About
Dr. Dena Lacara earned her DO from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford. Before medical school, she completed a BSc in Pharmacy with Highest Honors at Rutgers University College of Pharmacy. Her residency in family practice took place at the Overlook Family Practice Residency Program in Summit, NJ, where she served as Chief Resident.
She holds board certification from the American Board of Family Practice and carries additional board certification in Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine. Her New Jersey pharmacy license and DEA waiver to prescribe Suboxone reflect the depth of her clinical training. Over eight years, she pursued extensive training in injectable aesthetic and laser medicine. Dr. Lacara focuses her clinical energy on preventive health, women's health, weight management, hospice and palliative care, and aesthetic medicine. She belongs to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Private Physicians, and the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine, among other professional organizations. New Jersey Monthly named her a Top Doctor in both 2014 and 2015, and Vitals recognized her with its Compassionate Doctor award in 2011 and 2013. Outside the office, she values morning and evening family time and finds equal parts therapy and challenge in The Bar Method workout.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Rutgers University, College of Pharmacy, Piscataway, NJ (BSc Pharm, with Highest Honors)
Medical School
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ (DO)
Residency
Overlook Family Practice Residency Program, Summit, NJ (Chief Resident)
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Lacara right for?
Dr. Lacara serves patients across all life stages, from children to older adults, including Medicare patients. She works especially well with patients who want a single physician to manage their primary care, chronic conditions, and preventive health together. Patients dealing with weight management, women's health concerns, or end-of-life planning benefit from her broad clinical range. Those interested in integrating aesthetic or wellness services alongside their medical care will find her practice a natural fit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Lacara treats a wide range of conditions in family medicine, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, anxiety, depression, migraines, allergies, asthma, and osteoporosis. She also manages low testosterone, prostate problems, erectile dysfunction, and PMS and menopause. Her clinical scope extends to hospice and palliative care, Suboxone treatment, and physician-supervised weight loss.
Yes. Dr. Lacara holds board certification from the American Board of Family Practice. She also carries board certification in Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine, making her one of the few primary care physicians with formal credentials in end-of-life care.
Dr. Lacara holds both a DO and a licensed pharmacist credential from Rutgers University College of Pharmacy, where she graduated with Highest Honors. That dual training gives her a deeper lens on medications, interactions, and treatment planning than most family physicians bring to practice.
Yes. Dr. Lacara spent over eight years pursuing advanced training in injectable aesthetic and laser medicine. Through The Spa at Mecca, she offers Botox, dermal fillers, KYBELLA, laser hair removal, body contouring, chemical peels, and facials. Members receive an annual complimentary aesthetics consult.
Yes. Dr. Lacara supervises physician-directed weight loss using the Ideal Protein Protocol. She also addresses underlying factors such as thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic health that can affect a patient's ability to lose weight.
Yes. Dr. Lacara holds board certification in Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine. She integrates end-of-life planning and palliative support directly into her practice, allowing patients and families to work with their own trusted physician through serious illness.
New Jersey Monthly named Dr. Lacara a Top Doctor in both 2014 and 2015. Vitals recognized her with its Compassionate Doctor award in 2011 and 2013.
Yes. Dr. Lacara holds a DEA waiver to prescribe Suboxone and incorporates addiction medicine into her clinical practice. She treats patients managing opioid dependence as part of her broader commitment to whole-person care.
Dr. Lacara integrates chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, trigger point therapy, and neurology services into her practice. Members receive annual complimentary consults in chiropractic and acupuncture. All these services are available on-site at Continuum Care at Mecca.
Doctor profile last updated March 21, 2026