About
Richard D. Lee, MD brings a distinctive depth of training and field experience to his Portola Valley family medicine practice. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Physiology and Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley in 1980. He then completed his Doctorate of Medicine at Michigan State University's Upper Peninsula Program in 1988. His internship and residency in Family Practice both took place at Stanford University Family Practice at San Jose Medical Center, where the program recognized him as the first resident recipient of the Star Physician Award for Excellence in Patient Care in 1989. He holds the Diplomate credential from the American Board of Family Practice. Stanford later honored him with its Family Medicine Teaching Excellence Award in 2001.
Dr. Lee's career extends well beyond clinic walls. He served as Base Camp Physician for the National Geographic and North Face Millennium Everest Expedition in 1999. He co-founded Project Swasthya, a comprehensive medical and surgical earthquake relief program in Gujarat, India in 2001. He also consults for expedition, wilderness travel, and disaster medicine, and serves as a medical consultant to California Explorer Search and Rescue. His care philosophy focuses on maximizing quality of life through prevention, nutrition, and lifestyle mentoring for patients of all ages. Outside medicine, he enjoys cycling, skiing, kayaking, motor sports, equestrian events, and developing medical software.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of California, Berkeley, BA in Physiology and Public Health (1980)
Medical School
Michigan State University, Upper Peninsula Program, Doctorate of Medicine (1988)
Residency
Stanford University Family Practice at San Jose Medical Center, Family Practice Residency (1989-1991)
Additional Training
Internship: Stanford University Family Practice at San Jose Medical Center (1988-1989)
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Lee right for?
Dr. Lee is a strong fit for adults and children who want a prevention-first approach to their health. Patients managing chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, or diabetes benefit from his comprehensive disease management style. He works well with patients who value nutrition and lifestyle coaching as part of their care. Those who travel to remote destinations or participate in outdoor expeditions benefit from his deep expertise in travel and wilderness medicine.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Lee treats a broad range of conditions across all ages. His clinical focus includes chronic disease management, cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, and preventive care. He also provides nutrition and lifestyle mentoring to help patients optimize long-term health.
Yes. Dr. Lee holds the Diplomate credential from the American Board of Family Practice. He earned this certification after completing his internship and residency at Stanford University Family Practice at San Jose Medical Center.
Dr. Lee earned his Doctorate of Medicine at Michigan State University's Upper Peninsula Program in 1988. He then completed both his internship and residency at Stanford University Family Practice at San Jose Medical Center, finishing in 1991.
Yes. His residency program selected him as the first resident recipient of the Star Physician Award for Excellence in Patient Care in 1989. Stanford later honored him with its Family Medicine Teaching Excellence Award in 2001.
Dr. Lee has extensive experience in expedition and wilderness medicine. He served as Base Camp Physician for the National Geographic and North Face Millennium Everest Expedition in 1999. He also consults on expedition, wilderness travel, and disaster medicine, and serves as a medical consultant to California Explorer Search and Rescue.
Dr. Lee maintains hospital affiliations with Stanford Medical Center and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. These affiliations support continuity of care for his patients across a range of clinical settings.
Yes. Dr. Lee cares for patients of all ages, including children. His family medicine training and philosophy focus on maximizing quality of life through prevention and lifestyle mentoring for every stage of life.
Dr. Lee centers his practice on disease prevention, nutrition, and lifestyle mentoring. Through the MDVIP Wellness Program Plus, he conducts advanced cognitive, cardiovascular, and metabolic testing. His goal is to help each patient maximize their long-term quality of life.
Doctor profile last updated March 21, 2026