About
Dr. Valerie Pershad is a board-certified internal medicine physician and functional medicine specialist who co-founded OptumMD alongside Dr. Espinosa. Her practice focuses on personalized, lifestyle-driven medicine that integrates traditional internal medicine with functional medicine to identify root causes of illness and improve long-term health outcomes. She emphasizes preventative care, individualized treatment plans, and collaborative patient relationships designed to help individuals take a proactive role in their health.
Dr. Pershad received her medical degree from George Washington University and completed her residency in internal medicine at North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New York. She is also certified by the Institute of Functional Medicine and incorporates lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and preventive care strategies into her concierge practice to support long-term wellness and longevity.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
B.A. in Metropolitan Studies, Pre-Medicine, New York University, New York, NY
Medical School
M.D., George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Residency
Internal Medicine, North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center (Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell)
Additional Training
Certified Health Coach, The Institute of Integrative Nutrition
Certifications
Languages
English
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Pershad right for?
Dr. Pershad is a strong fit for adults who want a thorough, root-cause approach to their health. Patients managing chronic conditions, metabolic concerns, or complex symptoms benefit from her blend of internal and functional medicine. She works well with individuals who want a proactive, preventive strategy rather than reactive care. Those interested in lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and long-term wellness planning will find her approach a natural match.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Pershad specializes in internal medicine, functional medicine, and preventive medicine. She blends these disciplines to build personalized care plans focused on root-cause investigation and long-term health. Her work emphasizes lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and proactive strategies tailored to each patient.
Yes. Dr. Pershad holds board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine. She also carries certification from the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFMCP) and a Health Coach certification from The Institute of Integrative Nutrition.
D. C. She completed her internal medicine residency at North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center, affiliated with the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
Dr. Pershad takes a personalized, lifestyle-driven approach. She combines internal medicine diagnostics with functional medicine tools to identify the root causes of illness. She emphasizes preventive care, individualized treatment plans, and building collaborative relationships that help patients take an active role in their health.
Dr. Pershad sees adults seeking thorough, preventive primary care. Her functional medicine background makes her especially effective with patients who have complex or chronic health concerns that benefit from deeper investigation. She also works well with patients focused on longevity, metabolic health, and lifestyle optimization.
Yes. Dr. Pershad integrates nutrition and lifestyle medicine into her treatment plans as core components, not add-ons. Her Health Coach certification from The Institute of Integrative Nutrition supports this approach. OptumMD also has Registered Dietitian Emily Razza on staff for Medical Nutrition Therapy.
Doctor profile last updated March 21, 2026