Rita Wadhwani, MSN, RN, BS, ACNP, CNS
MEET OUR NURSE PRACTITIONER: Rita Wadhwani, MSN, RN, ACNP, CNS
Award Winning Nurse Practitioner & Clinical Nurse Specialist
International Healthcare Speaker
Published Functional Medicine & Microbiome Expert
Advanced Practice Nurse with 27 years of hospital‑grade clinical experience,
international development work, and faculty‑level expertise in functional medicine.
Rita Wadhwani, RN, MSN, ACNP, CNS, RNC‑NIC
Rita Wadhwani is an Advanced Practice Nurse with over 27 years of clinical experience spanning acute care, cardiology, neonatology, and functional medicine. She founded iBiome Health & Wellness to bring hospital‑grade clinical rigor to outpatient functional medicine, with a focus on the gut–immune axis, cardiometabolic health, environmental toxicants, and complex multi‑system conditions.
Her background in high‑acuity hospital environments informs her precision‑driven approach: structured assessment, advanced diagnostics, and clear, evidence‑aligned care plans. Patients who have “tried everything” often seek her out for her ability to identify patterns, connect systems, and bring clarity to complex presentations.
Rita serves as Adjunct Faculty for Gut Health Education (GHE), teaching in their CME‑accredited module, The Gut–Cardiometabolic Connection. In this role, she provides advanced instruction to clinicians on the physiology linking the gut, immune system, and cardiometabolic pathways, with an emphasis on microbiome‑driven mechanisms and evidence‑based clinical application. Her teaching integrates hospital‑grade clinical reasoning with functional medicine diagnostics, helping practitioners translate complex systems biology into clear, actionable patient care.
⭐ A DIFFERENT LEVEL OF FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
Rita is known for bridging hospital based conventional and functional medicine in a way that is rare.
She integrates:
Advanced functional diagnostics (GI‑MAP, DUTCH, cardiometabolic, environmental, mycotoxins) with Conventional Lab Testing
Systems‑based assessment grounded in physiology and your individual biochemistry
Microbiome‑centered care guided by her long‑standing clinical mantra, “Respect the Microbes”
Structured, stepwise protocols tailored to each patient’s physiology
Clear patient education so individuals understand the “why” behind each recommendation
Her approach is not trend‑based, it is clinical, data‑driven, and grounded in decades of experience.
⭐ WHAT PATIENTS AND COLLEAGUES SAY
Rita is consistently described as:
a fierce patient advocate
a healthcare disruptor
a systems thinker who sees what others miss
a clinical educator with a talent for simplifying complexity
a practitioner with exceptionally high standards
someone who brings hospital‑level discipline to functional medicine
Her work is defined by clarity, precision, and a deep commitment to patient outcomes.
⭐ EDUCATION & ADVANCED TRAINING
Graduate Education — UCLA School of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (ACNP + CNS Dual Program)
Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year (across all UCLA graduate school domains)
In 2005, Rita was the 1st ever Nurse Recipient of this Award, previously awarded to School of Engineering and Medicine Students. She remains the only Nurse Recipient in the history of UCLA.
Multiple merit‑based scholarships
Undergraduate Education — UCLA
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Merit scholarship recipient
Functional Medicine Training
She has completed 4 out of 7 Modules at the Institute of Functional Medicine:
Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice
Hormone Advanced Practice Module
Environmental Health Module
Gastrointestinal Advanced Practice Module
And Multiple More Educational Modules, full list available in CV
⭐ Licensed Healthcare Practitioner
Registered Nurse (RN)
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
⭐ SPEAKER (INTERNATIONAL, NATIONAL & LOCAL)
Newborn Microbiome — Synapse Care Solutions Webinar
Protecting the Newborn Microbiome — AACN Conference
Functional Medicine Testing Paradigms — IM4US Conference
Functional Medicine: The OS for Integrative Medicine — UCLA School of Nursing
Neonatal education series — Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune, India
The Functional Medicine NP — Integrative Therapeutics
See Full List Above
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ACADEMIC PRESENTATIONS (CME/CNE):
March 2026: Gut Health Edu Webinar “Cardiometabolic Gut Health”
April 2025: AACN SFV Conference
“the Adult Microbiome and Beyond”August 2024: Synapse Care Solutions hosted Webinar for the SBNQCC.
