Dr. Reyzan Shali, MD

Dr. Reyzan Shali, MD

Medical Reviewer at Order-CS

Internal Medicine · Preventive Care · Author

San Diego / North County, CA
Board-Certified in Internal Medicine (ABIM)

Professional Bio

"Primary care physician, author, blogger, and speaker helping others to live well and succeed with purpose."

Dr. Reyzan Shali serves as the Medical Reviewer for Order-CS, providing clinical oversight and medical review of all health content to ensure accuracy and safety for patients.

Dr. Shali is also a board-certified Internal Medicine physician serving the San Diego and North County region at Tri-City Primary Care Medical Group, a member of the UC San Diego Health Physician Network. With more than 20 years of primary care experience, she has cared for thousands of patients in Southern California. From war-torn Baghdad to a thriving practice in Southern California, her journey is driven by resilience, family, and a deep belief in the power of kindness and connection.

My Story

Born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq, to parents from the Kurdistan region, Dr. Shali grew up in a household that deeply valued kindness and Kurdish identity. Inspired by relatives in healthcare who treated patients with dignity, she pursued medicine with a clear purpose.

She emigrated to the U.S. with "nothing but hope — and $100," working as a dishwasher and waitress to support herself during her medical training. This resilience defines her approach to patient care today.

After losing her father to cancer, Dr. Shali made it her lifelong mission to support cancer patients and their families, a journey that eventually led to her authoring a guide on cancer recovery and prevention.

Practice Philosophy

"Dr. Shali believes medicine is about listening, understanding, and empowering people to reclaim their health. She blends evidence-based Internal Medicine with practical lifestyle guidance and a deep respect for each patient's story."

  • Treats the whole person, not just the diagnosis; sees medicine as connection and holistic care.
  • Believes in team-based, collaborative care involving doctors, patients, families, and caregivers.
  • Advocates for prevention through diet, screening, and lifestyle changes—emphasizing that patients are "never powerless."

Professional Experience

2021 – Present

Primary Care Physician

Tri-City Primary Care Medical Group, Vista, CA

Member of UC San Diego Health Physician Network.

2003 – 2021

Primary Care Physician

Scripps Coastal Medical Group, Scripps Coastal Medical Center

Two decades of patient care at one of San Diego's leading health systems.

2015 – Present

Author, Blogger & Speaker

Reyzan Shali, MD

Helping others live well and succeed with purpose through writing and speaking engagements.

Clinical Focus & Interests

Primary Specialty

Internal Medicine / Primary Care

Special Focus Areas

  • Geriatrics & Aging
  • Women's Health
  • Nutrition (Plant-based / Mediterranean)
  • Oncology (Prevention & Survivorship)
  • Preventive Care & Screenings
  • Hypertension
  • Diabetes (Type 2)
  • Hyperlipidemia
  • Depression

Publications & Books

Teaming Up Against Cancer

Simple, Powerful Ways to Beat the Odds and Take Your Life Back (2018)

Dr. Shali's practical guide blends medical science with empathy to help patients and families take control of their health. The book focuses on empowering patients, correcting misconceptions, and supporting recovery through diet and lifestyle.

ISBN: 978-0999211205

Publications & Research

Statins Unmasking a Mitochondrial Myopathy

A Case Report and Proposed Mechanism of Disease (2003)

Published in the Southern Medical Journal, this peer-reviewed case report examines a patient who developed mitochondrial myopathy symptoms after statin therapy, proposing a mechanistic link between statin use and mitochondrial dysfunction. Co-authored during her residency at Providence Hospital, MI, the article has been cited 16 times in the medical literature.

View on PubMed Cited 16 times

Speaking & Thought Leadership

Dr. Shali speaks "from the heart," bringing resilience, authenticity, and positivity to live and virtual stages.

Trust Your Gut (Even Though You Are Not Sure)

The role of intuition in everyday and major life decisions.

You Are What You Eat (So Choose Wisely)

How food choices, especially Mediterranean vs Western diets, affect physical and mental well-being.

The Time I Wish I Could Forget

Reflecting on traumatic events and transforming pain into purpose and identity.

For speaking engagements, contact reyzanshali@gmail.com

Media & Press