Meet Dr. Salas-Whalen
Dr. Salas-Whalen’s passion for medicine and her patients’ wellness fuels THE results-driven approach to her practice
Dr. Rocío Salas-Whalen is a board-certified Endocrinologist and Obesity Medicine specialist, widely recognized as one of the earliest adopters of GLP-1 therapies in the United States. With over 15 years of experience treating thousands of patients, she has helped redefine obesity care—moving the conversation from willpower to science, and from stigma to empowerment.
She is the author of the upcoming book Weightless, a comprehensive guide to the new era of GLP-1 medications, designed to support individuals before, during, and after weight-loss therapy. Weightless goes beyond medication—it addresses the psychological, social, cultural, and metabolic changes patients face, and offers the tools needed for lasting success.
In practice, Dr. Salas-Whalen combines cutting-edge metabolic science with compassionate, individualized care. Her expertise spans perimenopause and menopause, where she leads a modern “menopause redo,” empowering women to navigate midlife with strength, clarity, and vitality through evidence-based hormone therapy, metabolic optimization, and lifestyle tools.
Outside the clinic, she is a leading voice on social media (@drsalaswhalen), educating and inspiring millions by making complex medical science accessible and actionable. She is also the founder of StrengthMD and The Dry Revolution, initiatives focused on metabolic wellness, muscle health, and supporting alcohol-free living.
An immigrant from Mexico who came to the United States to pursue her dream of becoming a physician, Dr. Salas-Whalen now leads a thriving practice on New York’s Upper East Side. Her mission is to transform lives and rewrite the future of women’s health—by addressing root causes, honoring lived experiences, and delivering science-driven care with unwavering empathy.
Why choose Dr. Salas-Whalen?
Dr. Salas-Whalen will provide you with caring, highly personalized care that begins with taking the time to fully understand your needs. Her primary objective is to provide you with greater knowledge and, as a result, more control of your health.
For additional information, follow Dr. Salas-whalen:
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS:
Obesity Medicine
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
Fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at University of Maryland
Research fellow in Obesity Surgery at John Hopkins University
Residency in Internal Medicine at Jacobi Medical Center as part of Albert Einstein School of Medicine in New York
Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua Mexico
publications
“Pancreatic Polypeptide Administration Enhances Insulin Sensitivity and Reduces the Insulin Requirement of Patients on Insulin Pump Therapy” (manuscript submission). A. Rabiee, P. Galiatsatos, R. Salas-Carrillo, M.D. Thompson, D.K. Andersen and D. Elahi. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolisim (2011). Departments of Surgery and Medicine, Johns Hopkins - Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, MD and Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts MedicalSchool, Worcester, MA.
READ HERE →
“Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia after Roux-en-Y Gastric bypass: Unraveling the Role of Gut Hormone and Pancreatic Endocrine Dysfunction.” A. Rabiee, J.T. Magruder, R. Salas-Carrillo, J.M. Egan, D. Elahi and D.K.Andersen. Journal of Surgical Research (2010): 1-7. Department of Surgery, Medicine and Pathology,Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine - Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, MD.
READ HERE →
“Nesidioblastosis in a Patient with HIV and History of Opiod Use” (abstract, presentation). R. Salas-Carillo, H.R. Alexander and E. Streeten. 91stAnnual Meeting of the Endocrine Society (2009). Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition and Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD.
Disparate Improvement in Peripheral Tissue Sensitivity and Hepatic Tissue Insulin Sensitivity Following Bariatric Surgery” (abstract, presentation). A. Rabiee, P. Galiatsatos, R. Salas-Carillo, A.O. Lidor, K.E. Steele, M.D. Schweitzer, T.H. Magnuson, M. Habibi, B.R. Gibson, D.K. Andersen and D. Elahi. 92nd Annual Meeting of the Endocrine Society (2010). Department of Surgery, Medicine and Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine - Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore,MD.
READ HERE →
“Accuracy and reliability of the Nova Stat-Strip Glucose Meter for Real-Time Blood Glucose Determinations During Glucose Clamp Studies.” A. Rabiee, T. Magruder, C. Grant, R. Salas-Carrillo, A. Gillette, J. DuBois, R. Shannon, D.K. Andersen and D. Elahi. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology 4.5 (2010): 1195-1201. Department of Surgery, Medicine and Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine - Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, Nova Biomedical,Waltham, MA and Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA.
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“Prospective Study of Gut Hormone and Metabolic Changes after Adjustable Gastric Banding and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.” J. Korner, W. Inabnet, G. Febres, I.M. Conwell, D.J. McMahon, R. Salas-Carrillo, C. Taveras, B. Schrope and M. Bessler. International Journal of Obesity (2009): 1-10. Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA and Department of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons,New York, NY.
READ HERE →
New York, NY — December 30, 2025 — Weightless: The Science Behind GLP-1s and Your Metabolism (Penguin Random House / Rodale, Dec 30 2025) by triple board-certified endocrinologist Dr. Rocío Salas-Whalen has received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, the highest distinction awarded by the industry’s most influential book review publication.