My Path to Biofunctional Medicine
When I think about the biggest influences, I have to start from my earliest years—watching my mother, who was also a physician, care for her patients with patience and devotion. I would often hide quietly under her office desk, waiting for her to finish her long days, as she affectionately tended to the people she called “her kids”—elderly patients with Down syndrome. Her love and commitment left an indelible mark on me.
If working long hours weren’t enough, she also cared for me and my siblings whenever we were sick. Beyond the usual childhood injuries from sports, I struggled with recurring digestive issues like IBS that caused discomfort, embarrassment, and emotional strain. Having a doctor in the house was a blessing, but I often wondered how others managed without that kind of attentiveness and comfort.
I didn’t experience anything life-threatening—no cancer or major surgery—but the disruption was unforgettable. Those moments taught me that even “simple” ailments can steal precious days from your life, your work, and your joy. They showed me how pain—of any kind—can affect not only the body but also the mind and spirit. Remembering how miserable those times felt made me attuned to the suffering of others and awakened a lifelong desire to understand and help relieve suffering.
Finding My Purpose in Women’s Health
My time at Smith ignited an ongoing mission: to give women a voice in their healthcare and to create a model of medicine that truly listens, educates, and supports healing.
Shaping My Leadership and Perspective
During my residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital, I learned not only the art and science of medicine—but also true leadership. As chief resident, I had the privilege of learning from and being mentored by some of the great pioneers in medicine and health policy. I often reflected on the words of one of the famous founding fathers, Sir William Osler: “The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.”
Hopkins taught me that medicine is both an art and a responsibility—to lead with integrity, empathy, and courage. That experience gave me the confidence to expand beyond a medication-only approach and build a practice that also supports the body’s natural ability to heal—through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and truly thoughtful care.
I chose a path focused on restoring balance, fostering vibrancy, and cultivating genuine wellness from the inside out. Those lessons shaped the kind of physician—and person—I strive to be: principled, understanding, and committed to improving the health of my community.
Building a Different Kind of Practice
I went on to earn my medical degree from the University of New England and a Master’s in Public Health from Columbia University, where I developed a strong understanding of nutrition and a holistic view of medicine.
During my residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital, I learned not only the art and science of medicine—but also true leadership. As chief resident, I had the privilege of learning from and being mentored by some of the great pioneers in medicine and health policy. I often reflected on the words of one of the famous founding fathers, Sir William Osler: “The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.”
Hopkins taught me that medicine is both an art and a responsibility—to lead with integrity, empathy, and courage. That experience gave me the confidence to expand beyond a medication-only approach and build a practice that also supports the body’s natural ability to heal—through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and truly thoughtful care.
I chose a path focused on restoring balance, fostering vibrancy, and cultivating genuine wellness from the inside out. Those lessons shaped the kind of physician—and person—I strive to be: principled, understanding, and committed to improving the health of my community.
Shaping My Leadership and Perspective
After residency, I worked in pain management. Over time, I became disheartened by the limitations of the traditional system—seeing patients rushed through visits and relying on medications that reduced their pain but never truly addressed the underlying problem. I wanted more for them. I wanted to help restore their actual health, decrease inflammation, and reverse the trajectory of their illness—not simply mask their pain or disease.
That desire led me to establish Biofunctional Medicine and True Radiance Medispa. I immersed myself in the study of bioidentical hormones, vitamins, stress management, peptides, and a number of holistic healing innovations—with the goal of educating and guiding people back to a more functional, balanced state of health.
Our approach is deeply personal. Every treatment is customized to each individual’s unique lifestyle and physiology—whether supporting hormonal balance, improving mitochondrial health, or addressing wellness and aesthetic goals.
Empowering People to Thrive
What inspires me most is the shared journey we take together. Health is not something we chase alone; it’s something we build as a community—by learning, growing, and supporting one another.
At my core, I am a mother. Nurturing is part of who I am—it shapes how I practice, how I lead, and how I connect with every patient. My goal is to create a space where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to live with vitality, happiness, and purpose.
My Calling
At Biofunctional Medicine, healing is not just about balancing hormones—it’s about helping you rediscover energy, confidence, and peace. It’s about feeling vibrant, strong, and beautiful from the inside out.
This work is my calling, my passion, and my privilege.
— Dr. Jennifer Yap
Medical Director, Biofunctional Medicine & True Radiance Medispa