Karen "Kate" Isselbacher, M.D.
FOUNDER AND CEO
Karen T. Isselbacher, M.D., is the founder and CEO of Exceptional Health. With a strong lineage of physicians in her family, medicine is an inherent part of her life. Dr. Isselbacher’s unwavering dedication to patient care has earned her a reputation for establishing profound personal connections with those she treats. Many of her patients speak of the comfort, security, and trust they feel under her compassionate care.
Dr. Isselbacher graduated with honors from Harvard University, earning an A.B. Degree in 1981. Subsequently, she obtained her Medical Degree from Boston University School of Medicine in 1985. She completed her medical internship and residency at Mount Auburn Hospital, a prestigious Harvard teaching hospital in Cambridge, MA, in 1989. Additionally, she holds the esteemed title of diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine.
From 1991 to 2001, Dr. Isselbacher served as an active member of the medical staff at Mount Auburn Hospital, where she practiced primary care medicine. In 2001, she joined the Department of General Internal Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, continuing to provide exceptional primary care until 2006 in a bustling group practice situated in Newton Corner.
Throughout her tenure from 1991 to 2012, Dr. Isselbacher also served as a respected faculty member at Harvard Medical School. She took great pleasure in mentoring students and resident doctors, offering her expertise and guidance. While she has a particular interest in women’s health, Dr. Isselbacher wholeheartedly cares for both men and women.
With over 30 years of experience in primary care, Dr. Isselbacher’s commitment to improving and maintaining the health of each patient remains unparalleled. The quality of medical care she provides continues to surpass expectations, establishing her as a true leader in the field.
Li Tso, M.D.
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE Harvard MEDICAL SCHOOL
Dr. Li Tso graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a degree in chemistry. He went on to earn his medical degree from SUNY Stony Brook School of Medicine, where he graduated first in his class and was recognized as a member of Alpha Omega Alpha, the National Medical Honor Society.
Dr. Tso completed his internal medicine residency and fellowship training in nephrology at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he practiced as a physician for almost 30 years. His dedication to excellence and commitment to patient care have earned him The Partners in Excellence Award from Mass General Brigham, a prestigious accolade that honors individuals who consistently go above and beyond to support the healthcare system’s mission. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Tso holds the position of Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, where he imparts his knowledge and expertise to future physicians. Since 2010, he has also served as a team physician and internist for the New England Patriots, demonstrating his proficiency in sports medicine.
Dr. Tso possesses a wide range of clinical interests, including preventive medicine, renal disease, cardiology, and sports medicine. His extensive experience and expertise in these areas make him an invaluable asset to our patients and our practice. We are confident that under Dr. Tso’s care, our patients will receive exceptional medical attention and compassionate support.
Office Staff
The staff at Exceptional Health are highly-trained professionals, who include clinical and administrative support personnel – who greet members, arrange patient appointments, referrals, and follow-up visits, and answer any insurance questions you may have.
Alicia Herlihy, MSN, RN, FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner
Dorinda Hartnett
Administrative Medical Coordinator
Cady Taft
Patient Relations Director
Lukas Cogswell
Practice Manager
Brian Isselbacher
Chief Operating Officer
Alicia Herlihy, MSN, RN, FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner
Dorinda Hartnett
Administrative Medical Coordinator
Cady Taft
Patient Relations Director
Lukas Cogswell
Practice Manager
Brian Isselbacher
Chief Operating Officer
Affiliations
Exceptional Health is dedicated to delivering the utmost level of care to our patients. To accomplish this, we have established affiliations with esteemed healthcare institutions such as Massachusetts General Hospital, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, and Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham. When necessary, we refer our patients to these distinguished facilities, ensuring they receive specialized attention.
Moreover, as a valued member of Mass General Brigham, we have access to an extensive network of exceptional physicians. This affiliation empowers us to connect our patients with top-tier medical professionals across various fields. We believe in providing comprehensive care and therefore, when required, we refer our patients to the best specialists, even if they are not directly affiliated with our hospital networks. Our primary focus is on ensuring that our patients receive optimal care from highly qualified experts in their respective fields.
