About
Dr. Rachel Okabe serves as clinical lead and Assistant Medical Director at HI Direct Primary Care. She graduated from NYU Grossman School of Medicine and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn. After residency, she practiced primary care in Brooklyn before returning to Hawaii. Dr. Okabe holds board certification in Internal Medicine and additional training as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach.
Her clinical focus spans lifestyle medicine, functional medicine, and preventive care. She structures her approach around the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, giving particular attention to nutrition and whole-person wellness. She co-authored 19 peer-reviewed publications in journals including Cancer Cell and Nature Medicine. Patients consistently describe her as a physician who listens deeply and treats the whole person rather than isolated symptoms.
Education & Training
Medical School
NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Residency
Internal Medicine, NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn
Additional Training
Integrative Nutrition Health Coach training
Certifications
Who is Dr. Okabe right for?
Dr. Okabe is a strong fit for adults seeking whole-person primary care grounded in lifestyle medicine. Patients managing chronic conditions benefit from her integrative and functional medicine approach. She is particularly effective with patients who want a provider who addresses nutrition, sleep, stress, and activity alongside clinical concerns. Anyone looking for a physician who listens carefully and connects daily habits to long-term health will find her approach a natural match.
Similar Doctors Nearby
Dr. Ira ZuninMD, MPH
Internal MedicineDr. J. Edward DeBoardMD
Internal Medicinetype 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension +1 more
Dr. Erlaine BelloMD, MS, FACP
Internal Medicineinfectious diseases, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol +2 more
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Okabe treats a broad range of adult primary care conditions. Her clinical focus includes internal medicine, preventive care, and functional medicine. She specializes in lifestyle medicine across six pillars: nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress, social connection, and avoiding risky substances. Patients with chronic conditions, metabolic concerns, or goals around long-term wellness are well-suited to her care.
Dr. Okabe takes a whole-person approach, looking beyond individual symptoms to understand the broader context of a patient's health. She integrates conventional internal medicine with lifestyle and nutritional medicine. Patients describe her as a deep listener who tailors care to each person's goals and history.
Yes. Dr. Okabe holds board certification in Internal Medicine. She also holds additional training as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, which informs her work in lifestyle and preventive medicine.
Dr. Okabe graduated from NYU Grossman School of Medicine. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn and practiced primary care in Brooklyn before returning to Hawaii.
Yes. Dr. Okabe co-authored 19 peer-reviewed publications in journals including Cancer Cell and Nature Medicine. Her research background strengthens her evidence-based approach to preventive and lifestyle medicine.
Yes. Dr. Okabe sees members via telehealth for follow-up, prescription refills, and questions that do not require an in-person visit. Members can also reach her care team directly through MyChart messaging, email, or phone between appointments.
Dr. Okabe holds training as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach alongside her board certification in Internal Medicine. She treats nutrition as a clinical tool, weaving it into care plans for chronic disease, preventive health, and long-term wellness. Patients frequently note her depth of knowledge in this area.
Doctor profile last updated October 31, 2026
