We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erin Hendriks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erin below.

Hi Erin, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

I grew up in Michigan as the youngest of seven children, and one of the things my parents did right—especially my mom—was fostering a love of learning and curiosity. My mother was a teacher, and from a very young age, she encouraged us to explore, ask questions, and stay curious about the world around us. That environment really shaped me. I remember being fascinated with science as a kid, and I’m pretty sure I decided I wanted to become a doctor while I was still in elementary school. That early support and sense of possibility made all the difference.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am the co-founder of Elle MD, a functional and integrative medicine practice focused on helping women feel their best. I started my career in traditional medicine, but over time, I realized that so many patients, especially women—weren’t getting the answers or lasting improvements they deserved. That realization led me to dive deeper into integrative and functional medicine, and I eventually completed a fellowship in Integrative Medicine through the University of Michigan. I’m also board-certified in both Integrative and Functional Medicine.

At Elle MD, we specialize in uncovering the why behind symptoms and conditions like fatigue, weight gain, hormone imbalances, autoimmune conditions, and mood changes. Instead of treating just the surface, we take a personalized, holistic approach to help women heal at the root level. I truly believe that when women feel empowered in their health, it transforms every part of their lives.

What sets us apart is the time, care, and partnership we offer. Every woman’s story is unique, and I love helping each person create a path to wellness that fits her life. I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my patients and the incredible transformations I’ve witnessed—watching someone regain their energy, balance, and joy is the most rewarding part of my work.

If there’s one thing I want readers to know, it’s this: you don’t have to settle for feeling “just okay.” Real healing is possible with the right support and a personalized approach.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

When you grow up in a big family, you learn pretty quickly how to take feedback. Someone’s always telling you how you could do something differently—or better. Over time, I’ve come to actively seek out feedback because it’s one of the most powerful ways to grow. I’ve worked with people who really struggle to take constructive criticism, and I’ve seen how that can hold them back. For me, being open to feedback has been a huge driver of both personal and professional development.

I’ve also found that pushing myself to continue learning has been essential—especially in a field like medicine, which is constantly evolving. New research is always emerging, and our understanding of the body, the microbiome, metabolism, hormones—it’s all shifting in exciting ways. I stay committed to ongoing education, collaboration with colleagues, and applying the latest evidence-based strategies in practice. That curiosity and commitment to growth keep me energized and constantly refining the care I provide.

And finally, I’ve had to learn how to delegate—which did not come naturally to me! As someone who tends to want to do everything myself, learning to trust others, communicate clearly, and let go of control has been a major area of growth. But it’s also one of the most important things I’ve done. Surrounding myself with a strong, talented team has allowed me to focus on what I do best—and it’s shown me how powerful it is to empower others to shine in their own areas of expertise. Medicine is a team sport, and success in this field does come down to collaboration, communication, and being willing to grow—both in your clinical knowledge and in yourself.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I first started my own practice, I was transitioning from a busy primary care setting, where I saw patients for routine check-ups and on an as-needed basis. Initially, I tried to apply that same model to functional medicine, but I quickly realized it simply doesn’t work. Now, I take a completely different approach. I work intensively with patients over set periods—typically 3 to 12 months—before transitioning them into a maintenance phase. This structured commitment drives both accountability and better outcomes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elle-md.com
• Instagram: @elle.md.wellness