Dr. Maekal Elyasi

Dr. Maekal Elyasi is a board-certified internal medicine physician and obesity medicine specialist, with a focused expertise in medical weight loss and preventive care. He is known for delivering high-level, patient-centered care that combines clinical precision with sustainable, results-driven strategies for long-term health. As a Primary Care Physician Dr. Elyasi has built a reputation for helping patients successfully manage weight, reverse metabolic risk factors, and prevent chronic disease. His approach integrates evidence-based obesity treatment, lifestyle medicine, and personalized care plans, positioning him as a trusted leader in weight management and preventative medicine.

Academic Background

Medical School NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine

Professional Memberships

Medical Society of the State of New York

Board Certifications

Dr. Elyasi is board certified in:

Internal Medicine
Obesity Medicine

Hospital Privileges

Mount Sinai School of Medicine

North Shore Manhasset Hospital

Glen Cove Hospital

New York University Hospital

Get to Know Dr. Maekal Elyasi

Why Did You Become a Doctor?

I became a doctor because medicine was never just a career to me—it was part of who I am. I grew up in my father’s office in a small village in Iran, where he was the only doctor. From a young age, I watched him care for each patient with deep attention and compassion. It wasn’t just about treating illness; it was about truly seeing people, understanding them, and being present in their lives during moments of vulnerability.

Spending so much time in his office shaped the way I view medicine today. I saw firsthand the impact that individualized care can have—not just on physical health, but on a person’s sense of dignity and well-being. Those early experiences instilled in me a deep respect for the doctor-patient relationship and the responsibility that comes with it.

I knew from a young age that I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Medicine felt less like a choice and more like a calling. There’s a saying that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life—and for me, that is truly what practicing medicine feels like.

I am deeply grateful to be able to do what I love every day while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

What Made You Focus on Obesity?

I chose to focus on weight loss because, as a primary care physician, my goal has always been to practice true preventative medicine. Over time, it became clear that many of the conditions I was treating—cardiometabolic syndrome, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, and others—shared a common underlying driver: obesity.

Rather than managing each condition individually, I recognized the importance of addressing the root cause. By focusing on obesity management, I’m able to take a more strategic and impactful approach—helping patients not only improve existing conditions, but prevent future disease altogether.

Obesity is one of the most significant and modifiable risk factors in the United States, yet it remains an area where patients often feel vulnerable and underserved. At the same time, it is a rapidly evolving field, with meaningful advancements that allow for more personalized and effective care than ever before.

By directly addressing weight and metabolic health, we have the opportunity to reduce chronic disease burden, as well as cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, in a powerful and measurable way. For me, this work represents the intersection of prevention, innovation, and meaningful patient impact.

What Is Your Approach to Medicine?

My approach to medicine is simple: focus on prevention, treat the root cause, and build sustainable habits that last.

As a primary care physician, I saw that many conditions—diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver—stem from the same underlying issue. Instead of treating each one separately, I focus on metabolic health and weight to create real, long-term change.

On a personal level, as a Persian father living in New York, I understand how busy life can be. Between work and family, it’s not easy to prioritize your health. That’s why my approach is practical and realistic—I help patients build simple, evidence-based routines that fit into their lives.

This isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about creating lasting habits that prevent disease, improve energy, and support a healthier future.

How Would You Define Patient Care?

I define patient care as truly understanding the individual behind the diagnosis.

It means learning about each patient both clinically and personally—looking at their health quantitatively through data and labs, and qualitatively through their experiences, symptoms, and lifestyle. It’s about immersing myself in their unique needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Patient care also means knowing when to collaborate. If needed, I build a team of trusted experts to ensure the patient receives the most comprehensive and effective care possible. Ultimately, it’s a personalized, thoughtful approach centered on what each patient truly needs to achieve better health.

Do You Do Any Philanthropic Work?

Yes, I’m very involved in giving back, both within the Jewish community and beyond. I make it a priority to support individuals and families in need—whether that’s general support or specifically helping navigate medical care.

For me, medicine extends beyond the office. It’s about being available, offering guidance, and ensuring that people who may not otherwise have access to care or resources receive the support they need.

Publications

Cunha BA, Elyasi M, Singh P, Jimada I. Lyme Carditis with Isolated Left Bundle Branch Block and Myocarditis Successfully Treated with Oral Doxycycline. IDCases. 2018;11:48–50.
Elyasi M, Rambhujun V, et al. Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Is Safe Prior to Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2018.
Fe A, Valestra P, Tyagi N, Desai A, Elyasi M, et al. Distinguishing Group 1 Pulmonary Hypertension from Group 2 with Ultrasonography. Chest. 2017.
Elyasi M, Shayani S. A Novel Total Lipoprotein Electronegativity Index for Predicting Cardiometabolic Risk. Journal of Clinical Lipidology. 2014.

Medical Talks & Presentations

Successful Reduction in Heart Failure Length of Stay through Standardized Management
Oral Presentation, Heart Failure Society of America Conference (Nashville, TN, 2018)