About Village Health & Healing
Functional & Integrative Medicine Approach
Village Health and Healing uses a functional and integrative medicine approach to treat the whole person. Dr. Clark combines her knowledge and experience in conventional medicine as a family medicine physician with functional medicine, creating an integrated approach to make sure that, together, we figure out the best path forward for your healing. We meet you where you are in your health journey. This starts with getting a very detailed health history from you. Dr. Clark may ask you detailed questions about your history that you may not have realized could have a significant impact on your health. You will partner with Dr. Clark to come up with the best customized plan for you moving forward. This may include detailed lab markers, lifestyle adjustments, customized food/diet plan, supplements, and/or medications as some examples. You will have appointments with an accountability coach outside of your visits with Dr. Clark who will be familiar with your personalized plan to help support you along the way.
Core Focus Areas
Brain Health
Maintaining optimal brain health is crucial for overall well-being, as it directly impacts cognitive function, emotional stability, and daily functioning. Prioritizing brain health through various strategies fosters resilience against cognitive decline and promotes longevity.
Detoxification
Detoxification is essential for eliminating harmful toxins that accumulate in the body, supporting vital organs like the liver and brain in their natural functions. By facilitating the removal of toxins, detoxification enhances overall health, boosts energy levels, promotes a balanced immune system, and decreases risk of disease.
Gut Health
Maintaining gut health is pivotal as it influences digestion, nutrient absorption, and affects every other system in our body, including mental health through the gut-brain axis. A balanced gut microbiome supports immune function and reduces the risk of several various symptoms and health problems.
Stress Management
Effective stress management is crucial for maintaining mental and physical well-being, as chronic stress can negatively impact every aspect of our health. Incorporating stress-relieving practices such as mindfulness, exercise, and relaxation techniques into daily life can help mitigate the harmful effects of stress and promote resilience.
Hormone Health
Hormone health is integral to maintaining numerous bodily functions, including metabolism, mood regulation, and reproductive processes. Imbalances in hormone levels can lead to a multitude of health issues, underscoring the importance of hormone health in whole-person care.
Metabolic Health
Metabolic health is essential for regulating energy production, nutrient utilization, and maintaining a healthy weight. By promoting metabolic balance, individuals can reverse type II diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, excess weight, and other metabolic disorders and symptoms.
Immune Health
Immune health is crucial for defending the body against harmful pathogens and maintaining overall well-being. When our immune system is compromised, we may find ourselves getting frequent or worsening infections. When our immune system is constantly exposed to pathogens, it can go into overdrive – known as autoimmune disease. Immune health compromises removing the pathogens, healing the gut, and restoring normal function.
Heart Health
Heart health is paramount as the heart serves as the body’s central pump, supplying oxygen and nutrients to every cell. Prioritizing heart health through various methods is paramount for longevity and vitality.
About Me
Meet Rachael Clark, MD, FMACP
Hello! My name is Rachael Clark. I grew up in southern Chester County in West Grove, PA. From a young age, I found myself captivated by the intricate workings of the human body, igniting within me a curiosity that steadily blossomed into a passion for medicine. The allure of understanding its complexities, unraveling the mysteries of its functioning, and mastering the art of healing became my driving force.
Early Journey Into Medicine
I studied at James Madison University for my undergraduate degree in Chemistry in Harrisonburg, VA. While I thoroughly enjoyed delving into the realm of chemistry, by my senior year, I was eager to explore the field of medicine. While understanding the intricacies of an MRI machine was fascinating, I was more interested in learning the rationale behind ordering an MRI for a patient rather than how the machine operates.
Attending Temple University for medical school in North Philadelphia was truly transformative for me. Not only did I receive an education in medicine in one of the most under-resourced areas in the country, but I also gained invaluable insights into humanity. It was the first time I truly grasped the extent of my privilege. I learned the importance of listening, empathizing, and communicating on a human level. Instead of merely treating patients, I discovered how to provide compassionate care. My medical school experience at Temple is something I wouldn’t trade for the world. The person who entered Temple Med on that first day was vastly different from the one who graduated four years later.
I was accepted into the Crozer Keystone Family Medicine Residency for my family medicine training. Family Medicine, in essence, is the opposite of specialization. I practiced women’s health, maternity care, delivered babies, cared for individuals across all age groups, performed various procedures, provided comprehensive care for entire families, and maintained long-term patient relationships acting as their primary healthcare provider. Serving as one of the chief residents during my final year, I acquired invaluable leadership skills that continue to benefit me today.
