Dr. Raquel Michel, MD

Dr. Raquel Michel, MD is an Internal Medicine Physician practicing at IO Medical in Winter Park, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Internal Medicine care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to creating comprehensive preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing complex adult diseases to ensure optimal long-term health. Internists are your primary partners in lifelong health, ensuring your overall wellness. She serves adults (18 years and older) and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (407) 987-2912 to schedule.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Dr. Michel graduated from medical school in 2005 and completed her internship and residency training in Internal Medicine in New York City. With over a decade of experience in both primary care and hospitalist fields in Orlando, FL, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. Dr. Michel is Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine, and has recently opened her private practice, IO Medical, with her husband, Dr. Dioben Aquino De La Cruz, to offer Internal Medicine-Primary Care services, as well as medical weight loss management, including pre- and post-bariatric surgery management. Her rigorous medical training at recognized institutions, including an internship at Lincoln Medical And Mental Health Center in New York, and residency at the same institution, equipped her with the foundational clinical experience and specialized knowledge to provide comprehensive medical care. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons, and the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Michel's care philosophy centers on providing personalized treatments, programs, and medical guidance to help patients achieve and maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle. At IO Medical, there is a passion for food as medicine, and a belief in tailoring care approaches to individual patient needs. Dr. Raquel Michel offers consultations in Spanish.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Raquel Michel is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Raquel Michel can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Raquel Michel provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Hair Loss: Managing hair loss proactively, through lifestyle changes and medical attention when needed, can prevent further complications and preserve your overall well-being.
• Dehydration: Dehydration is often easily preventable through mindful hydration habits, protecting you from a range of health issues and improving your overall well-being.
• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Understanding your headache patterns can help identify potential underlying issues and prevent future complications.
• Gout: Early detection of gout through regular checkups with your internist can help prevent permanent joint damage and long-term disability.
• Dyslipidemia: Keeping your cholesterol and other fats in your blood within a healthy range is vital for preventing heart disease and other serious health problems, so regular monitoring and timely intervention are essential.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Understanding your risk factors for UTIs, such as sexual activity or anatomical factors, allows for proactive steps to reduce your chances of developing one.
• Sarcoidosis: Managing sarcoidosis effectively through consistent medical care can help minimize its impact on your lungs, heart, and other organs, improving your overall quality of life and preventing serious complications.
• Joint Pain: Preventive strategies like maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can significantly reduce your risk of developing painful joint conditions.
• Lipid Disorders: Unhealthy cholesterol and fat levels increase your risk of heart disease and stroke; proactive management through diet and medication can significantly lower this risk.
• Hypertension: Hypertension often has no symptoms, highlighting the importance of proactive blood pressure monitoring to catch it early and reduce long-term health risks.
• Viral Infection: Preventing viral infections starts with practicing good hygiene and getting recommended vaccinations to avoid serious complications.
• Torticollis: Understanding the causes of torticollis and implementing preventive measures, such as proper posture and ergonomic adjustments, is key to maintaining neck health.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Raquel Michel offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): As a key part of your comprehensive health assessment, an arterial blood gas test helps your doctor assess your body's acid-base balance and identify potential problems affecting your breathing or metabolism.
• Care Coordination for Complex Conditions and Procedures: Ensure seamless transitions between specialists and treatments for your chronic conditions, preventing gaps in care and improving your health.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Taking proactive steps for your heart health starts with an EKG, a quick and painless test that screens for irregular heartbeats and other heart conditions.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: A simple fecal occult blood test helps detect hidden blood in your stool, allowing for early detection of potentially life-threatening colorectal cancer.
• Immunization Administration: Regular immunizations strengthen your body's defenses, reducing your risk of contracting contagious diseases.
• Tuberculosis Screening: Ensure your well-being and the safety of those around you with a tuberculosis screening; early detection is key to managing this infectious disease.
• Allergy Shots for Insect Stings: Protecting yourself from potentially fatal reactions is easy – allergy shots offer a proactive approach to managing insect sting allergies.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Internal Medicine Physicians in Florida.

Dr. Raquel Michel is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Adult Patient's life:

• By addressing potential causes and implementing a proactive hair-loss management plan, a patient regained confidence and a sense of well-being, demonstrating that early intervention can significantly improve quality of life.
• By consistently tracking fluid intake and adjusting their daily routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of dehydration-related health issues, fostering a greater sense of well-being.
• By understanding their headache patterns and working with a healthcare professional, a patient identified potential triggers and successfully reduced the frequency and severity of their headaches, improving their quality of life.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Internal Medicine care with Dr. Raquel Michel:

What is an Internist, and how are they different from a Family Physician?

An internist, like Dr. Michel, is a primary care doctor who specializes in adult health. While family physicians care for patients of all ages, internists have extensive training in diagnosing and treating the wide range of conditions affecting adults.

How does Dr. Raquel Michel manage patients with multiple chronic conditions?

Dr. Michel excels at managing patients with multiple chronic conditions. She acts as the quarterback of your healthcare team, coordinating care with specialists, optimizing medication regimens, and focusing on your overall well-being.

What is your approach to preventive care for adults?

Dr. Michel's practice emphasizes a personalized, evidence-based approach to preventive care, partnering with patients to minimize health risks and promote healthy aging. This includes key screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancers (colorectal, breast, prostate), tailored to individual needs and risk factors. We work together to create a plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.

What is COPD, and how is it managed?

COPD is a common lung disease, often related to smoking, that makes breathing difficult. Management focuses on preventing flare-ups with inhaler medications, providing oxygen when needed, and encouraging pulmonary rehabilitation.

How do you approach medication management, especially for patients on many prescriptions?

Dr. Michel's practice employs a careful and thorough approach to medication management, regularly reviewing all medications (polypharmacy management) to identify potential interactions, eliminate unnecessary prescriptions, and create the simplest, most effective treatment plan possible.

What vaccinations are important for older adults?

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a key strategy for preventing serious illness in older adults. High-dose flu shots, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumonia vaccines (like Prevnar 20 or Vaxneuvance and Pneumovax 23) are especially important to protect against complications. These vaccines significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and other health problems.

Can you help manage my type 2 diabetes?

Yes, Dr. Michel's practice offers comprehensive type 2 diabetes management, including regular A1c monitoring, medication (oral or insulin), and counseling on diet and exercise to prevent long-term complications like eye, kidney, and nerve damage.

Do I need a cholesterol test, and what do the numbers mean?

Cholesterol screening is crucial for preventing heart disease and stroke. Dr. Michel will order the test and thoroughly explain the results (LDL, HDL, triglycerides) and their implications for your personal risk.

IO Medical
320 N Edinburgh Dr Ste B
Winter Park FL 32792
Phone: (407) 987-2912

Dr. Raquel Michel, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1033488481

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Internal Medicine Physicians like Dr. Raquel Michel are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your internal medicine physician about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.