2026 Pauling Award Winner Reveals the Truth About Hormones & GLP-1s

What does it take to earn functional medicine's highest honor?  In this live episode from the Institute for Functional Medicine's 33rd Annual International Conference, host James Maskell sits down with Joel Evans, MD, FMCP-M, recipient of the 2026 Linus and Ava Helen Pauling Award in Functional Medicine — awarded to Joel Evans, MD, FMCP-M in recognition of his career-long contributions to the field. Joel Evans, MD, FMCP-M shares the story of his journey from OB-GYN to functional medicine leader, crediting Jeff Bland and Bethany Hayes for pulling him into the field early on. He discusses why women's health has reached a tipping point — driven by demographic shifts in menopause and perimenopause and the fading of old prohibitions against hormone therapy — and why he's concerned about the wave of unvetted hormone-health advice flooding social media. Joel Evans, MD, FMCP-M also breaks down the three hottest areas in women's health right now: metabolic flexibility, mitochondrial health, and the judicious use of GLP-1s, plus a cutting-edge use of FSH testing to fine-tune hormone dosing. The conversation closes with a look at his new venture, Vyas 360, an integrative longevity platform built around food-first, medically tailored care. Whether you're a practitioner, patient, or simply curious about where women's health is headed, this episode offers a firsthand look at the wisdom behind this year's Pauling Award win. - - - - - About the Guest: Joel Evans, MD, FMCP-M is the recipient of the 2026 Linus and Ava Helen Pauling Award in Functional Medicine, awarded at The Institute for Functional Medicine's 33rd Annual International Conference. Joel Evans, MD, FMCP-M is an OB-GYN and longtime leader in functional medicine's approach to women's health, having served on the scientific advisory board of Metagenics and led hormone health education for IFM. Joel Evans, MD, FMCP-M is currently launching Vyas 360, an integrative, longevity-focused care platform. - - - - - Social Handles: Website: https://www.jamesmaskell.com/ X: https://x.com/mrjamesmaskell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjamesmaskell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesedwardmaskell/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmaskell Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/FunctionalForum - - - - - PODCAST Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share. This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/