"Newborn Microbiome"April 2023: AACN Conference
“Protecting the Newborn Microbiome = Developing the Adult Microbiome”April 2023: ANN Spring Conference
“Oral Immune Therapy”October 2022: IM4US Conference
“I can’t afford that. The Paradigm of Functional Medicine Testing”2021: TMMC
ROP, Part 1, 2, 3 SERIESApril 2021: UCLA SON
Functional Medicine for the Nurse PractitionerMarch 2021: UCLA SON ACNP
Functional Medicine: the OS for Integrative MedicineMay 2020: UCLA SON, MSN FNP
Functional Medicine for the Nurse PractitionerJanuary 2018: TMMC
Necrotizing EnterocolitisSeptember 2016: Providence EBP Symposium
Protecting the smallest patients from NCLABSI
September 2014: Providence EBP Symposium
CLABSI Prevention in NeonatesAugust 2014: PLCOM-T
Hypoxic Ischemic EncephalopathyJune 2014 PLCOM-T
AWOHNN Cardiovascular CurriculumJanuary 2014: PLCOM-T
CLABSI Prevention in NeonatesMay 2012 Providence Evidence Based Practice Symposium
Oral Care with Colostrum in NeonatesJuly 2011: PLCOM-T
Acute Coronary SyndromeSeptember 2010, 2012: PLCOM-T
Simulation for Advancement of EducationNovember 2010 Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune, India
Neonatal XRAY Interpretation Basic Care of the Newborn Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Resuscitation of the Newborn Care Of Neonates On The VentilatorJuly 2010: UCLA School of Nursing MECN
Basic Overview of DysrhythmiasMay 2010: PLCOM-T
Developmental Care in the NeonateAugust 2009: PLCOM-T
High Frequency VentilationMarch 2006: CANP Conference
Non-Invasive Stress TestingAugust 2005: UCLA Med Center, NICU
Neonatal XRAY InterpretationAugust 2004 UCLA Med Center, NICU
Neonatal XRAY InterpretationAugust 2003: 2nd Neonatal Conference, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital
Administration of Blood Products
June 2002: 1st Annual Neonatal Nursing Conference, Deenanath Mangeshkar
-Basic Care of the Newborn
-MAS
-Resuscitation of the Newborn
-Care of Neonate on the VentCOMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS:
June 2025:the Functional Medicine NP, hosted by Integrative Therapeutics (CANP Southbay Dinner event)
June 2024:Holistic Gut Microbiome
Lazy Acres Wellness WorkshopAugust 2024: Holistic Blood Sugar
Lazy Acres Wellness Workshop -
Publications:
PEER REVIEWED:Wadhwani, R. & Williams, A., “Protect the Microbiome.”
Neonatal Network November 2023Wadhwani, R. & Chavez, C., “Emergency Evacuation for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.”
2020 American Association of Neonatal Nurses ConferenceWadhwani, R. “nCLABSI Prevention in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.”
2017 National Association of Neonatal Nurses ConferencePurdy, I. & Wadhwani, R. “Embracing Bioethics in Neonatal Intensive Care Part II: Case Histories in Neonatal Bioethics.” Neonatal Network. 25:1 2006. Embracing Bioethics in Neonatal Intensive Care, Part II: Case Histories in Neonatal Ethics
Publication Available HereNON PEER REVIEWED
Wadhwani, R. “Journey to India: Saving the lives of young ones.” UCLA Today. 24:5. 2003.
Awards:
October 2018, Nursing Appreciation Award, Department of Pediatrics, Torrance Memorial Medical Center
August 2011: Nursing Excellence Finalist, Community Service, Nurse Week
May 2011: Recipient of the Humanitarian Award, PLCOMT
June 2005: UCLA Recipient of the “Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year Award”
June 2005, UCLA SON Poster Presentation, 1st Place
1997, SVAS, Commissioner of Women’s Concerns
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EDUCATION
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Dual Program — Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Adult) & Clinical Nurse Specialist (Adult + Pediatric)
University of California, Los Angeles — June 2005
Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year Award (2005)
UCLA School of Nursing Poster Presentation, 1st Place (June 8, 2005)
Florence C. Anderson Scholarship (2004, 2005)
Adrienne H. Moseley Scholarship (2004)
Public Health Nurse (PHN)
University of California, Los Angeles — June 2003
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
University of California, Los Angeles — December 2003
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Los Angeles Pierce College — June 2000
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
Simi Valley Adult School — October 1997
Commissioner of Women’s Concerns (1997)
Class President
Clinical Excellence Award (1997)
CERTIFICATIONS & POST‑GRADUATE TRAINING
Functional & Integrative Medicine Training
Apex Energetics — Functional Endocrinology (2024)
Elite NP — IV Infusion and Injectable Clinic Course (2024)
Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM):
GI Module (2023)
Environmental Health Module (2022)
Hormone Module (2022)
Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice (2020)
School of Applied Functional Medicine — Advanced Practice Module (2021)
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Founder & Clinical Director — iBiome Health & Wellness, PMC
2022 – Present
Founded and operate a functional medicine practice specializing in gut‑immune axis disorders, cardiometabolic health, and integrative biochemistry.
Provide advanced clinical evaluation, diagnostic interpretation, and personalized treatment planning for complex, multi‑system patients.
Deliver national and international education on microbiome science, integrative care models, and clinical biochemistry.
Develop evidence‑based protocols and patient‑centered care pathways integrating lifestyle, nutrition, and functional diagnostics.
Manage all clinical operations, strategic planning, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
NICU Clinical Nurse Specialist — Torrance Memorial Medical Center
December 2017 – January 2022
Supported systems design for the second private‑room NICU in Los Angeles County in partnership with Hospital Construction & Development.
