About

Who We Are?

Dr. Raphael Kellman is a visionary healer and a pioneer in functional medicine. He spearheaded the new field of microbiome medicine which is revolutionizing the science of medicine. Dr. Kellman’s ability to see the deeper causes and connect the seemingly unrelated dots is why he has been able to help so many people. Though a medical doctor, Dr. Kellman mostly uses non-pharmacological treatments including medicinal herbs and natural compounds based on scientific research. 

The Dr. Kellman’s office is a unique healing center which combines Dr. Kellman’s broad vision of healing and keen intuition, deeper-level testing, natural treatment solutions and cutting-edge technology-based treatments. Together, these elements offer patients world-class care and the solutions they need to finally enjoy good health. 

What is foundational medicine?

Foundational Medicine is rooted in the understanding that although we have many individual systems within the body, they must work together to maintain balance, long-term health, and wellbeing. Think of the body as an orchestra, although each instrument plays an important, individual role, one-out-of-tune trumpet can ruin the entire performance. When one system is “out of tune,” it can impair the health and functionality of our entire body.

The microbiome is like the “command center” with tentacles that reach out to all the various systems, organs, and cells within our body.  This ecosystem which lives within our GI tract is involved in virtually every physiological and metabolic aspect of human health. In fact, a significant portion of our immune system resides in our gut.. Dr. Kellman approaches nearly every condition his patients deal with this concept of “Microbiome First.”

It is the medicine of the future…. today!

Historically, modern medicine has not fully appreciated the body’s own innate healing powers.  Ultimately, the goal is to let nature use its “know-how” to restore our health, with our role focused on enhancing its capacity to do so. When our body, including our microbiome, is imbalanced, the implications result in a wide number of ailments and symptoms. By focusing on healing the source of the problem, rather than the extraneous symptoms, we are able to restore the body naturally and successfully to homeostasis.

How is our approach different?

Our approach is fundamentally focused on 3 key areas:

Augment the body’s ability to heal itself

Dr. Kellman uses a variety of therapeutic herbs, botanicals and phytonutrients, nutraceuticals, and other natural compounds designed to activate and augment the body’s natural ability to heal itself.. This also includes targeted probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics which directly support the gut microbiome. Additionally, state-of-the-art technologies, IV therapies and other modalities are combined. The synergy of these treatments provide incredible curative potential.

​Distinctive way of addressing and reducing stress

It is well known that stress can have a significant detrimental effect on our overall health. In particular, chronic stress, has been shown to be a key factor in many chronic conditions. There is a direct link between the gut and the brain. The gut is directly related to the brain; the digestive tract contains its own neural network called the “enteric nervous system,” which allows for direct communication with the brain. The microbiome is vital in the production of these key neurotransmitters. Therefore, any disruption in the gut and the microbiome can directly impact our mood, stress levels, as well as cognitive function.

Although implementing stress management techniques has its place, Dr. Kellman’s approach goes beyond that. He uses advanced technologies to actually enhance our body’s autonomic nervous system to actively transition it to parasympathetic state or our state of calm and relaxation, which directly reduces stress. This is where true healing happens.

Healing all dimensions of human health

Although physical health is of paramount importance, there are factors in our life beyond these that impact our well-being. Dr. Kellman’s compassion and understanding of this facilitates discussions beyond just symptoms to include the impact of life experiences and past trauma. One of Dr. Kellman’s questions to nearly all his patients is “what is the one word that describes your childhood?” Adverse childhood experiences can have detrimental effects on health long into adulthood. Our mental, emotional, and psychological health, our need to have meaning and a purpose in life and to heal any past trauma are all part of the restorative process. 

Why is Microbiome Medicine so revolutionary?

The gut microbiome is the most important modulator of human health. Research has shown that the microbiome is the foundation of healing and human health, as its imbalance is linked to a myriad of conditions. It represents a profound shift in how we think about health, wellness, and illness in medicine.

The practice of microbiome medicine harnesses the power of the microbiome and our understanding of interactions and connections to many of the systems of the body to both improve health, as well as prevent disease. This is a revolutionary new approach to health and healing, which has completely transformed the modern approach to medicine.

Healing the microbiome is about more than just diagnosis, it is also about truly understanding how the microbiome works at a deeper level. It’s not about simply reading the results on a diagnostic test but being able to read between the lines to catch the underlying, often missed, markers of inflammation and other dysfunction.

Cultivating and helping our microbiome flourish ensures short and long-term wellness and robust health. If you heal nature’s tiny heroes within, they will heal you!

What does a healthy microbiome give you?

  • Properly functioning immune system, as 70% of the immune system is in the gut.
  • Healthy gut function, ensuring efficient digestion and assimilation of nutrients.
  • Optimal brain function and health.
  • Improved metabolism and maintenance of a healthy weight.
    Research shows that over 80% of all diseases can be tracked back to the health of the gut and our microbiome.

What are the common causes of imbalances in the microbiome?

