About
Rachel Kelly, DO, MS, FACP earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame before attending Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She also holds a Master of Science in Epidemiology from Michigan State University. Her Internal Medicine residency took place at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
Dr. Kelly holds board certifications in both Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine. She is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. Before medicine, she worked as a high school teacher. After residency, she spent seven years as an academic hospitalist before serving as Program Director of an Internal Medicine Residency Program in Morganton. Dr. Kelly believes deeply in the mind-body connection. She focuses on nutrition, mental well-being, and physical health together as a complete picture. Outside the clinic, she enjoys showing her Icelandic Sheepdogs and riding her horse.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of Notre Dame
Medical School
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency
Internal Medicine, Riverside Methodist Hospital
Additional Training
MS in Epidemiology, Michigan State University
Certifications
Who is Dr. Kelly right for?
Dr. Kelly is a strong fit for adults seeking a whole-person approach to primary care. Patients managing weight, metabolic health, or chronic disease benefit from her dual board certification in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine. Her epidemiology background makes her especially effective with patients who want data-informed preventive care. Adults who value a physician willing to address nutrition and mental well-being alongside physical health will find her approach a natural match.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Kelly holds board certifications in both Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine. She is also a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. These credentials reflect her depth of training in chronic disease management, preventive care, and weight-related health conditions.
Dr. Kelly takes a whole-person approach grounded in the mind-body connection. She focuses on nutrition, mental well-being, and physical health together. Her goal is to move beyond medication-only solutions and work with patients on broader health goals.
Dr. Kelly attended Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine for her medical degree. She also earned a Master of Science in Epidemiology from Michigan State. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
Yes. Dr. Kelly holds board certification in Obesity Medicine in addition to Internal Medicine. She integrates weight and metabolic health into her broader primary care work, addressing root causes rather than treating symptoms in isolation.
Dr. Kelly sees adult patients across a range of primary care needs. She has particular depth in internal medicine, preventive care, and obesity medicine. She works well with patients who want a physician engaged in their long-term health, not just acute concerns.
Dr. Kelly spent seven years as an academic hospitalist after residency and then served as Program Director of an Internal Medicine Residency Program in Morganton. She joined the Hickory area medical community before co-founding Emerald Health DPC in 2021.
Yes. Before attending medical school, Dr. Kelly worked as a high school teacher. That background informs her patient-centered communication style and her ability to explain complex health topics clearly.
Doctor profile last updated March 29, 2026