This episode of Field Notes, hosted by Nurse Practitioner Heather Moon, explores the often-overlooked intersection between functional medicine and spirituality through a deeply human conversation with hospital chaplain Frank Alioto. 

Together, they move beyond protocols and lab results to examine how meaning, connection, and presence shape the healing process just as much as biology. 

Frank shares powerful insights from his work with patients and families in moments of uncertainty, emphasizing that true care isn’t about having the right answers—it’s about showing up, asking the right questions, and honoring what matters most to each person. 

The conversation reveals that healing is not simply the absence of disease, but a holistic experience that includes emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being—and that sometimes, the most profound intervention is simply being present.

Key Takeaways:

• Healing is multidimensional—true wellness includes physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual health.
• The question “What matters most to you right now?” often reveals deeper needs than symptoms alone.
• Presence—not just treatment—is one of the most powerful forms of care in both medicine and life.
• Spiritual distress and unresolved emotional issues can manifest physically and impact long-term health.
• Illness can be both something to address clinically and a catalyst for deeper reflection, growth, and meaning.