Contributed to operationalization of private‑room pediatric and neonatal units aligned with evidence‑based practice and regulatory standards.
Led protocol development, interdisciplinary education, and systems integration for CCS Level III Pediatric designation.
Designed and implemented NICU nutrition rooms supporting safe, standardized neonatal nutrition workflows.
Provided high‑acuity neonatal expertise including ventilator management, stabilization, and interdisciplinary case coordination.
NICU Clinical Nurse Specialist — Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center
May 2009 – August 2017
Core team member for the first private‑room NICU in Los Angeles County.
Designed and implemented NICU nutrition rooms with regulatory‑compliant workflows.
Contributed to CCS Level III designation for Neonatal Intensive Care and Pediatrics.
Led protocol development, interdisciplinary education, and systems integration.
Provided high‑acuity neonatal clinical expertise including ventilator management, stabilization, radiographic interpretation, and case coordination.
Cardiology Nurse Practitioner — Cardiology Consultants Medical Group
September 2006 – March 2008
Managed outpatient electrophysiology and interventional cardiology patients.
Performed non‑invasive cardiac evaluations including stress testing and rhythm assessment.
Interpreted ECGs, rhythm strips, and diagnostic data.
Coordinated care across cardiology, primary care, and specialty services.
Provided patient education on cardiac conditions, procedures, and risk‑factor modification.
Cardiology Nurse Practitioner — UCLA Medical Center Santa Monica
July 2005 – September 2006
Completed intensive NP preceptorship under senior cardiology NP Kathy McCloy.
Rotated across outpatient clinic, inpatient cardiology service, and non‑invasive stress testing center.
Managed complex electrophysiology and interventional cardiology patients across settings.
Supported ED cardiology consults and acute cardiac evaluations.
NICU Registered Nurse, CN III — UCLA Medical Center Westwood
January 2001 – July 2004
Managed Level IV NICU patients requiring advanced respiratory and hemodynamic support.
Performed high‑acuity bedside care including ventilator management and stabilization.
Participated in clinical teaching and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Registered Nurse, CN I — UCLA Medical Center Westwood
January 2000 – January 2001
Provided foundational neonatal nursing care in a Level IV NICU.
Supported stabilization, monitoring, and routine clinical care for premature infants.
Licensed Vocational Nurse — Neuro Step‑Down Unit
(Dates and institution as listed in original CV)
Provided nursing care for post‑operative neurosurgery and neurology patients.
Supported seizure monitoring programs and neuro‑specific procedures.
Certified Nursing Assistant — [Institution Listed in Original CV]
(Dates as listed in original CV)
Provided direct patient care, monitoring, and clinical support across assigned units.
Rita has participated in the development of neonatal care
programs on two continents.
⭐ HOSPITAL SYSTEMS IMPROVEMENT | International
Pune India 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2007: Rita’s commitment to healthcare
innovation extends beyond the United States. In 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2007,
she contributed to the development of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital & Research Center in her birthplace of Pune, India. This experience provided an early foundation in healthcare systems development and interdisciplinary collaboration that would later inform her work in the design and implementation of neonatal and specialty care programs in the United States.
These experiences shaped her systems-based approach to healthcare, quality improvement, and patient-centered care and advocacy.
Rita has later gone on to serve as a Clinical Nurse Specialist on the interdisciplinary teams that helped develop the first two private-room NICUs in Los Angeles County.
⭐ HOSPITAL SYSTEMS IMPROVEMENT | Local
Rita was a part of the core interdisciplinary team that supported and developed the first two private‑room Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Los Angeles County, and is the only Nurse Leader in Los Angeles County to have participated in both projects:
LA County’s first 2 private-room NICUs:
First at Providence Little Company of Mary and later, after being recruited to support the second LA County private room NICU launch, at Torrance Memorial Medical Center.
Working alongside Hospital Construction & Development, Nursing and Medical departments, she contributed to systems design, clinical workflow planning, policy development, and the integration of evidence‑based neonatal practices into the new private‑room care model.
These projects represented a major shift in regional neonatal care, moving LA County from traditional open‑bay units toward modern, family‑centered, high‑acuity private‑room environments, both located here in the Southbay.
1st, Providence Little Company of Mary,
Torrance, CA 2011
2nd, Torrance Memorial Medical Center,
Torrance CA 2017
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Terms of Working with our NP
⭐ iBiome Health & Wellness, PMC CLINICAL GOVERNANCE
Our Nurse Practitioner practices under standardized procedures with a collaborative supervising physician. iBiome Health & Wellness is designed to complement—not replace—primary and specialty care. Collaborative communication with existing providers is welcomed and supported.
If you are seeking a clinician who combines hospital‑level training with advanced functional medicine and a structured, data‑driven approach, iBiome offers the level of care you’ve been looking for.
Our Nurse Practitioner functions under Standardized Procedures with a Collaborative Physician, who functions in the supervisory role.
We recommend that you continue your relationship with you primary medical team & welcome collaboration with them, for your best health.