About
Dr. Meena Kakarala brings a background in biology and anthropology to her internal medicine practice in Marietta. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Washington University in St. Louis, then completed her medical degree at the University of South Florida in 1996. Her internship followed at the University of South Florida, and she finished her Internal Medicine residency at Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix. She holds board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine and maintains licensure in Georgia.
Dr. Kakarala's undergraduate study of people and cultures shaped her approach to medicine. She believes a good doctor must first be a good listener, and she structures her schedule to give each visit room to breathe. Her clinical interests center on hypertension, thyroid disorders, and osteoporosis, and she emphasizes healthy habits as the first line of defense against chronic conditions. She serves as a preceptor for the Physician Assistant Program at Mercer University and the Nurse Practitioner Program at Georgia State University. She also mentors medical students through the Medical Association of Atlanta. com. Outside the office, she enjoys cooking, traveling, yoga, and time with her husband and three children.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Washington University, St. Louis, MO - Bachelor of Arts, Biology and Anthropology (1988)
Medical School
University of South Florida, Tampa, FL - Doctorate of Medicine (1996)
Residency
Internal Medicine, Maricopa Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ (1998-1999)
Additional Training
Internship, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL (1996-1997)
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Kakarala right for?
Dr. Kakarala is a strong fit for adults seeking a primary care physician who prioritizes prevention and chronic disease management. Patients managing hypertension, thyroid disorders, or osteoporosis benefit directly from her clinical focus. She works well with individuals who value a doctor who listens carefully and takes time during each visit. Patients who travel frequently also benefit from her travel care coordination and nationwide Medical Centers of Excellence access.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Kakarala focuses on hypertension, thyroid disorders, and osteoporosis. She also provides broad primary and preventive care for adults. She emphasizes healthy lifestyle habits as the first line of defense against chronic conditions.
Yes, Dr. Kakarala holds board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine. She also maintains active licensure in Georgia.
Dr. Kakarala earned her medical degree from the University of South Florida in 1996 and completed her internship there. She then finished her Internal Medicine residency at Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Before medical school, she studied biology and anthropology at Washington University in St. Louis.
Dr. Kakarala believes good medicine starts with listening carefully. She structures her schedule to give each appointment time to breathe. Her background in biology and anthropology informs a patient-centered perspective that considers the whole person.
Yes, Dr. Kakarala serves as a preceptor for the Physician Assistant Program at Mercer University and the Nurse Practitioner Program at Georgia State University. She also mentors medical students through the Medical Association of Atlanta.
Yes, Dr. Kakarala maintains strong relationships with specialists within both Piedmont Healthcare and Wellstar Health Systems. For complex cases requiring care beyond Marietta, she connects members with Medical Centers of Excellence nationwide.
Yes, Dr. Kakarala offers travel care coordination for members. She works with local hospitals, pharmacies, and physicians to help patients get the care they need away from home.
Doctor profile last updated March 21, 2026