ABOUT

The Root Cause Project

The true power of functional/integrative
medicine is transforming patient's lives

Our Pillars

Shifting
the Treatment
Paradigm

From symptom management to root-cause care, spotlighting the practitioners leading the shift.

Celebrating
the Patient
Journey

Every film puts the patient's experience at the center of the story.

Reimagining
Healthcare
‍

Reimagining what's possible when healthcare starts with why.

A Paradigm Shift in Healing

When it comes to treating chronic illness, we’re in the middle of a paradigm shift. Functional and integrative medicine is providing relief where conventional medicine falls short. Practitioners are treating the root causes of illness instead of just managing symptoms, and many patients are finding relief they never thought possible. Functional and integrative medicine is transforming lives, and we’re here to share even more of these life-changing stories.

Meet

The Team

Dr Mark Tager Profile Photo
Executive Director
& Writer/Producer

Mark J. Tager, MD

Mark J. Tager, MD is one of the country's leading healthcare communicators, grounded in lifestyle, regenerative, integrative, and aesthetic medicine. He is Chief Enhancement Officer of ChangeWell, Inc., co-founder (with Dr. Peter Staats) of the Vagus Nerve Society, and the author or co-author of twelve books, including Feed Your Skin Right and Integrative Aesthetics.
Rolland Peralta profile photo
Founder

Roland Peralta

Roland is a visionary philanthropist and the pioneering force behind The Root Cause Project. In all that he does, Roland sees opportunities for new and better approaches and is driven by a sense of possibility to seek them out. It is this innovative spirit that drove him to look for better ways to overcome his own chronic illnesses—and compels him to continue to do the same for everyone else's.
Brien Lilla profile photo
Director

Brian Lilla

Brian Lilla is an award-winning filmmaker with over 20 years of experience creating documentaries spanning environmental, LGBTQ, and social justice themes. His films have screened at top festivals and streamed on Netflix, Discovery, and Amazon Prime. Variety has called his work “intelligent and awe-inspiring”; The New York Times called it “beautifully filmed and patiently explained.”

FAQs

Learn more about who we are, how our films are funded, and how to reach us.

Who founded the Root Cause Project?

Roland Peralta, co-founder of Nutrafol, founded the Root Cause Project. After years of living with rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid cancer, and hair loss, he used a functional medicine approach and reached drug-free remission from rheumatoid arthritis. He started the Root Cause Project to help others find better answers too.

Who runs the Root Cause Project?

Mark J. Tager, MD, is our Executive Director and Writer/Producer. Roland Peralta is our Founder, and award-winning filmmaker Brian Lilla directs our films.

Is the Root Cause Project a medical practice? Can I book an appointment?

No. We are a nonprofit media organization. We don't provide medical care, diagnoses, or referrals.

How are your films funded?

Production funds come from donations, founder support, and grants.

Is the content on this site medical advice?

No. The films, interviews, and other content presented by The Root Cause Project are intended for educational and informational purposes only. They do not constitute medical advice and are not a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or beginning, changing, or discontinuing any treatment.

How can I contact the Root Cause Project?

Meet the patients and practitioners rewriting what's possible.