VOTED WINNER OF ORLANDO'S BEST 2024
About OUR PRACTICE
Welcome to our Practice!
Dawson Integrative & Functional Medicine, LLC (formerly known as Dawson Integrative Medical Center, LLC) is a primary care office with a twist!! VOTED ORLANDO'S BEST IN 2024, our promise to you is to provide comforting, unique, and effective treatment options for your healthcare, medical needs, and conditions. We specialize in Integrative & Functional Medicine, which means we combine traditional medicine with natural, holistic, and alternative healthcare. Our goal is to work with you in prevention and wellness, treating the root cause of your symptoms/diseases and work to reverse chronic conditions. We view the body as an integrative whole and believe that when there is an imbalance in one area, it can manifest with symptoms in other areas. Our physicians are trained and versed in both Traditional Western Medicine & Alternative Eastern Medicine. This allows our patients the best chance for optimal treatment outcomes and wellness.
These are some of our services; click to learn more:
- Primary Care & Family Medicine (well visits, annual physicals, sick visits, problem visits)
- Functional Medicine Multidisciplinary Practice (meaning multiple specialties) & Root Cause Approaches
- Women's/Men's Health
- Hormone Management, Thyroid Management & Adrenal Issues
- Medical Weight Loss
- Autoimmune Condition Treatment
- Psychiatry/Mental Health (Medication Management)
- Pediatric Health Care
- Natural, Alternative & Holistic Medicine
- PRP Injection Therapy
- Peptide Treatments
- Acupuncture, Cupping, Gua Sha, Tui Na Massage, and all other Traditional Chinese Medicine modalities
- Trigger Point Injections & Vitamin/Wellness Injections
- Herbal Medicine (we are Board Certified Herbalists!!)
- School/Sports/Employment Physicals
- DOT Physicals
- Routine, Functional, Advanced Diagnostic Labs and In-Office Testing; including EKG
- Telemedicine or In-Office
- AND SO MUCH MORE!
Our providers always perform thorough and thoughtful evaluations and we will order any laboratory tests, diagnostic or screening tests/radiology and/or give referrals as necessary. While we always try to keep treatments as natural as possible (including supplements, herbal medicine and even dietary considerations), there are times that traditional medications might be necessary and will be ordered and prescribed appropriately. We also have an on-site lab for a variety of laboratory testing.
Rest assured that if you are seeking alternative, acupuncture, herbal medicine and/or Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments, all modalities are performed by highly educated, trained, and experienced Board Certified & Licensed Acupuncture Physicians and Herbalists. Unlike other providers that perform dry needling or acupuncture after only basic training of approximately 1-2 weekends, our providers have had over 3 years of classroom and theory-based education and clinical setting experience. So, you will receive true alternative treatment. To ensure the highest standard of care for yourself, always check to see if your Acupuncture Physician and Herbalist is licensed by the state as such and that they are Board Certified with The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
How Health Care Should Be
As a patient of our practice, you will receive Patient-Centered Care without the costly fees! We also support our patient's in their right to autonomy and being involved in the decision making process of medical care.
OUR PROVIDERS
Dr. Christina M. Dawson, BS, MS, DOM, LAc
Dr. Christina Dawson is licensed in the State of Florida as a Primary Care Provider and a Board Certified Acupuncture Physician. Dr. Christina believes each patient is unique and individual, that the entire body works as a unified integrative whole and the body has the ability to self-heal and self-regulate. This structure allows her to practice with a more holistic and natural functional approach.
While Dr. Christina is not a traditional medical doctor, she practices within the natural scope of Functional Medicine. She does not prescribe medications but works on comprehensive, root-cause health issues and focuses on optimal health through a natural approach. She is able to perform physical examinations and assessments, order & interpret lab work, order & interpret diagnostic imaging and write non-prescription orders. For patients requiring medications, Dr. Christina will refer them to our in-house nurse practitioners.
Dr. Christina sees both pediatric and adult patients at Dawson Integrative & Functional Medicine, LLC (formerly known as Dawson Integrative Medical Center, LLC). Her main areas of specializations and niches in Functional Medicine include hormone/thyroid health, adrenal fatigue, weight management, nutritional deficiencies, gut health, reversal/prevention of chronic disease, pain management, autoimmune & immune health, mold illness, mental health, lifestyle (nutrition, sleep, stress), PANS/PANDAS, and assessing for and treating the "unknown." Through her many years of practice in traditional medicine, natural medicine, alternative medicine and functional medicine, she has been able to diagnose conditions that were "missed" by traditional health care and guide her patients into, sometimes life-saving treatments just by spending time with patients, listening to them and performing the appropriate assessment & tests needed.
