a one-size-fits-all approach and are tailored to your individual circumstances.

25 yo F presents with headaches in the context of irregular periods

GP approach: Assess pattern of symptoms, enquire about any other associated symptoms/conditions, rule out serious red flag causes e.g. brain tumour, intracranial bleed etc through physical examination and investigations such as a scan, consider drug treatments depending on the cause including medications

Integrative/functional doctor approach: All of the above and the following:
Extensive assessment on history/physical examination diving into lifestyle (social, work, home life) and dietary patterns, conducting further functional investigations depending on context and other symptoms such as hormonal profiles, gut health; Treatment to include dietary changes e.g. elimination trial of potential food sensitivities such as gluten, stress reduction practices, supplementation including magnesium, correcting hormonal issues that could contribute to headaches e.g. menstrual migraines but also to investigate irregular periods and achieve regular ovulatory cycles; addressing the root cause rather than treating the symptoms.

36 yo M presents with reflux and bloating in the context of a high stress corporate job

GP approach: Assess pattern of symptoms, enquire about any other associated symptoms/conditions, rule out serious red flag causes e.g. GI malignancy etc through physical examination and investigations such as a scan, consider drug treatments depending on the cause including medications

Integrative/functional doctor approach: All of the above and the following:
Extensive assessment on history/physical examination diving into lifestyle (social, work, home life) and dietary patterns, conducting further functional investigations depending on context and other symptoms such as hormonal profiles, gut health especially H. Pylori infection, SIBO, gut dysbiosis; Treatment to include dietary changes (e.g. minimise caffeine, alcohol, refined carbohydrates, wheat/gluten and other food sensitivities), stress reduction practices (i.e. breathwork, meditation), supplementation including magnesium, correcting hormonal issues e.g. dampening the chronic effect of high cortisol with high stress job, addressing the root cause rather than treating the symptoms.

52 yo F presents with weight loss resistance in the context of menopause and Type 2 Diabetes

GP approach: Assess pattern of symptoms, enquire about any other associated symptoms/conditions, rule out serious red flag causes e.g. GI malignancy etc through physical examination and investigations such as a scan, consider drug treatments depending on the cause including medications

Integrative/functional doctor approach: All of the above and the following:
Extensive assessment on history/physical examination diving into lifestyle (social, work, home life) and dietary patterns, conducting further functional investigations depending on context and other symptoms such as hormonal profiles, gut health; Treatment to include dietary changes (specifically to consider therapeutic carbohydrate restriction - low carb, adequate protein, high healthy fat lifestyle), stress reduction practices, supplementation including magnesium, vitamin D, inositol, correcting hormonal issues e.g. consider HRT if appropriate), discuss the importance of resistance training to maintain muscle mass, optimise sleep through various circadian health practices (crucial to weight loss management); addressing the root cause rather than treating the symptoms.

FAQ

  • GPs (short for general practitioners, also known as family physicians/primary care providers) undergo specialist training to provide care for a wide range of illnesses from acute injuries to chronic conditions such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

    Integrative and functional medicine doctors (who are often qualified GPs) undergo further training to look at patients more holistically with more lifestyle, dietary and alternative treatments and tools such as supplements to treat, prevent and sometimes reverse chronic disease.

    Dr Bose has undergone formal GP training through RACGP and has done further training in integrative/functional medicine.

    See case studies for examples of the different approach to seeing patients.

  • Due to her additional training, expertise and time spent with you, Dr Malini's fees are higher than the standard fees for Next Practice. Her latest fees are available on the 'Appointments' page as well as on the Next Practice West End website.

  • Dr Malini will begin to see new patients in September 2024 on Mondays and Wednesdays.

  • No you do not need a referral from your GP. However, the more information you can provide about your medical history before you come in, the more streamlined your first appointment will be.

  • If you are a current patient of Dr Malini's and you had a small enquiry about your management, you can email her at westend.pa@nextpracticehealth.com. Depending on the context of your enquiry, she may be able to get back to you via email on the days that she works, or it may require more of a discussion and she may save it for your next follow up appointment.

  • Given her subspecialty training, Dr Malini no longer serves the role of patients' regular GP. She does not provide services including, but not limited to routine pap smear (CST) or acute illness/injury management. She highly recommends that you have your own GP prior to coming to see her. Dr Malini's approach involves more holistic care as she likes to look at the bigger picture (a bird's eye view of your health) which may be a beneficial collaboration with your GP who would be able to provide more acute and routine care.

Subscribe for Exclusive Updates