Biography
Dr. Rakitina is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician who blends evidence-based care with a personal, relationship-driven approach to medicine. She believes the best care comes from truly knowing her patients, not just treating their symptoms
After earning a dual M.D. and Master of Science in Genomic Medicine degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine — a highly selective program combining clinical training with the study of genomics — Dr. Rakitina completed her Internal Medicine residency at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. She spent the years that followed working as a hospitalist, treating patients with serious acute illnesses. That experience continues to shape the depth she brings to primary care today
With a research background in genomics, transplant immunology, and urology, Dr. Rakitina brings a scientifically rigorous, evidence-driven mindset to patient care. She has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and previously worked with the ABC News Medical Unit, verifying and communicating medical research to the public. She’s especially drawn to complex, hard-to-pin-down cases, and enjoys helping patients understand their health in clear, practical terms
Dr. Rakitina approaches every appointment as a conversation, not a checklist — taking time to understand what her patients want out of their care and building a plan around it together. She wants patients to leave every visit knowing exactly what’s next, and feeling like a true partner in their own health
Dr. Rakitina is fluent in Russian and is a certified medical interpreter
Medical School
MD – University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Residency
Internal Medicine – NYU Langone Health Manhattan
Languages Spoken
Russian
Board Certifications
Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine
Insurances Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
CIIPA-NSLIJHS
Connecticare (applies to services rendered in NYS for Connecticare Commercial members ONLY)
Emblem (GHI) except for Emblem Millennium Network for all lines of business
Emblem (HIP) except Emblem Reserve (VIP Reserve) Medicare Plan
Empire BCBS except EBCBS Medicaid HMO, HealthPlus HMO and Empire MediBlue HealthPlus Select (HMO)
Medicare
Railroad Medicare (Palmetto)
Humana Medicare
MagnaCare
Northwell Direct
Oxford Plans except Oxford Metro
UHC Plans except UHC Core, UHC Charter Networks and Community Plan
UnitedHealthcare NYS Empire Plan (NYSHIP)SELRES_0.39316359407342394SELRES_0.39316359407342394