Her alternative modalities of treatment include Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Between her profound medical knowledge and education, 15+ years of functional medicine training and practice and overall healthcare experience, she has been able to observe the remarkable ways the body truly works. Her experience in diagnostic testing and proven therapeutic treatment plans have resulted in approximately 80% of patients improving or resolving their chronic conditions within their first year of care.
Dr. Christina began her medical career in 2007, holding various positions ranging from nursing to administration. In 2017, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Health Studies and a Master of Science degree in Oriental Medicine from Florida College of Integrative Medicine in Orlando, Florida. In 2020 she became nationally NCCAOM Board Certified as a Diplomate in Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture, and Herbology; thus becoming a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner. In 2021, she became licensed as a Primary Care Provider and Acupuncture Physician in the State of Florida. Additionally Dr. Christina is a Certified Medical Examiner through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. She is also the Laboratory Director at Dawson Integrative & Functional Medicine, LLC (formerly known as Dawson Integrative Medical Center, LLC) and holds the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Certificate of Waiver.
Dr. Christina is not only a Functional Medicine doctor, but also a patient! Having personally struggled with her own hormones from a young surgical menopause to working to reverse her own diabetes, she understands the importance of having a knowledgeable and empathetic provider fighting for their patients.
For fun, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family. She loves anything science, learning about odd and fun facts, and watching true crime shows!
All of Dr. Christina's appointments are to be self-scheduled online.
Telemedicine Only: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9am-2pm
In-Office Only: Wednesday 8am-4pm
*DR. CHRISTINA IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING ACUPUNCTURE APPOINTMENTS AT THIS TIME.
PLEASE SCHEDULE WITH HER HUSBAND, DR. WALTER.
Dr. Walter R. Dawson, BS, MS, DOM, LAc
Dr. Walter Dawson is licensed and Board Certified as an Acupuncture Physician and Primary Care Provider in the State of Florida. Traditional Chinese Medicine treats a variety of health conditions, including, but not limited to: PTSD, stroke rehabilitation, Bell's Palsy, chemotherapy/radiation symptom relief, addictions, headaches, and acute and chronic pain syndromes. Dr. Walter specializes in Cosmetic Acupuncture, embracing the desire of patients looking to rejuvenate and revitalize regions of their face and neck.
While Dr. Walter is not a traditional medical doctor, he practices within the natural scope of Functional Medicine. He does not prescribe medications but works on comprehensive, root-cause health issues and focuses on optimal health through a natural approach. He is able to perform physical examinations and assessments, order & interpret lab work, order & interpret diagnostic imaging and write non-prescription orders. For patients requiring medications, Dr. Walter will refer them to our in-house nurse practitioners.
Dr. Walter sees both pediatric and adult patients at Dawson Integrative & Functional Medicine, LLC (formerly known as Dawson Integrative Medical Center, LLC). His main areas of specializations and niches in Functional Medicine include hormone/thyroid health, adrenal fatigue, weight management, nutritional deficiencies, gut health, reversal/prevention of chronic disease, pain management, autoimmune & immune health, mold illness, mental health, lifestyle (nutrition, sleep, stress).
Looking back, Dr. Walter recalled an interest in in medicine at an early age. In his childhood he found himself immersed in reading medical-related books and watching medical television shows. Upon graduating from high school, Dr. Walter joined the military, where he served for 10 years. He would first serve as an Army Aviation Mechanic before re-enlisting to become an Army Medic. He proudly served his country in many special military operations and conflicts around the globe; including "Operation Desert Storm."
Dr. Walter's interest in alternative medicine developed after his mother was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. In less than one year after being diagnosed, she lost her battle with the disease. Western medicine had put forth and earnest effort in treating his mother's physical body; however, concurrent treatment of her spirit and mind were left neglected and unattended to. One day while reading an article on Chinese Medicine Philosophy, Dr. Walter became captivated by its theory that "the mind, body and spirit are considered one. Any imbalance in one, leads to an imbalance in another. " This sparked his interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Prior to attending medical school, Dr. Walter worked 20+ years in the medical field. His experiences included work as a medical assistant, telemetry technician, phlebotomist, and a paramedic. In 2014, he enrolled in the Florida College of Integrative Medicine in Orlando, Florida. In 2021, Dr. Walter obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Health Studies and a Master of Science degree in Oriental Medicine. In 2022, he became nationally Board Certified through NCCAOM as a Diplomate in Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture, and Herbology. Dr. Walter is licensed by the State of Florida as a Primary Care Provider and Acupuncture Physician.
In his spare time, Dr. Walter enjoys working out at the gym, competing in obstacle course races, reading, learning, spending time with his family, traveling and exploring diverse cultures. Other interests include motorcycles, movies, and following wherever his adventurous nerd side takes him.
