We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Shah, DO and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
One piece of conventional advice I often disagree with is the idea that we should ‘wait until something is wrong’ before seeking medical care. In the traditional medical world where I was trained and still actively practice, the focus is often on diagnosing and treating disease once it’s well established. That’s important, but I’ve seen firsthand how much earlier intervention could have changed the trajectory for many patients.

I believe we shouldn’t wait until labs are abnormal or symptoms are severe to act — by then, the body has often been compensating for years. My approach blends the strengths of conventional medicine with a proactive, root-cause lens. I work with patients to understand their unique physiology, lifestyle, and family history so we can address small imbalances early — often years before a formal diagnosis. This not only helps prevent disease but also improves how they feel and function right now.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Innate Integrative Medicine was born out of a simple but powerful idea: we can do better than waiting for illness to set in before we take action. My practice blends the depth and rigor of traditional medicine — where I still actively work — with the root-cause, prevention-focused lens of functional and integrative medicine. I help patients understand their unique physiology so we can address small imbalances before they become bigger problems, whether that’s optimizing metabolic health, supporting hormone balance, or improving energy and resilience.

What sets me apart is that I’m not guessing. Every recommendation is grounded in evidence, lab data, and a thorough understanding of the patient’s story. My goal isn’t just to get people ‘out of the red’ — it’s to help them thrive in the long term.

Getting here hasn’t been easy. I started this practice while balancing a demanding medical career and family life, often carving out hours late at night or on weekends to build it. The biggest challenge was trusting that there are people who value this kind of care — people who don’t want a quick fix, but a partnership in their health.

The lessons I’ve learned include to stay clear on your mission, lead with value, and be willing to grow slowly and intentionally. I want the world to know that my brand isn’t about chasing trends — it’s about combining the best of modern medicine with timeless principles of prevention and healing. That’s how we create lasting health.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit for a week, I’d want them to get a real taste of the Dallas area — both the vibrant city energy and the slower, restorative moments.

We’d probably kick things off with a morning walk or bike ride on the Katy Trail, followed by a healthy but delicious brunch at Flower Child or Tribal All Day Café. I’d make sure we explore the Dallas Farmers Market — there’s nothing like sampling local produce, artisanal foods, and just soaking in the energy.

One day would be dedicated to arts and culture: the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, and Klyde Warren Park for food trucks and people-watching. In the evenings, we could mix it up — maybe sushi at Uchi, Mediterranean at Sachet, or a night at Legacy Hall in Plano for live music and food stalls.

I’d also want to show them the charm of Bishop Arts District for boutique shopping and cozy coffee spots, plus an afternoon at the Dallas Arboretum if the weather’s nice. For a wellness spin, we could do a yoga class at a local studio or book a session at a float spa.

And of course, there would be plenty of time just enjoying the company of friends over good food, good conversation, and maybe a sunset view from a rooftop bar like HG Sply Co. Dallas has such a dynamic mix of experiences — the best week would balance it all.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve been fortunate to have incredible support at every stage of my journey. My parents were my earliest mentors — they were well-educated first generation immigrants who valued both science and tradition, and they planted the seeds for my curiosity about health and healing. They taught me the importance of hard work, integrity, and looking at problems from multiple perspectives.

Along the way, I’ve had mentors in medicine who shaped how I practice today — people who modeled what it means to truly listen to patients and see them as whole people, not just a diagnosis. And of course, my patients themselves have been my greatest teachers; every story and challenge has deepened my understanding of being human.

Finally, I owe a lot to the community of colleagues, friends, and family who have encouraged me to create a practice that blends the best of conventional and integrative medicine. Their belief in my vision has been the fuel to keep going, even when the path wasn’t clear.

Website: https://www.innateintegrativemedicine.com

Instagram: @dramydshah

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dramydshah

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