I'm thrilled to share some exciting news with you: I've officially achieved board certification in Clinical Lipidology, earning the DABCL (Diplomate of the American Board of Clinical Lipidology) credential.
This certification represents a significant milestone in my journey to provide you with the most comprehensive, evidence-based cardiovascular care possible. Let me tell you what this means and why it matters for your health.
What is DABCL Certification?
The DABCL credential is awarded by the American Board of Clinical Lipidology (ABCL) to physicians who demonstrate advanced expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of cholesterol disorders and cardiovascular disease prevention.
To earn this certification, I completed:
- Extensive continuing medical education in lipidology
- Advanced training at UC Irvine's Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute
- Collaboration with cardiologists and preventive medicine specialists
- A rigorous board examination covering all aspects of clinical lipidology
Why This Certification Matters
Fewer than 800 physicians in the entire United States hold DABCL certification — out of nearly one million practicing physicians, that's less than 0.1%.
This rarity isn't about exclusivity - it's about specialization. Clinical lipidology is a focused discipline that goes far beyond what most physicians learn about cholesterol in medical school.
| DABCL Training Focus | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Advanced lipid metabolism | Understanding complex cholesterol patterns |
| Genetic lipid disorders | Identifying inherited risk factors like Lp(a) |
| Evidence-based treatment | Knowing which interventions actually work |
| Beyond standard panels | Advanced testing that reveals hidden risk |
| Risk stratification | Determining your true cardiovascular risk level |
- Advanced lipid metabolism
- Understanding complex cholesterol patterns
- Genetic lipid disorders
- Identifying inherited risk factors like Lp(a)
- Evidence-based treatment
- Knowing which interventions actually work
- Beyond standard panels
- Advanced testing that reveals hidden risk
- Risk stratification
- Determining your true cardiovascular risk level
What This Means for Your Care
Advanced Lipid Testing
Standard cholesterol panels measure total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. While useful, these tests miss critical information that can reveal hidden cardiovascular risk.
With my DABCL training, I now offer advanced lipid profile testing that examines:
- LDL particle number and size (not just LDL-C)
- Lipoprotein(a) - a genetic risk factor often overlooked
- ApoB levels - a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than LDL alone
- Inflammatory markers that affect heart disease risk
- Metabolic indicators that standard panels miss
Personalized Treatment Protocols
One-size-fits-all cholesterol management doesn't work. Your lipid profile is as unique as your fingerprint, influenced by genetics, diet, hormones, gut health, and lifestyle factors.
My approach combines:
- Naturopathic medicine - addressing root causes through nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted supplements
- Advanced diagnostics - using sophisticated testing to understand your specific risk profile
- Integrative treatment - knowing when natural approaches are sufficient and when medications may be warranted
Bridging Two Worlds
What makes my approach unique is the combination of naturopathic medicine AND board-certified lipidology. This allows me to:
- Understand conventional cardiology recommendations
- Offer evidence-based natural alternatives when appropriate
- Collaborate effectively with your other healthcare providers
- Provide truly integrative cardiovascular care
My Training Journey
I completed my advanced lipidology training at UC Irvine's Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, where I had the privilege of working alongside cardiologists and preventive medicine specialists.
This interprofessional collaboration taught me to see cardiovascular health from multiple perspectives. I learned when aggressive intervention is necessary and when a more conservative, lifestyle-focused approach makes sense.
The National Lipid Association recognized this achievement, and I'm honored to be listed among their certified clinicians.
Who Benefits from a Board-Certified Lipidologist?
Not sure if you need a specialist? Check out my guide on signs you should see a lipid specialist. In general, you might benefit from seeing a lipid specialist if you have:
- Elevated cholesterol that hasn't responded to standard treatment
- Family history of early heart disease or stroke
- Familial hypercholesterolemia (genetic high cholesterol)
- "Normal" cholesterol but other cardiovascular risk factors
- Metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance
- Concerns about statin side effects and want alternatives
- A desire for deeper testing beyond standard panels
What's Next?
I'm excited to bring this expertise to my practice. Over the coming weeks, I'll be sharing more about:
- What advanced lipid testing reveals that standard panels miss
- Natural approaches to cholesterol management
- How to interpret your lipid panel results
- Signs that you might benefit from seeing a lipid specialist
Ready to Learn More?
If you've been concerned about your cholesterol, have a family history of heart disease, or have been told your numbers are "borderline," advanced lipid testing might provide important insights.
I'm now accepting consultations for comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessments. We'll go beyond standard cholesterol panels to understand your true risk profile and create a personalized plan to protect your heart health.
Schedule a discovery call to discuss whether advanced lipid testing is right for you.
This certification reflects my commitment to providing you with the highest standard of cardiovascular care. I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue learning and growing as a physician, and I'm excited to bring this expertise to our work together.
Related Articles
- Beyond Standard Cholesterol Testing — Learn what advanced lipid panels reveal that standard tests miss
- Signs You Need a Lipid Specialist — 5 situations where seeing a lipidologist makes sense
- Lowering ApoB: Your Step-by-Step Guide — A comprehensive guide to reducing cardiovascular risk through ApoB management