Birgit Rakel, MD, Integrative Women's Health/Family Medicine

Dr. Rakel is a leading figure in Integrative Medicine with over 18 years of clinical experience. She is head of the Women’s Health Program at the Brind Center, specializing in premenstrual syndrome (PMS), osteoporosis, menopause, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and many other women’s health issues.  Dr. Rakel’s treatment strategies combine state of the art conventional medicine with herbal and nutritional supplementation, homeopathy, and mind-body therapies. Dr. Rakel has a unique depth of professional expertise and training, having worked in a wide range of complementary and integrative medicine settings in the United States, Germany, and England, including a practice at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital.

Dr. Rakel is board certified in Family Practice and she is an instructor in family medicine and emergency medicine at Jefferson Medical College.  She is a graduate of the University of Arizona Integrative Medicine onsite training program, which is directed by integrative medicine pioneer Dr. Andrew Weil.  She also completed the University of Arizona’s two year certification program in Integrative Medicine as a Bravewell Fellow.  Dr. Rakel has published peer-reviewed articles, given numerous lectures and workshops, and recently co-edited a book on healthy approaches to aging.