All of Dr. Walter's appointments are to be self-scheduled online.
Telemedicine Only: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9am-2pm
In-Office Only: Wednesday 8am-4pm
Dr. Angela O'Donnell, DNP, APRN, CNM, WHNP-BC
Dr. Angela O’Donnell is an Autonomous Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner- Board Certified by the National Certification Corporation focusing on primary care. She obtained her Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2016, Post-Masters Certificate for Women’s Health and Master of Science of Nursing in 2014, all from Frontier Nursing University.
Her passion for health and wellness led her to become a nurse practitioner. Her goal is to provide care for families that fit their lifestyle, she recognizes and respects their individual needs. After working in various specialty care areas, she decided to focus on wellness. She uses her extensive knowledge and experience to provide the highest quality of care for all.
She has been in medical field since 2007 when she became a registered nurse. Over the seven years as a registered nurse, she worked in Level I, II, and III hospitals. Her focus as a registered nurse was on the maternity center of the hospitals. This drove her to become a patient advocate and ensure clients are provided with education to make an informed choice in their care.
We are pleased to have Angela as part of our team at Dawson Integrative & Functional Medicine, LLC (formerly known as Dawson Integrative Medical Center, LLC)! She treats patients with simple to complex health issues using an integrative functional wellness approach to healthcare-where traditional medicine meets natural medicine. Her emphasis is on lifestyle awareness for disease prevention and reversal of chronic conditions; such as hormone management, thyroid dysfunctions, metabolic syndromes, weight loss and more!
In her spare time, she can be found near the ocean relaxing and enjoying time with her husband and son. She enjoys boating and relaxing with a book in the fresh ocean air.
Dr. Angela only sees patients by telemedicine appointment. Her patients are internally scheduled (no online scheduling).
Nicole "Nikki" Hrycko, APRN, PMHNP, FNP-BC
Nikki Hrycko is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner board certified with the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Additionally, Nikki is an Autonomous Family Nurse Practitioner, board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners with focus in both psychiatry and primary care. She obtained her Master of Nursing and Family Nurse Practitioner in 2015 from Walden University. In 2021 she expanded her practice into psychiatry with her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Wilkes University.
Nikki’s passion for medicine started in 2004 when she became a certified Emergency Medical Technician and grew throughout the yeas as she expanded her role in 2011 as a Registered Nurse working in the Emergency Room, Acute Inpatient Psychiatric Unit and Medical Surgical - Telemetry Unit before branching out into outpatient medicine.
Through her many positions over the years Nikki has seen the need to slow down and truly listen to her patients, explore all options together and educate the patient so they can make the best decision for themselves. Shared decision making and patient education is at the center of her ethos of practice. She offers a safe, judgement free space to discuss a variety of physical and mental health conditions.
In her spare time, you can find her metal smithing in her studio, working with her husband to restore antique cars and gas pumps or relaxing with her husband and son at the park or a car show.
Nikki's schedule is available online for self-scheduling.
Telemedicine: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 9am-4pm
In-Office Only: Every Other Wednesday 9am-4pm
Meagan Burgess, APRN-BC
Meagan was born and raised in Texarkana, Arkansas. After high school, she moved to Orlando, Florida where she has lived since 2006.
She completed her BSN at the University of Central Florida GO KNIGHTS! and her MSN at South University in Savannah, Georgia. She holds a board certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the ANCC. She was able to gain her Functional Medicine knowledge through specialized training courses at the Institute of Functional Medicine, coupled with years of clinical practice.
Meagan originally joined Dawson Integrative & Functional Medicine, LLC (formerly known as Dawson Integrative Medical Center, LLC) in 2023, providing comprehensive Functional Medicine and primary care the way patients and families want and need it. She has been paramount in paving the way that hormone therapy, thyroid management and "all-things Functional Medicine" should be viewed & treated individually for each unique patient. Meagan believes that effective healing requires time to build direct therapeutic relationships with patients.
She enjoys traveling, boating, wake boarding, beach activities, cruising and spending time with family.
Meagan's schedule is available online for self-scheduling.
Telemedicine Only: Wednesday & Thursday 9am-4pm
Appointment Flow
NOT SURE WHO TO SEE?
If you are seeking a more natural or alternative treatment OR a complete, comprehensive & thorough Functional Medicine evaluation, please schedule with Dr. Walter or Dr. Christina. They do not prescribe medication.
If you are seeking a more traditional treatment with prescription medication (family medicine, primary care) OR looking for a Functional Medicine approach that involves prescription medicine, please schedule with one of the nurse practitioners. Nikki also manages psychiatric care.
You are more than welcome to see both at any time or as needed!