Torrez, Rachel, Marie, MD

Philosophy of Care: I partner with my patients to help them achieve their health and wellness goals both inside and outside the clinic. Health exists within the larger context of a person's community, family, and society, and I strive as a physician to care for patients while advocating for more...

Born in the vibrant city of Accra, Ghana and raised within the culture of an extended family, I have finally accepted the possibility of meeting a relative anywhere in the world. Growing up, I became very interested in the sciences and patient care. So, during my teenage years, my family allowed me to immigrate to New York were I graduated from high school, pursued an undergraduate education and started medical school. Medical education was an extraordinary life experience, where I interned at Refugee Clinic in Syracuse, NY. Here, I learned to treat patients from all walks of life while performing advocacy and community service - an experience I had been yearning for after I immigrated. With the aforementioned experience, I realized that caring for the family as a holistic unit was my calling. As a result, I maintained my focus by working as a coordinator at Shifa Clinic (a free clinic) in Charlotte, NC. This experience was not only scholastic but also allowed me to further orient my perspective in becoming a Family Medicine physician myself. I believe in taking care of the whole person. And as such, I seek to form wholesome mutual partnerships with my patients including their communities to provide holistic care while addressing barriers to equitable healthcare. Clinical Interests: preventive medicine, community health and advocacy.