About
Dr. Cheri Dersam earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Arizona before completing her medical degree at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. She trained in Emergency Medicine at Texas A&M/Scott & White Hospital. Later, she completed a fellowship at the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. She holds board certifications in both Emergency Medicine and Integrative Medicine. She also holds certification as an IFM Functional Medicine Practitioner and as a certified practitioner of the Dale Bredesen ReCODE Protocol. Phoenix Magazine has named her a Top Doc for multiple years.
Dr. Dersam's path into integrative medicine grew from personal experience. While raising three children and running an urgent care practice, she developed fatigue, joint pain, mood changes, and hair loss. Physicians dismissed her concerns despite her own medical background. She eventually received a diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. She healed by addressing nutrient deficiencies, repairing her gut, adjusting her diet, and finding the right thyroid support. That experience reshaped how she practices medicine. Today she investigates root causes with precision and advocates for every patient who has felt dismissed. Her clinical focus now centers on brain health, cardiovascular risk, hormone balance, and cognitive decline prevention and reversal through the Bredesen RECODE and PRECODE programs.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, University of Arizona
Medical School
University of Arizona College of Medicine
Residency
Emergency Medicine, Texas A&M/Scott & White Hospital
Fellowship
Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Dersam right for?
Dr. Dersam works well with adults concerned about cognitive decline, memory changes, or a family history of Alzheimer's. Patients managing cardiovascular risk, hormone imbalances, or autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis benefit from her root-cause approach. She also serves patients who want to act preventively before symptoms appear, particularly through the PRECODE program. Anyone who has felt dismissed by conventional medicine and wants thorough investigation will find a strong advocate in Dr. Dersam.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Dersam specializes in brain health, cognitive decline, and cardiovascular risk. She also treats hormone imbalances, gut health issues, chronic inflammation, and autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Her work centers on identifying root causes rather than managing symptoms alone.
The Bredesen Protocol is a precision medicine framework for addressing cognitive decline. Dr. Dersam uses two programs based on this protocol. Her RECODE program addresses active cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, and early Alzheimer's. Her PRECODE program serves patients with risk factors or family history who want to act before symptoms develop.
Yes. Dr. Dersam holds board certifications in both Emergency Medicine and Integrative Medicine. She also holds certification as an IFM Functional Medicine Practitioner and as a certified practitioner of the Dale Bredesen ReCODE Protocol.
Dr. Dersam completed her medical degree and undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona. She trained in Emergency Medicine at Texas A&M/Scott & White Hospital. She then completed a fellowship at the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine.
Dr. Dersam uses a range of advanced diagnostic tools to support her clinical work. These include IntellxxDNA genetic testing, the Dutch Hormone Test, the Galleri Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test, the Cleerly Non-Invasive Heart Scan, micronutrient and toxin testing, and leaky gut testing. She pairs these tools with detailed clinical assessments to build a complete picture of each patient's health.
Yes. Dr. Dersam's PRECODE program specifically targets patients who carry cognitive risk factors or have a family history of Alzheimer's but have not yet developed symptoms. She uses advanced diagnostics and lifestyle medicine to address those risks proactively.
Dr. Dersam addresses hormone imbalances through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and advanced hormone testing, including the Dutch Hormone Test. Her personal experience with Hashimoto's thyroiditis informs her thorough and individualized approach to thyroid and hormone care.
Yes. Phoenix Magazine has named Dr. Dersam a Top Doc for multiple years. She brings that recognized expertise to her specialized focus on brain health, cardiovascular risk, and functional medicine.
Doctor profile last updated March 21, 2026