Primary Care Journey
Upon completing my residency, I made the choice to remain in academic medicine and joined the faculty at Crozer Family Medicine. Most of my days were occupied by patient care and serving as a preceptor/teacher at our modest federally qualified health center in Upper Darby, which welcomed patients from diverse corners of the globe. This experience significantly expanded my cultural competence and awareness, and I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in the rich tapestry of so many different cultures.
My subsequent position led me back to Temple University, also in an academic medicine position in the Family and Community Medicine department. With a limited number of residents at the time, my primary focus during my two-year tenure was patient care. At this juncture in my career, I found myself reaching a tipping point in the conventional healthcare system. I no longer wished to feel perpetually hurried during patient encounters. I yearned for more time—time to delve deeper into my patients’ narratives, time to truly listen and validate their experiences, time to cultivate meaningful, trust-based relationships. I desired access to a broader array of diagnostic tools and interventions. While addressing conditions like hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, and chronic pain, I became increasingly disheartened by the constraints imposed by insurance protocols and bureaucratic hurdles. The relentless cycle of applying quick fixes to symptoms stemming from underlying root causes left me depleted. I was convinced that there had to be an alternative approach to practicing medicine—one that prioritized thoroughness, collaboration, and sustainability. I envisioned a model of care where patients and practitioners alike felt unhurried, where we could uncover the full narrative and piece together a comprehensive healing plan. I craved access to a toolkit that empowered us to delve deeper and discover sustainable paths toward wellness.
Curiosity and Passion for Functional and Integrative Medicine
After my time at Temple, I decided to take a break. Caught up in the demands of tending to both my patients and my young family, I had inadvertently neglected my own well-being. Like many women, I had prioritized the care of others over my own self-care, ultimately leading to burnout. During this hiatus, dedicated to rejuvenating my health and vitality, I stumbled upon functional and integrative medicine. Initially seeking it for my own needs, I had a moment of clarity. This was the missing piece I had been searching for—a transformative approach to healing not only myself but also others. It became evident that there exists an alternative path, one often obscured when we are consumed by the relentless pace of life. And so, here I am now—joyful, thankful, invigorated, and deeply committed to guiding my patients toward healing using this holistic approach. I am synthesizing my conventional medical expertise with my training in functional and integrative medicine to provide the most comprehensive care possible. This, I believe, is the essence of the art of medicine—an approach that every individual deserves to experience.
I’m beyond grateful for my team of amazing women who have helped Village Health and Healing come to life. Without them, I’d still be back at square one! They may be behind the scenes, but they’re front and center in the vision and building of Village Health and Healing.
My Life Outside of Medicine
I have a beautiful life that I now have time to appreciate. I live in West Chester with my husband, daughter, son, and dog. I love spending time with them, going on outdoor adventures and vacations, frequent trips to the Poconos and Fenwick Island, DE. I love to prepare/cook, and eat healthy, nourishing food and have a strong desire to learn how to grow a big garden one day. Music fills my soul – you’ll rarely hear a lack of music playing around me unless I’m on a call or visit! Hanging out with close friends and family is so important to me, and if you haven’t taken note by now – I love to write!
Thanks for taking the time to read some of my story. If we get the chance to work together, I look forward to hearing yours.
My Credentials
Education
- Undergraduate: James Madison University – Bachelors of Science, Chemistry
- Graduate: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University – Medical Degree
Training
- Residency: Crozer Keystone Family Medicine Residency Program
Certifications
- American Board of Family Medicine
- Functional Medicine Academy Certified Practitioner
Courses
- IFM’s Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice (AFMCP)
Village Health & Healing Mission
At Village Health and Healing, you will be heard and you will be seen. We meet you where you are in your health and healing journey, partner with you and help guide you in the right direction. We find the root causes of your health concerns, and create a personalized plan that works best for you with a holistic and integrated approach. Our goal is to optimize your health and wellbeing so that you can live a life free of dis-ease.
“Dr. Rachael Clark has been a transformative force in my health journey. Struggling with gut issues at 31, her attentive listening and comprehensive approach to functional medicine pinpointed areas of my lifestyle needing modification for healing and improved daily well-being. What sets Dr. Clark apart is her belief in addressing health issues at their core, avoiding band-aid solutions for lasting change. As a medical doctor, her holistic approach instills confidence, guiding patients to optimal health with compassion and personalized care. Thanks to Dr. Clark, I’m on a path to healing, feeling better than I have in years. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking a doctor who truly listens and cares about their well-being.”
-31 year old female
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Currently seeing patients of all ages virtually in Pennsylvania & Delaware
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