Shannon Bybee, MD

Before becoming a physician, I was a Systems Engineer, who built complex machines by writing integration software. During the process, I would need to “debug” the software (the process of finding the source of the many problems that come from integrating many small systems into one) to understand how to optimize and improve performance. Moving from engineering to medicine may seem like a radical shift, but I don’t see it that way. Continuing to utilize this type of thinking made my transition as an integrative physician almost seamless. My previous training as an engineer allows me to utilize the same problem solving skills, but now I am looking for the root causes of inflammation in the much more complex human body. 

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I received my B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and M.S. in Measurements and Controls Engineering, both from Idaho State University, in Pocatello, ID, my home town. I moved to Tucson, AZ shortly after graduation to work at a small research and development firm doing data analysis, computer programing, and building optical systems to help the Navy identify buried mines. 

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After 13 years of working at the engineering firm, I decided to change course and attend medical school at the University of Arizona. I completed my Family Medicine Residency at the University of Arizona, along with a parallel certification in Functional Medicine through the Institute of Functional Medicine. After residency, it was a great honor to be selected to complete the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine Fellowship.

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When I was working as an engineer, I was very involved in competing in triathlons and I found it easier to train with others. I created a diet and workout program and encouraged my colleagues to join me at lunch time for a free guided exercise program. My little community grew from a few friends to nearly half of the employees in the building. Almost everyone participated in the nutrition aspect of the training program, and the involvement created an environment of accountability, one of the most powerful ways to make behavioral changes. My colleagues began to lose weight, feel better, reduce dosages on their pharmaceuticals, and push some of their health conditions into remission. With this amazing track record, I could only think that my true calling was to be able to help more people as a physician. After all, the human body has to follow all the same laws of physics: laws of thermodynamics, mechanical structures, electrical circuits, as well as quantum physics. I see medicine and engineering as two complementary fields. I bring technology in as a healing modality. Our bodies are electrical and energetic, they respond to a number of engineering concepts.  One of the modalities I love to utilize is Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM). This healing modality uses low levels of electric current to alleviate pain and inflammation, as well as lower anxiety and improve feelings of wellness. The low amplitude current is physiologic, working at the same level as the electric circuits already running in your body at the cellular level.

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I could have never made the switch to medicine (and our move to Durham from Tucson) without my incredibly supportive husband. We have an amazing daughter that exemplifies how optimizing the body with good nutrition and physical activity have produced an extremely bright scholar and D1 athlete in college, who may also have a future in medicine.