This course teaches a function-first approach to microbiome interpretation by focusing on microbial outputs—metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile-acid derivatives, and indole compounds—rather than relying mainly on taxa ratios. Across two days of mechanism-informed teaching, it connects these outputs to epithelial barrier function, immune signaling, digestion, and systemic metabolism, including practical discussion of why common heuristics can mislead. Key themes include SCFA ecology, tryptophan routing (serotonin vs kynurenine vs microbial indoles), bile-acid physiology and receptor signaling, and how inflammation can shift gut ecology in ways that change clinical interpretation. The course also highlights diagnostic and evidence constraints in areas clinicians frequently face, such as SIBO breath testing and mixed nutrition or supplement data. Learners should leave with a clearer framework to interpret microbiome-related findings, monitor relevant clinical or laboratory endpoints over time, and apply individualized reasoning for complex cases where one-size-fits-all approaches often fall short.

The course is organized as a two-day, multi-part lecture and discussion that builds a mechanistic framework for interpreting microbiome function through clinically relevant metabolites and signaling concepts. It emphasizes how to translate these concepts into practical clinical reasoning while noting common limitations in testing and evidence.

• Over 10 hours of video content
• 2 modules
• 7 video lessons
• Downloadable learning guides