Karen Richardson, MD
As the Medical Director of OptimalMD, Dr. Karen A. Knolle Richardson brings unparalleled expertise and a profound understanding of healthcare to our team. With over twenty years in emergency medicine and family practice, Dr. Richardson champions a holistic approach that integrates the principles of functional medicine with comprehensive primary care.
Dr. Richardson embarked on her distinguished medical career after earning her M.D. from McGovern Medical School, previously known as the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. She completed her residency at the Memorial Family Practice Residency Program, where she also excelled as Chief Resident. Her journey continued at Sugar Land Family Physicians, where she honed her skills in family medicine, marking the start of a highly successful career.
Throughout her extensive career, Dr. Richardson has held several pivotal roles, including a decade as President of Rose-Rich EM Physicians, a democratic partnership comprising nine partners and 21 physicians. This role saw her expertly juggling administrative duties with a full-time clinical practice, showcasing her versatility and unwavering commitment to healthcare.
For 14 years, Dr. Richardson also served as Assistant Medical Director at OakBend Medical Center, further enhancing her administrative and clinical expertise.
At OptimalMD, Dr. Richardson applies her comprehensive knowledge and vast clinical experience to refine our patient-centered, innovative healthcare services. Her passion for identifying and addressing the root causes of diseases aligns seamlessly with our mission.
On a personal note, Dr. Richardson’s empathy for patients is deepened by her own family's health challenges, including battles with brain cancer, eosinophilic duodenitis, and Celiac disease. These personal experiences have reinforced her commitment to delivering exemplary medical care that is both scientifically sound and emotionally supportive.
Her leadership was particularly instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which she provided vital, uncompensated care. Dr. Richardson’s dedication to functional and integrative healthcare, enriched by her comprehensive experience, uniquely positions her to lead OptimalMD in transforming the healthcare landscape for our patients.
Clifton Thomas, MD
Dr. Clifton Thomas is a distinguished Functional Medicine Doctor who brings a wealth of expertise to the realm of holistic healthcare. As a board-certified General Surgeon, Dr. Thomas blazed a trail in the field by becoming the first to complete a mini-fellowship in Bariatric Surgery through Southwestern Medical School back in 1999.
Dr. Thomas embarked on his career journey as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Marshall University in West Virginia, where he honed his surgical skills and passion for patient well-being. Recognizing the transformative potential of minimally invasive laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery, he later transitioned into private practice, dedicating his efforts to this groundbreaking approach.
What sets Dr. Thomas apart is his relentless pursuit of knowledge and his unwavering commitment to patient health. He has undertaken numerous advanced courses in nutrition and behavioral change, positioning himself as a leading figure in the field of Functional Medicine.
Dr. Thomas is celebrated for his surgical precision and his ability to simplify complex health journeys. Often, nurses inquire, "Why do your patients undergoing weight loss surgery fare so remarkably well, experiencing minimal post-operative complications, pain, and nausea?" Dr. Thomas's response is consistently enlightening: "It's the accumulation of countless small adjustments and attentions to detail that make the difference."
With Dr. Clifton Thomas as your trusted Functional Medicine Doctor, you can expect a compassionate, knowledgeable, and holistic approach to your health, where the "little things" truly add up to significant improvements in your well-being.
Lindsay Blaha, PA-C
With an expansive 18-year career spanning across a range of medical disciplines, Lindsey is a valued member of the OptimalMD team. As a certified Physician Assistant, she carries a wealth of knowledge and experience into every patient interaction.
Graduating with a Bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri-St Louis in 2000, Lindsey pursued further specialization, achieving her Master's of Medical Science from the University of St Louis in 2004. Since then, she has dedicated her professional life to understanding the human body's intricacies and providing top-quality medical care.
Lindsey's work history is a testament to her versatility and dedication. She has practiced in Pediatric and Adult Orthopedic Surgery, honed her skills in Family Practice and Primary Care, and ventured into the realms of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement and Wellness.
At OptimalMD, Lindsey combines her extensive experience with her steadfast commitment to patient wellness. Her deep understanding of functional medicine, paired with her unwavering commitment to patient-centric care, allows her to effectively address our patients' unique healthcare needs. Lindsey is passionate about empowering individuals on their journey to optimal health, reinforcing our collective mission at OptimalMD.
Michael Hack, LCSW
Michael Hack is a seasoned Chief Psychological Expert and Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Specialist, boasting significant experience in direct healthcare services and leadership roles. He serves as the driving force behind Corporate & Family Counseling, PLLC (CFC), where he provides tailored health consultations, expert assessments, and counseling services for individuals, couples, and families. His career highlights encompass managing Global Behavioral Health for a Fortune-5 company's Corporate Worldwide Operations and holding the position of CEO at a prominent New York-based Employee Assistance Company, offering training and consultation services to both public and private sectors. Furthermore, Michael has served as the Chief Psychological Expert on Relapse Prevention for a New York County Bureau for Children & Families, as well as for the NYC Police Department following the events of 9/11. With academic qualifications including a Master of Social Work from New York University and a Post-Masters Certification in Clinical Practice from Adelphi University's Doctoral Program, along with accreditations as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Advanced Clinical Practice credentials and a Credentialed Substance Abuse Professional, Michael brings a wealth of expertise to his work. He actively engages with national and international clinical and business groups and is a sought-after speaker on topics related to behavioral health, productivity, and relapse prevention. With his extensive background and commitment to improving mental well-being, Michael Hack is dedicated to providing comprehensive functional medicine services to support your health journey.