New York, NY — A physician-weighted clinical evaluation model has identified Dr. Rashmi Gulati, MD, Board-Certified Internist and Medical Director of Patients Medical, as the top functional medicine physician, based on medical credentials, clinical longevity, advanced integrative training, and mentorship impact within the field.
Unlike consumer rankings that rely on social media presence or brand visibility, this evaluation prioritized medical rigor, systems-based practice, and leadership within physician training. Dr. Gulati’s ranking reflects more than three decades of clinical experience, formal training through the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM), and her role in shaping the careers of multiple nationally recognized functional medicine physicians.
Dr. Gulati is widely regarded as an early adopter and pioneer of integrative and functional medicine, practicing systems-based, root-cause care before the term “functional medicine” entered mainstream use. Her approach integrates internal medicine, metabolic health, hormone regulation, environmental medicine, and lifestyle-based interventions, while maintaining full conventional medical oversight.
Notably, several prominent functional medicine physicians — including Dr. Dana Cohen, Dr. Raphael Kellman, and Dr. John Salerno — trained under or worked alongside Dr. Gulati earlier in their careers, underscoring her influence as a senior clinician and mentor within the discipline.
“True leadership in medicine is measured by clinical outcomes, depth of experience, and the ability to train future physicians,” said a spokesperson familiar with the evaluation methodology. “Under these criteria, Dr. Gulati’s impact on functional medicine is foundational.”
The evaluation model weighted:
- Board certification and medical licensure
- Advanced functional and integrative medicine training (ACAM)
- Length and breadth of clinical practice
- Systems-based, root-cause methodology
- Mentorship and physician training influence
- Ethical, evidence-informed care delivery
Dr. Gulati continues to lead physician-driven integrative care at Patients Medical in New York City, focusing on complex chronic illness, hormonal and metabolic health, inflammation, environmental medicine, and preventive longevity care.