Dr. Deborah ZarekMD, FACP, DIPABLM

Internal Medicine

at Progressive Health Project — Wilmington, DE

About

Dr. Deborah Zarek trained at George Washington School of Medicine and completed her Internal Medicine residency at Christiana Care Health Center in Delaware. She holds board certification in Internal Medicine and earned her Diplomate status from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine in November 2022. She also holds Fellowship in the American College of Physicians.

Dr. Zarek received the Delaware Young Physician of the Year award in 2007 for her leadership and dedication to the profession. She chaired the Young Physician Section of the Medical Society of Delaware for four years. In 2014, the Delaware Chapter of the American College of Physicians honored her with the Leonard P. Lange Award. Delaware Today magazine has recognized her as one of the top physicians in Geriatric Medicine. She has deep interests in lifestyle and preventive medicine and enjoys hiking, kickboxing, and cooking plant-based food. She provides clinical leadership for all services at Progressive Health Project.

Education & Training

Medical School

George Washington School of Medicine

Residency

Internal Medicine, Christiana Care Health Center

Additional Training

Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP); Diplomate, American College of Lifestyle Medicine (November 2022)

Certifications

Board Certified in Internal Medicine
Board Certified by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (November 2022)
Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP)

Conditions Treated

type 2 diabetes
hypertension
heart disease
hypercholesterolemia
thyroid disorders
asthma
COPD
peripheral artery disease

Who is Dr. Zarek right for?

Dr. Zarek is a strong fit for adults who want preventive, lifestyle-driven primary care. Patients managing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension benefit from her whole-person approach. Older adults seeking geriatric-informed primary care will find her experience well-matched to their needs. Patients motivated to make lasting dietary and lifestyle changes connect well with her clinical philosophy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Zarek specializes in Internal Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, and Preventive Medicine. She holds board certification in both Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine. Her clinical focus centers on using evidence-based lifestyle interventions to prevent and manage chronic disease.

Yes, Dr. Zarek holds board certification in Internal Medicine and earned her Diplomate status from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine in November 2022. She also holds Fellowship in the American College of Physicians.

Dr. Zarek earned her medical degree from George Washington School of Medicine. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at Christiana Care Health Center in Delaware.

Yes, Dr. Zarek received the Delaware Young Physician of the Year award in 2007. The Delaware Chapter of the American College of Physicians honored her with the Leonard P. Lange Award in 2014. Delaware Today magazine also names her among the top physicians in Geriatric Medicine.

Dr. Zarek sees adult patients across a broad range of primary care needs. She has particular experience with older adults and patients managing chronic conditions. Her preventive and lifestyle medicine focus appeals to patients who want to address root causes, not just symptoms.

Yes, lifestyle medicine is central to how Dr. Zarek practices. She draws on evidence around nutrition, physical activity, and behavior change to help patients prevent and reverse chronic disease. A whole foods plant-based diet plays a significant role in her clinical recommendations.

Dr. Zarek provides clinical leadership for all services at Progressive Health Project. She works alongside Dr. David Donohue and Dr. Jayshree Tailor as part of a three-physician team committed to lifestyle-driven care.

Doctor profile last updated March 21, 2026