My journey in medicine began long before medical school, shaped by a childhood that bridged two distinct medical philosophies.
Growing up as the son of a Western-trained physician who deeply understood Eastern medical traditions gave me a unique lens through which to view healthcare — one that continues to influence my approach to patient care today.
Early Influences and Understanding
My father’s story is particularly fascinating. Raised by his grandparents in Korea, including his grandfather, who was an herbalist, he developed an early appreciation for traditional Eastern healing practices. Later, as a Western-trained GP (general practitioner), he maintained this connection to Eastern medical philosophy, even becoming a licensed acupuncturist.
I witnessed firsthand how my father’s broader understanding of healing traditions enhanced his Western medical practice. For over 35 years, he served diverse communities in suburban Maryland and Washington, D.C., bringing a distinctive approach to their healthcare needs. While operating entirely within his scope as a Western physician, his understanding of Eastern medical principles gave him insights many of his colleagues lacked.
My father’s unique approach was profound. In our community, patients often shared how other doctors had been pessimistic about their condition, but my father, drawing on his knowledge of both Western and Eastern medicine, was able to find treatment options that others might have overlooked.
The Journey to Western Medicine
Inspired by my father’s impact, I pursued my own path in medicine.
My journey began at Howard University in Washington, D.C., a renowned institution known for its commitment to training culturally competent healthcare professionals, where I received rigorous clinical training while serving underserved communities. After completing medical school, I completed my family residency training at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, chosen in part because I’d married an amazing Texan, but also because the program aligned perfectly with my values, focusing on comprehensive, community-oriented care for underserved populations.
My career has taken me from community clinics serving underinsured populations in Austin to temporary positions in Maui and eventually to leading a hybrid urgent care/primary care facility in Westlake. In July 2023, I opened my own concierge practice, bringing with me all the experiences and perspectives I’d gathered along the way.
My Health Journey
My own health experiences also inform my perspective on integrative approaches.
Living with several chronic health conditions, I’ve had to make careful choices about my treatment path. While I know firsthand that Western medications can be highly effective for my conditions — and I use them when necessary — I’ve also found value in incorporating other evidence-based lifestyle approaches to manage my health.
I often share the “progress, not perfection” philosophy with my practice’s members. This applies whether someone is following a purely Western treatment plan or incorporating complementary approaches. Small, consistent improvements in areas like nutrition, sleep, stress management, and exercise can have profound effects on overall health — a fact both Eastern and Western medical traditions recognize.

A Unique Approach to Care
While I practice Western medicine exclusively, my early exposure to Eastern medical traditions has given me a unique perspective many Western-trained physicians may not share. This understanding allows me to better support patients who wish to incorporate complementary approaches into their healthcare journey.
From my vantage point as a Western physician who understands Eastern healing philosophies, I’ve observed that conventional medical training can sometimes lead doctors to rely heavily on pharmacological solutions. While medications are invaluable tools in modern medicine — and ones I use in my practice — I recognize they aren’t always the complete answer to every health challenge.
My background helps me appreciate patients’ interest in exploring options like herbal remedies, acupuncture, or functional movement alongside Western medical treatment. While I don’t provide these services myself, I am open to engaging in informed discussions about these choices. I understand their potential value and can help patients consider how to integrate them safely with their Western medical care.
Every individual’s path to health is unique. My role is to provide excellent Western medical care while supporting members who wish to incorporate other evidence-based approaches into their healthcare journey. Combining rigorous Western medical practice and a respectful understanding of other healing traditions allows me to better serve members looking for a more integrative approach to their health.
At Emmanuel J. Lee M.D., we believe in meeting our members where they are and supporting their health goals with medical expertise and understanding. Let’s discuss how our approach might benefit your health journey.
