Dorinda A. Smith, MS
Autoimmune Research Scientist
Functional Medicine Nutritionist
true wellness today
“My ultimate purpose—my God-given mission—is to alleviate suffering with the TRUTH: Chronic illness is preventable and reversable using the scientific medical breakthroughs of Functional Medicine. There is hope!”
Armed with her Master’s in Immunology and Environmental Toxicology from Virginia Tech in 1998, Dori set out to help others through medical science. She continued her specialized PhD studies in Autoimmunity while working at Duke University Medical Center and Duke Veteran’s Affairs Hospital, and completing a prestigious PhD Fellowship at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (a branch of the NIH). During her training Dori won first place at Virginia Tech’s science fair for her NIH funded research developing new immunotoxicology assays, and co-authored five papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals, including a review of “Immunology and Autoimmunity” in Environmental Health Perspectives.
13 years into her career as a research scientist, Dori suffered a major life crisis: Her own autoimmune disease. Within a few years she was diagnosed with Systemic Sclerosis and Fibromyalgia, and later developed Arthritis, Addison’s Disease, Thyroiditis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Osteopenia, Polymyositis and more, eventually succumbing to debilitating disability. Dori lost her career, and it seemed her life’s purpose, for over 10 years.
But that’s not the end of her story.
Through a truly miraculous spiritual event, Dori found the science of
Functional Medicine, and it completely changed her life.
A self-professed geek at heart, Dori voraciously researched the new medical breakthroughs of functional medicine for nearly three years, all while applying the validated scientific protocols to her own healing. With the help of her dedicated team of functional medicine practitioners, Dori is on her own path to true wellness, with remarkable results. She has nearly completely reversed all her autoimmune conditions
and is getting her life and career back.
Dori founded her company, true wellness today, to alleviate suffering by bringing the healing truth of functional medicine to people everywhere. She speaks publicly and employs internet webinars and telemedicine consultations to educate people in how to prevent and reverse chronic illness and autoimmune disease, and serves as an Autoimmune Disease Research Scientist and Functional Nutritionist to walk with others on their journey to vibrant health.
Dori lives on a small ranch in Ramona, California with her granddaughter, Jana Lynn (pictured above), her friend, Kristen, 15 crazy goats, two dogs, four cats and a flock of chickens. Music is her other life-long passion, and she is an accomplished vocalist. She enjoys creating with fiber arts, is active in her local church, and
believes that she was created to suffer from, heal, and then serve others with autoimmune disease.
To read Dori’s complete story, and start your own healing journey, please go to her website at www.truewellnesstoday.net.
760-315-1021
EDUCATION
Current Aspirations:
The Institute for Functional Medicine
IFMCP – Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner
Maryland University of Integrative Health
DCN - Doctor of Clinical Nutrition Program
Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists
CNS - Certified Nutrition Specialist Program
Prior Studies:
North Carolina State University
1998 - 2002
PhD Candidate - Immunology
Emphasis: Autoimmunity and Environmental Toxicology
Duke University Medical Center &
National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
1998 – 2002
PhD Fellowship – Autoimmunity and Environmental Toxicology
Virginia Tech
1996 - 1998
Master of Science – Immunotoxicology
Virginia Tech
1992 – 1996
Bachelor of Science – Immunology and Microbiology
Minor: Chemistry
Current Experience:
2017 - Current
True Wellness Today
Owner
Scientific Health Coaching and Education to private clients, specializing in optimizing health to reverse autoimmune disease.
2018 - Current
Arthritis Care & Research Center
Functional Nutritionist
Private and group consultations in Functional Nutrition, Gut Health, and Detox.
2018 - Current
Cabrillo Center for Rheumatic Disease
Functional Nutritionist
Private consultations in Functional Nutrition, Gut Health, and Detox
2018 - Current
The Evolution of Medicine Functional Forum San Diego
Organizer
Educating health practitioners in the latest science and best practices of Functional and Integrative Medicine.
Prior Experience:
Human Genome Sciences, Rockville Maryland
Research Scientist
Beckton-Dickenson, Raleigh, North Carolina
Research Scientist
Duke Veteran's Affairs Hospital, Durham, North Carolina
PhD Candidate - Research Scientist