By: Stephen Mercer
With healthcare slowly moving online, visionary organizations like Abba Blessed Hope Functional Medicine Family Practice stand at the forefront as pioneers. As an innovative operation offering a unique blend of telehealth and functional medicine, it’s set to transform patient care in Central Florida.
Founded by Dr. Maria Lourdes Porto Evangelista-Flores, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, this innovative practice focuses on addressing the root causes of health issues through personalized, holistic care. With the recent opening of a physical office and a robust telemedicine platform, Abba Blessed Hope is poised to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of the community.
A Vision Rooted in Faith and Science
Dr. Lourdes Evangelista-Flores, DNP, brings a wealth of experience and a deeply rooted faith to her practice. As a Filipino-American with a rich cultural heritage, she blends traditional values with cutting-edge medical knowledge, through a functional wellness approach.
“At Abba Blessed Hope, our goal is not just to treat symptoms but to address the underlying root causes of illness from conditions that may be overlooked in primary care or traditional healthcare. We believe in the power of holistic healing—body, mind, and spirit,” she explains.
Her practice concentrates on brain, skin, and gut health, recognizing their significant role in physical ailments and overall well-being. She also provides general functional family health and wellness services, along with lifestyle coaching and management for various skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and age-related skin issues.
Individualized and specialized consults will be offered for lifestyle and wellness for those with autism, ADD, and ADHD through recommended functional behavioral therapy in collaborative partnership and advanced consults with seasoned experts in the field.
“When you take care of both the brain and the gut, almost everything falls into place, including issues related to general skin health and even cardio health,” Dr. Lourdes Evangelista-Flores emphasizes her approach is not just about treating diseases with band-aid solutions.
She aims to promote a lifestyle that fosters long-term health and wellness through balancing and optimizing hormones with a functional approach to hormonal care, and practitioner-guided weight management and maintenance.
Revolutionizing Healthcare Through Telemedicine
While the concept of telemedicine or telehealth is not new, its application in functional medicine is relatively pioneering. Abba Blessed Hope is at the forefront of this revolution, offering patients the convenience of virtual consultations without compromising the quality of care.
“Our practice is designed to be more than just a series of video calls,” Dr. Lourdes Evangelista-Flores explains. “We’ve created a system where patients can receive personalized care plans, access to lab results, and lifestyle coaching all from the comfort of their homes.”
The practice’s telemedicine model is particularly beneficial for patients with busy schedules, those living in remote areas, or those who prefer the privacy and convenience of at-home consultations.
Abba Blessed Hope’s services are currently accessible across Florida, with future plans to professionally collaborate with licensed practitioners and certified health coaches outside the state. In doing so, they hope to better promote individualized healthy habits and lifestyles that can be sustained — especially among groups like frequent travelers, “snowbirds”, and generation X parents who are always on the go and prefer virtual care.
The New Office: A Hybrid Approach
Recognizing that some patients still prefer face-to-face consultations, Dr. Lourdes Evangelista-Flores recently opened a physical office location in Sumter County of Central Florida. The office, while modest in size, serves as a critical component of Abba Blessed Hope’s hybrid care model.
“Our office is there for patients who feel more comfortable with in-person visits or who may require physical exams that cannot be done virtually,” she notes.
The hybrid model ensures that every patient receives the care they need, whether online or in person.
A Personalized Approach to Health
At the heart of the company’s success is its commitment to personalized care. Each patient begins their journey with a detailed intake process, often through a discovery call where Dr. Lourdes Evangelista-Flores, or a member of her team takes the time to understand the patient’s health history, lifestyle, specific concerns, and readiness to participate.
Based on this initial consultation, a comprehensive care plan is developed individually, which may include lab work, dietary recommendations, and lifestyle modifications, including specific workouts. All patients are highly encouraged to engage and participate actively with the practitioners in their quest for a transformed mind, body, and spirit.
Exercise will not be a strict requirement, but Dr. Lourdes Evanglista-Flores recommends patients take advantage of her vast knowledge and experience by supplementing it with a workout regimen. This approach can be suitable for patients who prioritize body transformation as a primary goal.
“We believe that every patient is unique, and so are their health needs,” she says. “Our job is to tailor our approach to each individual, providing them with the tools and support they need to achieve optimal health.”
Expanding the Reach of Functional Medicine
As Abba Blessed Hope Functional Medicine Family Practice grows, so does its impact. The practice has already garnered attention from patients not just in Florida but internationally, with inquiries coming from the Philippines and Singapore. Dr. Maria Lourdes Porto Evangelista-Flores, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC’s future vision includes expanding her team to include certified practitioners from various states and even internationally.
“Our goal is to make functional medicine accessible to as many people as possible, regardless of where they live, and this is possible through coaching methods at the right platform permissible in these areas’ jurisdictions
This expansion plan also aligns with Dr. Lourdes’ broader mission as a “kingdom builder.” A significant portion of the practice’s earnings is donated to Christian churches and charities, reflecting her commitment to integrating her faith into every aspect of her work. “We are here to heal, but also to give hope and spread the gospel,” she shares.
The Future of Healthcare
As the healthcare landscape evolves, practices like Abba Blessed Hope Functional Medicine Family Practice are adapting by offering innovative, patient-centered solutions.By combining the convenience of telehealth or telemedicine with the comprehensive care of functional medicine, Dr. Maria Lourdes Porto Evangelista-Flores, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC is not just treating patients—she is empowering them to take control of their health.
“We are entering a new era of healthcare, one where patients have more choices and greater access to personalized care,” Dr. Lourdes Evangelista-Flores reflects. “At Abba Blessed Hope, we are honored to be a part of that change, helping our patients lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.”
With its unique approach, Abba Blessed Hope Functional Medicine Family Practice is not just a practice; it’s a movement towards a healthier, more holistic future.
Disclaimer: “This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, nor does it replace professional medical expertise or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.”
Published by: Holy Minoza
