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LET ME GUESS, YOU'VE TRIED EVERYTHING.

You know you want to feel better.

You’re smart, successful, and results driven. You’ve bested just about everything else in your life, so what GIVES? Why does good health elude your efforts? It can feel like an uphill battle at times because you’re more than willing to DO THE WORK.

Fact is… there are just some things you can’t do alone. Sometimes, traditional medical systems just get in the way, and you need a little more support and expertise to break through.

HEY, I'M DR. CAROLYN FINNEGAN,

and I know what you're going through

In case we’ve never met before, let me tell you a little bit about me.

I am a Certified Functional Medicine Doctor in Oakland, CA. I came to Functional Medicine through my own health issues which included severe and constant pain, migraines, general inflammation, IBS, difficult periods, fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia. I understand what it feels like to not feel good.

I use my extensive experience, expertise, and education, and use it to help you have a real understanding about what it takes to resolve your health issues.

GET TO KNOW DR. FINNEGAN

My Story

I started Core Wellness Functional Medicine because in my private practice, I was noticing more and more patients coming in with general inflammation, chronic pain, GI issues, and it seemed as if everyone was tired and depressed.

At the same time I was having my own health problems from being a workaholic and having two babies under 4. It was then that I decided to go back to school and learn Functional Medicine. It was important for me to learn to how to heal myself and to be able to have more natural and effective solutions for my increasingly sick patients.

Traditional medicine is great for emergencies, acute, and specific issues. However, for chronic Issues, such as, autoimmunity, mental health struggles, fatigue, etc. traditional surgeries and medications can not only be ineffective, but they can exacerbate issues and even harm your body’s ability to fight problems on its own. This can make healing extremely difficult and chronic conditions worse.

Functional Medicine focuses on improving your diet, your gut, and any deficiencies your body may have in making itself better. As Functional Medicine doctors, we focus on finding the root cause of the issues and healing early, before catastrophic events.

I believe if we can remove the roadblocks to your health, you can live a life full of growth and inspiration – returning to the many of pleasures of life that you’d given up on. I’ve worked with thousands of patients over the last 20 years to help empower them to understand the path to healing and thriving.

TREATING PATIENTS SINCE 2004

EDUCATIONAL AND CLINICAL HIGHLIGHTS

2017 - 2022
Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner
2020 - 2023
Three-Year Mentorship Graduate, Kalish Institute for Functional Medicine
2022 - 2023
Women's Functional + Integrative Medicine Professional Training Program with Dr. Aviva Romm
2015
Cranial Sacral Therapy 1 & 2
2005
Diplomate, Chiropractic Biophysics
2005
Doctor of Chiropractic, Life Chiropractic College West, 2005, Cum Laude and Honors Clinician Award
1998
Bachelor or Arts, San Francisco State University, Magna Cum Laude
1995
ACE Personal Trainer Certification
1992-1994
UC Santa Cruz

Meet The Team

Clinical Nutritionist

Magdalena Calabrese

Magdalena is a clinical nutritionist who specializes in functional and personalized nutrition. She helps clients optimize their health by conducting detailed root cause analyses and developing customized nutritional plans.

Magdalena holds a master’s degree in human nutrition from the University of Bridgeport. She is a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) through the American Nutrition Association.

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The CNS is an accredited certification that distinguishes advanced nutrition professionals, enabling them to practice medical nutrition therapy and other aspects of nutrition in many states.

Magdalena completed a one-year nutrition residency program at Dr. Kara Fitzgerald Functional Medicine Clinical Immersion Program. During the residency, she enhanced her clinical skills in applying nutrition therapy to a wide range of medical conditions.

Magdalena is a Certified ReCode Practitioner and Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach. She is currently continuing her education with the Institute of Functional Medicine.

Magdalena is passionate about investigating the root causes of biochemical and nutrient-related imbalances in the body. She uses evidence-based interventions, functional, and conventional lab testing to develop nutritional and lifestyle interventions.

Outside of the clinic, Magdalena enjoys all aspects of strength training. She works out regularly, hikes, and loves taking pictures. If she could, she would travel all year round with her son and husband.

Executive Assistant

Amanda Rulong

Amanda is a native of South Carolina, and has been in administration positions for over 10 years. Prior to joining the Core Wellness Functional Medicine team, her extensive background in customer service, and client relationship building was used in a variety of settings, such as a social media manager and receptionist for a busy medical office, an office manager at a popular hair salon, and owning and operating her own photography business for over ten years. Customer service and customer relations is her passion!

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Outside of work, Amanda is a dedicated mother to three children, loves gardening, exercising, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Amanda’s career ethic has always been to be compassionate, empathetic, helpful, kind, and provide the highest level of customer service and support. At Core Wellness Functional Medicine, Amanda’s goal is to assist in truly making a difference in the health of the patients, by building a relationship with each patient she comes in contact with.

real people. real results.

I came to Dr. Finnegan after seeing another Functional Medicine Doctor and I never felt like they remembered me or communicated well. I had digestive issues, was tired, depressed, extremely stressed, and had thyroid issues. After meeting with Dr. Finnegan I felt well cared for and noticed she really listened to me. The first appointment was very thorough and she helped me understand why further testing would be beneficial for me. She gave me a custom protocol to follow. For the first time, I understood what was really going on with my body and why this was happening to me. I feel so much better. My digestion is normal, my energy level is way up, I'm sleeping better, and my mood is much better.

Anita P.

I have been seeing Dr. Finnegan for years and highly recommend her. She is warm, compassionate and will take a holistic approach to your health using the most up to date technology and medical research. My husband and children have been patients as well.

Ariel W.

Dr. Finnegan is easily the most accessible doctor I have ever worked with; she is available when I need her and both remembers all my “issues” and can diagnose and treat them with great success. She listens to my needs and requests, and applies treatment that matches what I want – way more attentive than the typical doctors that spend 10 minutes with you and never remember you. I Highly recommend her.

William S.
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