About
Dr. Michael Skardasis grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Georgia in Athens. He went on to complete his medical degree at Emory University School of Medicine. He initially pursued a surgical career, but after two years of surgical training, he redirected his focus to internal medicine. His residency at Grady Memorial Hospital became, by his own account, like a second home. He also completed additional training at the Atlanta VA Medical Center, Emory University, and Emory University Midtown Hospital.
Board-certified in internal medicine, Dr. Skardasis brings more than 25 years of clinical experience to his patients. He worked at the Kaufmann Clinic across its Woodstock and Midtown locations and spent over 12 years at North Georgia Internal Medicine. He also served as a hospitalist at WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta. Patients in Woodstock know him as the doctor who takes his patients off medicine. He uses lifestyle change, nutrition, and exercise to reduce or eliminate medications. He holds certification as a USCIS civil surgeon for immigration physicals and serves as a health coach for weight loss patients. His clinical passions include longevity, metabolic health, diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disease, fatigue, and mental health. He wants every patient to maintain clarity, vitality, and independence as they age.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of Georgia, Athens, B.S.
Medical School
Emory University School of Medicine
Residency
Internal Medicine, Grady Memorial Hospital
Additional Training
Atlanta VA Medical Center; Emory University; Emory University Midtown Hospital (additional training); two years of surgical training prior to switching to internal medicine
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Skardasis right for?
Dr. Skardasis is an excellent fit for adults in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond who want to manage or prevent chronic disease. Patients dealing with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, or stubborn weight concerns benefit from his thorough, lifestyle-first approach. He works especially well with patients who want to reduce their reliance on medications. Those seeking a physician who addresses nutrition, sleep, stress, and metabolic health alongside clinical care will find his model well-suited to their goals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Skardasis focuses on diabetes, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, hypothyroidism, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and weight management. He also addresses metabolic health, sleep quality, stress regulation, and nutrition as core components of care. His clinical interests extend to longevity and chronic disease prevention.
Yes. Dr. Skardasis holds board certification in internal medicine. He earned his medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine and completed his residency at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.
Dr. Skardasis works to reduce or eliminate medications wherever possible through lifestyle change, nutrition, and exercise. His goal is to address the root causes of conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Many patients achieve meaningful improvements that allow them to stop or reduce their prescriptions under his guidance.
Yes. Dr. Skardasis functions as a health coach for weight loss patients. He draws on his deep knowledge of nutrition and metabolic health to help patients reach their goals. His approach addresses underlying contributors to weight gain rather than relying solely on medication.
Yes. Dr. Skardasis holds certification as a USCIS civil surgeon, which qualifies him to perform the medical examinations required for Green Card and immigration status applications. He conducts these physicals at Optimal Performance Medicine in Woodstock.
Dr. Skardasis evaluates and treats anxiety and depression as part of his primary care scope. He also offers genetic testing to determine how patients metabolize depression medications. This helps him make more precise, individualized prescribing decisions.
Dr. Skardasis earned his medical degree at Emory University School of Medicine and completed his internal medicine residency at Grady Memorial Hospital. He also trained at the Atlanta VA Medical Center, Emory University, and Emory University Midtown Hospital. Earlier in his training, he spent two years in a surgical program before shifting to internal medicine.
Dr. Skardasis has more than 25 years of clinical experience in internal medicine. He spent over 12 years at North Georgia Internal Medicine and also worked as a hospitalist at WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, Georgia. He founded Optimal Performance Medicine in 2018.
Yes. Longevity is a central interest for Dr. Skardasis. His goal is not simply to add years to a patient's life but to help them preserve clarity, vitality, and independence as they age. He addresses metabolic health, nutrition, sleep, and stress as key factors in long-term well-being.
Doctor profile last updated June 9, 2026