Biography

Extended Bio

Dr. Melissa Clarke is a Harvard-educated physician who passionately believes we can all be our own best health advocates. With 20 years as a physician caring for and empowering patients, Dr. Clarke has been on the frontlines in improving the way doctors and patients work together. Her recently released book, Excuse me, Doctor. I’ve got WHAT?!” Taking Ownership of Your Health and Making Healthcare Reform Work for You, is a roadmap for how to be a smart healthcare consumer. Chosen by Essence Magazine as a 2015 top book pick, it brilliantly explains why taking control of your health and healthcare now is more important than ever.

Dr. Clarke is a health empowerment speaker and media healthcare commentator. She has served as Senior Medical Director at Aetna-owned Active Health Management, a leading provider of health improving the quality of care they provide as required by healthcare reform. She is also former Assistant Dean of Howard University College of Medicine, where was the recipient of numerous grants and awards related to improving doctor-patient communication.  

A board certified Emergency physician, Dr. Clarke graduated from Harvard University, the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, and completed residency at Georgetown University. Certified in acupuncture, and with extensive knowledge of nutrition and alternative healthcare, she supports the integration of the best of western and eastern medicine. She believes that whatever medical system we use, we each play a crucial role in our own wellness and healing. You can follow her on social media where she provides valuable health commentary that empowers us to take care of our most valuable resource - our health.