MEET OUR TEAM
Dr. PatrickĀ Zitt, DC, DNM, MS, IFMCP
Dr. Patrick Zitt is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a Certified Doctor of Natural Medicine and one of the few functional medicine practitioners to have earned the Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner designation. Since completing his formal education in 2010, Dr. Zitt has accumulated approximately 500 additional educational hours with over 300 hours in clinical nutrition and functional medicine.
He has been in clinical practice for more than 10 years. In 2017, he established Perfect Human Function, a virtual functional medicine clinic based in Knoxville, Tennessee. In this practice, he utilizes in-depth investigative techniques and comprehensive objective testing to help patients discover the root causes of their stubborn chronic conditions. A combination of nutrition, lifestyle guidance and targeted supplementation is then recommended so patients can achieve their health goals through natural means.
Dr. Zitt adores his wife Melissa and their sons Elijah and Samuel. The four of them have made their home in Knoxville, Tennessee, which is nestled at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains, surrounded by beautiful lakes. The East Tennessee landscape allows Dr. Zitt to enjoy his favorite activities such as hiking, backpacking, boating, exercising, and exploring with his friends and family. The 4 Zā€™s travel as often as they can, appreciating the experience of diverse cultures and understanding its importance in raising mindful young people.
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Melissa Zitt, Administration and Blog Contributor
Melissa came to Knoxville from Southern California in 2010. She quickly met Dr. Z on a blind date and they have been inseparable ever since. In the years to follow, she has served as manager, administrator, and insurance specialist for Activize Knoxville Chiropractic Clinic and Perfect Human Function. In addition to keeping Dr. Z in line, she's kept busy with their two cheeky boys, running the household, and keeping up with an extensive fiction novel reading list. The Zitt's model the healthy lifestyle they promote as much as possible. Melissa's experience implementing nutritional and lifestyle improvements in her own life have given her ample content to contribute to the Perfect Human Function blog.
Michelle Brooks, MS, RD, Consulting Dietitian and Blog Contributor
Michelle Brooks is a Registered Dietitian and earned a master’s degree in Nutritional Science from the University of Florida. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she earned a BS in Nutrition and Dietetics with a minor in Food Science. Her specialized training includes a ten-month culinary program at the University of Tennessee, a pediatric pulmonary traineeship at UF Shands Hospital, and a sport nutrition fellowship at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California. Michelle has worked in the research setting and as a counselor in both the clinical and community settings. She has experience with a range of individuals, including pregnant women, postpartum women and young children, families, college students, collegiate and Olympic athletes, and men and women with a range of chronic health conditions.
Michelle utilizes her expertise to devise nutrition solutions that respect client food preferences and lifestyles. She consults with Dr. Zitt to provide dietary analysis and recommendations for nutrition interventions. Privately, besides being a joker and a science nerd, Michelle is an avid cook and baker, and balances her food love by staying active with running, yoga, weight training, and various outdoor adventures alongside her husband, daughter, and dog.