  •  ✅ Overuse of antibiotics: although antibiotics are live-saving for people dealing with certain infections, they can also indiscriminately kill bacteria, including the beneficial balance of bacteria in our gut. We have become overly reliant on antibiotics, and our microbiome and our long-term health suffer the consequences.
  • ✅ Standard American Diet: proinflammatory foods like packaged, processed foods which contained added sugars, unhealthy fats, refined carbohydrates, and artificial additives, wreak havoc on the gut microbiome.
  • ✅ Environmental toxins and pollutants: on a daily basis we are exposed to a variety of toxins from the air we breathe, to the cleaning products we use and even the packaging of our food.

Revealing the pathways of healing.

The Dr. Kellman’s office is a little different than other medical practices. Our in-depth testing uncovers the root causes of your symptoms.

We have successfully treated tens of thousands of patients with our innovative approach to healing.

  • We use comprehensive tests to look deeper at how the interconnected systems in your body function.
  • We will most likely recommend certain tests to find out exactly  why you have the symptoms you have.
  • We find not only the condition, but the reason you’re having that condition.
  • We then recommend a treatment and supplement plan.
  • We use conventional therapy in conjunction with functional medicine to treat the entire individual.

Much of our success in treating patients comes from a deep understanding of the microbiome, the ecosystem of bacteria that inhabit the digestive system. These microorganisms are integrally entwined with all of the body’s systems, influencing many aspects of health—from immune system function to genetic expression. Often, healing the microbiome – provides a road map to long-term health.

This personalized approach to medicine is especially beneficial for patients with chronic, often unexplained diseases, as well as those with a known diagnosis who experience only partial relief with conventional medical therapy.

What is the microbiome?

The microbiome is an entire community of microorganisms which live within our gastrointestinal tract (GI), primarily in our intestines. As many as 10-100 trillion of these microbes live happily in our gut. In fact, these organisms significantly outnumber our body’s own cells and outnumber our genes at nearly 150:1.

Only now are we truly unlocking the secrets of our inner ecosystem.

Science now shows that the health of the microbiome is fundamentally connected to virtually every disease, as well as all our physiological and metabolic functions. The microbiome plays an integral role in digestion, assimilation of nutrients, optimal immune function, hormone balance, brain function and mood, as well as metabolism, weight, and much, much more. Historically bacteria have been seen as the “enemy,” however we now know that they are our greatest ally!

Bacteria are the unsung heroes of your gut.

Imbalances in the microbiome have been linked to a number of chronic conditions such as autoimmune conditions, thyroid dysfunction and other hormone imbalances, allergies and asthma, neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline, mood disorders, as well as obesity and other metabolic disorders.

What are common symptoms of microbiome imbalances?

  • Gastrointestinal symptoms (gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, etc.)
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight changes
  • Acne, rashes, eczema, or other skin conditions
  • Depression
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Headaches

Our team

Raphael Kellman, MD

Physician of Integrative and Functional Medicine

Raphael Kellman, MD, an Albert Einstein College of Medicine graduate, is a pioneer in functional medicine with a unique holistic perspective. He introduced “Microbiome Medicine” and recognized the microbiome’s pivotal role in human health long before mainstream medicine. Dr. Kellman’s expertise and use of advanced testing, like the TRH Stimulation Test for thyroid issues, have transformed the lives of many patients at the Dr. Kellman’s office.

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Lauren Sepe

Clinical Nutritionist

Lauren Pelehach Sepe, a clinical nutritionist, holds a Master of Science from the University of Bridgeport and certifications from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City and the Institute for the Psychology of Eating in Boulder, Colorado. Her 18-year corporate career inspired a transition to nutrition, driven by her own health journey. Lauren specializes in an individualized, science-based approach to optimal health and wellness for her clients.

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Alessandra Moura, RN

Foundational Aesthetic Nurse

Meet Nurse Alessandra, a trilingual healthcare professional (Portuguese, English, Spanish). She has over 15 years of experience working throughout hospitals and wellness centers. She specializes in Aesthetic Dermatology and Hair Therapy, but her true passion is helping individuals feel confident and enhance their self-esteem through holistic approaches and natural results. She continually advances her knowledge in aesthetics and integrative medicine to offer the highest level of care.​

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FAQ

What is integrative and functional medicine?

Functional medicine is a science-based healthcare approach to assess, prevent and treat complex chronic diseases. Dr. Kellman was one of the first doctors to identify the microbiome, and gut health, as primary components in overall health and wellness. Functional medicine evaluates the body as a whole with special attention to the relationship of one body system to another and the bacterial and nutrient imbalances, toxic overload, and other barriers that may adversely affect these relationships.
Most illness is chronic and almost always preceded by a lengthy period of declining function in one or more of the body’s systems. Functional medicine is a new clinical model that replaces outdated and ineffective acute-care models of health care to return patients to wellness.

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes, Dr. Raphael Kellman is accepting new patients, both in-person at our clinic in midtown Manhattan and via telemedicine from anywhere in the world.

How can I schedule an appointment?

Please call us at (212) 717-1118 and one of our patient representatives can answer your questions and schedule your appointment.
Or, you can send us a note here requesting an appointment date and time. Please include your telephone number so that we can contact you.