About
Bio
I'm an MD, PhD specializing in Nutrition and Disease Prevention. I am able to assist patients with a wide range of Urgent Care needs, e.g., illnesses, infections, injuries, or immunizations, and help manage many common conditions and provide a variety of wellness and screening recommendations, incl. laboratory test interpretation. I am also available to answer questions regarding obesity and weight loss. I am a member of the American Medical Association, an elected Fellow of the American College of Nutrition, and have published extensively on the effect of Diet on Cancer Treatment and Prevention.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
General Practice
Internal Medicine
Urgent Care
Licenses
United States: Georgia, Tennessee
Languages spoken
Arabic
Doctor Q&A
63 Answers
48 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 21-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Ear malady: This could be due to a multitude of ear-related conditions (such as an inner ear or ear canal infection). This may also be due to inflammation of the ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
732 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Stop shaving...: ... practice good skin hygiene and skin preparation prior to shaving, buy new razors, clean and store your razors properly (on a dry surface, not in t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
UTI/STD: Your symptoms, as described, sound like a Urinary Tract Infection or Sexually Transmitted Disease. Are you sexually active? Regardless, you will need ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Time heals...: ... and so does an air freshener! ;) Seriously though, foul-smelling flatulence may persist following infectious diarrheal illness until the mucosal l... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Total vs. Fat kcal: On food labels, "calories" stands for total kcal obtained from fat, 9 kcal/g, carbohydrates, 4 kcal/g, protein, 4 kcal/g, and/or alcohol, 7 kcal/g. "C... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old male asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Ignore: Always be available for advice. College students experience great change & growth, mentoring helps!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
311 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Watch for symptoms!: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is an extremely contagious infection that does not require sexual contact to be passed from one person to another. If you n... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
260 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Sinusitis: Your symptoms of sinusitis may be due to allergies or viruses, or more rarely, bacteria. Initial treatment can be relieved with a daily non-sedating a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
337 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
See a doctor: You may have viral (or bacterial) gastroenteritis. Considering the amount of watery diarrhea you have passed, I highly recommend evalu... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Normal BMI 18.5-24.9: BMI Definition:
Your weight (in kilograms) over your height squared (in centimeters). There are many online tools to help you calculate this. Simply g... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
361 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Unlikely: The "morning after pill", or levonorgestrel, is a progestin that alters transport of ova or sperm preventing ovulation or fertilization, and alters th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old male asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Talk to your doctor!: Brugada syndrome is a relatively common familial arrhythmia syndrome found in patients presenting with syncope or sudden cardiac arrest. It is VERY un... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Likely UTI-related: UTIs may cause some protein and/or blood in the urine. And you may already have a baseline level of kidney damage from your type 1 diabetes. Get a uri... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 57-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Correct: Unstable angina is an acute coronary syndrome defined by the absence of myocardial damage. Coronary artery disease is usually present, but blockages d... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old male asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Invest: Invest in a quality mattress and sleep in a dark, cool room. Tired? Sleep early, don't sleep in!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Any HSV symptoms?: Brief and superficial contact carries LOW risk (versus NO risk). Contact with HSV that is clinically significant would result in symptoms (and usually... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
331 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old male asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Must be STD tested!: Any sexual contact will place you at high risk for STD transmission. And if the patient has active lesions (may be difficult to see during sexual enco... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
699 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
No known interaction: There are no significant drug-drug interactions found or known when taking Ondansetron and Propranolol together. However, as with all medications, cau... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
699 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A male asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
See a doctor!: Falls are notorious for causing MSKL injuries and puncture wounds are high risk for infection. I strongly recommend presenting to a doctor for a thoro... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
ADAA.org: Excellent question and THANK YOU for having the courage to ask for help. Many people suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder, defined as chronic, exc... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Steroid nasal spray: Allergic rhinitis is defined as nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy nose/palate/eyes with a pattern of allergic triggers. Allergen avoidance is key, whi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
See a doctor!: You will need an antibiotic as all open sores are susceptible to infection. In particular, an open sore on any part of your oropharynx (incl. lips). P... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Yes.. and No.: Thank you for asking, this is a very common question. Both terms are interchangeable, however, the term sexually transmitted infection is broader and ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Antibiotics: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by microorganisms, such as bacteria. Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment and are usually produced by ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Folliculitis: Sounds like you have folliculitis, which is an infection of one or more of the pockets from which hair grows (follicles). Usually, these are caused by... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Endocrine Disorder: Spontaneous growth spurts in adults is abnormal. Normal human growth ceases by the time we reach 18-20 yo, when the growth plate in our long bones clo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 50-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Pest control: Sounds like you have a pest infestation problem that can lead to multiple health problems, incl. but not limited to, cellulitis (subcutaneous skin inf... