A different kind of health conversation
I’m Dr. David Lai. I’ve spent more than 20 years working across medicine and global health, including leadership roles at the World Health Organization.
Health rarely fits neatly into separate boxes. Sleep can affect metabolism. Stress can influence digestion and recovery. Changes in activity, nutrition, hormones and ageing can interact in ways that aren’t always obvious when each issue is considered separately.
Tao Functional Health was created to give people the time and space to look at that bigger picture. I bring a physician’s understanding of medicine to a broader, systems-based assessment of your health — helping you make sense of patterns, identify what deserves attention, and develop clear, practical next steps.
Tao is designed to complement your existing medical care, not replace it.
Our Services
Tao begins by understanding the bigger picture. We take time to explore your health history, previous testing, current concerns and the factors that may be influencing how you feel. The aim is not to apply a standard protocol, but to identify meaningful patterns, clarify priorities and develop practical next steps.
Your path with Tao
Health Clarity Call → Comprehensive Health Assessment → Personalised Support, if appropriate
Free Health Clarity Call
15 minutes | Complimentary
A brief, no-obligation conversation about what has been changing in your health, what you’re hoping to understand, and whether Tao may be a useful next step. It’s an opportunity to briefly discuss your concerns, ask questions about the Tao approach, and decide whether a Comprehensive Health Assessment may be a useful next step.
Comprehensive Health Assessment
90 minutes | $450
A detailed exploration of your health history, current concerns, previous investigations and the wider factors that may be influencing your health. Together, we look for meaningful patterns and connections, establish clear priorities, and develop practical next steps. Where appropriate, we can also consider whether further investigation or ongoing support may be useful.
Tao 3-Month Programme
3 months | $1,800
For clients who would benefit from structured support beyond the initial assessment. The programme includes your Comprehensive Health Assessment, five follow-up consultations, review of relevant existing results, personalised recommendations and email support between sessions. If you have already completed the assessment, the $450 fee is credited toward the programme.
What Clients Say
Everything finally started to make sense. I came away with much more clarity about my health and a better understanding of what I could do next.
Alexia, 48, Edinburgh, UK
For the first time, someone looked at my health as a whole rather than treating each concern separately. I left with a much clearer understanding of what deserved attention and what to do next.
Tom, 52, Vancouver, Canada
The personalised approach helped me understand what was affecting my energy and digestion. I felt better, but more importantly, I understood what we were working on and why.
Philippe, 47, New York, USA
David brings a rare combination of scientific expertise, compassion and genuine partnership. I felt listened to, understood and supported throughout the process.
Linda, 53, Montreal, Canada
Individual experiences vary. Testimonials are not a guarantee of results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of health concerns do you commonly work with?
Tao Functional Health is designed for people whose health feels as though it has changed, particularly when the explanation is not straightforward. Common concerns include persistent fatigue, poor or unrefreshing sleep, brain fog, digestive symptoms, changes in weight or metabolic health, reduced resilience, poor recovery, and symptoms that seem to worsen during periods of prolonged stress. Often, people come to Tao with several concerns rather than one isolated problem. The aim is to understand whether there are meaningful connections between them, while also recognising when a symptom requires conventional medical investigation or specialist care.
What if my blood tests are “normal” but I still don’t feel well?
This is a common reason people seek a more detailed assessment. Normal routine investigations are reassuring and important, but they do not necessarily explain every change in how someone feels or functions. We look at your results in the context of your symptoms, health history, medications, sleep, nutrition, activity, stress, metabolic health and other relevant factors. The objective is not to reinterpret normal results as abnormal or search endlessly for hidden disease. It is to understand the broader clinical picture and identify sensible next steps.
How is Tao Functional Health different from conventional medical care?
Tao is intended to complement, not replace, your existing medical care. The difference is largely one of time, perspective and continuity. Rather than concentrating on a single symptom or diagnosis, we take a broader look at your health history, existing investigations and the biological systems that influence how you function, adapt and recover. Where appropriate, this can help identify patterns and priorities that are difficult to explore during a shorter conventional medical appointment.
What happens during the complimentary Health Clarity Call?
The Health Clarity Call is a brief, 15-minute conversation before you commit to an assessment. You can explain what has been changing in your health, what you are hoping to understand and what you have already investigated. I can then explain how Tao works and whether I think a Comprehensive Health Assessment would be a sensible next step. It is not a medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment session, and there is no obligation to continue.
What happens during the Comprehensive Health Assessment?
The Comprehensive Health Assessment is a 90-minute, in-depth consultation. Before and during the assessment, we build a detailed picture of your health history, current concerns, previous investigations, medications and relevant lifestyle and environmental factors. Existing laboratory results and medical reports can also be reviewed. Rather than simply producing a list of recommendations, the aim is to identify the most important patterns and priorities and give you a clear, practical plan for what to do next. The assessment costs $450 and can be used as a standalone service. You do not have to join a programme afterwards.
Will I need additional laboratory tests?
Not necessarily. We begin with the information you already have. Previous blood tests, imaging and other investigations may provide much of what is needed. Additional testing is considered selectively when it is clinically appropriate and likely to provide information that could meaningfully influence the next step. Tao does not operate on the assumption that everyone needs extensive panels of specialised testing.
What happens if I want ongoing support after my assessment?
Some people need clarity and a plan; others benefit from support while putting that plan into practice. The Tao 3-Month Programme provides a more structured period of follow-up in which we can review progress, refine recommendations, consider new information or results and adjust the strategy according to how you respond. There is no obligation to continue after your Comprehensive Health Assessment. If you do decide to enter the 3-Month Programme, the $450 assessment fee is credited toward the $1,800 programme fee.
What is included in the Tao 3-Month Programme?
The programme is designed for people who would benefit from more than a single set of recommendations. It includes regular follow-up consultations, review of relevant existing laboratory results and investigations, personalised recommendations, adjustments as your health changes, and communication between appointments when questions arise. The purpose is to provide continuity: assessing what is happening, agreeing on priorities, seeing how you respond and refining the approach over time.
Is Tao a replacement for my family doctor or specialist?
No. Tao Functional Health complements your existing medical care. Your family doctor and specialists remain responsible for the diagnosis and management of conditions within their care, prescriptions, screening, urgent problems and other conventional medical needs. Where symptoms or findings require further medical investigation, you may be advised to discuss these with your usual healthcare provider or an appropriate specialist.
Do I need a diagnosis before booking with Tao Functional Health?
No. Many people come to Tao because something about their health has changed, but they do not yet have a clear explanation. You do not need a specific diagnosis before booking. We begin by understanding your concerns, health history and any investigations you have already had.