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Not normal: This is a common complaint seen in the urgent care center. If your foot or ankle is still hurting after 1 month, it is likely fractured and missed on ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Second Opinion: I'm sorry to hear that you're having abdominal pain AND diagnosis concerns. Have you expressed your concerns to your current GI doctor? If so, it soun... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A male asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Salicylic Acid 2%: Per Neutrogena product description: the side of the pad that is textured is what you would use to cut through oil and waxy plugs. But be careful, in a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 56-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Online: You may do a quick google search for Orthopedic or Urgent Care centers online for a provider near you who may help. Otherwise, call your insurance pro... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
634 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A male asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Physical Exam: If there has been NO known trauma to the area, a physical exam (+/- labs/imaging) by a qualified physician will be necessary to rule out any possible ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
732 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Not necessarily: Have you been taking OCPs regularly? If so, and when taken correctly, OCPs are up to 99.9% effective. Missing one dose or taking 1 dose 6 hr late simp... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old male asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Get up and exercise!: Mild abdominal pain and cramping with a large obese abdomen is a sign that your diet and/or lifestyle is horrible and in need of a major overhaul. Fur... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
It depends...: ... have you been sexually active? Are you using any forms of birth control? To answer your question: NO, missing a menstrual cycle does NOT automatic... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
See your doctor!: Pain with urination and groin pain could be something easily treatable to something very serious. It is difficult to assess exactly what is going on w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
331 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 51-year-old male asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
NO!: As a general rule, do NOT drink alcohol while taking medications (either Rx or OTC). You must ensure you are drinking adequate amounts of water while ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
699 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Viral Infection: Your symptoms indicate you may have a viral infection. Viruses are frequently implicated in the symptoms you're describing. Viral gastritis means a vi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
135 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old male asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Non-specific: Colorectal cancer symptoms are non-specific. Patients may present with bloody stools, unexplained weight loss, and/or decreased appetite, while some p... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 16-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Folliculitis: Sounds like you have folliculitis, which is an infection of one or more of the pockets from which hair grows (follicles). Usually, these are caused by... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Vaginal Candidiasis: Sounds like your OTC treatment for vaginal candidiasis (i.e., yeast infection) has NOT been effective. You will need to present to your PCP or OB/Gyn ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A male asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Incomplete Treatment: An ear infection can be internal (otitis media) or external (otitis externa). The medications Rx and strategies used to treat these 2 types of ear inf... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Depends on the Dx: Albendazole is an anti-parasitic medication given in variable doses and durations depending on the diagnosis. A very potent medicine NOT to be taken w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
732 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old male asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
See a dermatologist: It is difficult to answer this question without performing a physical exam to determine the extent of the burn. You should see your primary care docto... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
268 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old male asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Acquired through sex: The term sexually transmitted diseases, STDs, describes a range of clinical syndromes that are acquired by and transmitted through sexual activity. Va... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Ignore: Practice portion control and watch out for excessive calories from alcohol. Moderation is key!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Whitlow = Herpes: Yes, herpetic whitlow is herpes and is transmitted by direct contact with herpes lesions (whether oral or genital). It is a highly contagious but trea... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
699 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Patient dependent: Allegra (fexofenadine), Claritin (loratadine), and Zyrtec (cetirizine) are all wonderful non-sedating second generation antihistamines that selectivel... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
Likely unrelated: Riding your bike is likely NOT causing you to have bacterial vaginosis or vaginal yeast infections. Have you discussed this with your Gynecologist? Ar... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old male asked:

Dr. Julian Raffoulanswered
Specializes in General Practice
It's complicated...: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders characterized by persistent impairments in social communication, and r... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
2
Recommendations
51
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Raffoul is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Jan 21, 2016
Hypothyroidism
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! Thanks I did ask, all they said was that it's because the BP was lower before. It was a nuclear stress test so they did the imagining.
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! Thank you so much for your help with this. Your answer is greatly appreciated.
HealthTap member
Your answer was very helpful! Thanks :) I will go see a doctor thank you! It just can be embarrassing.
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
Graduated 2010MD
Medical/Graduate school
Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Graduated 2004MD
Residency
Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA
Awards
Best Research Poster Award, American College of Physicians
Graduation with Distinction in Biomedical Research, Wayne State University School of Medicine
Best Postdoctoral Poster Presentation, Midwest DNA Repair Symposium
Affiliations
American Medical Association
Urgent Care Association Of America
American College Of Nutrition
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