Shawn’s blend of technological expertise, extensive industry experience, and neurodivergent perspective has allowed him to disrupt traditional healthcare models. He is dedicated to eliminating insurance barriers and expanding immediate, affordable medical access to everyone.
OptimalMD was established with a clear mission: to prioritize patient needs and bridge the gaps between cost, quality, and access to care. Shawn’s recognition as the Houston Business Journal's Diversity Champion further reflects his dedication to developing inclusive healthcare solutions that serve the needs of all patient communities.
Founder of Neurodiversity Foundation
Holds multiple US and Foreign Patents
Pioneer of Medical Data Analytics
Successful exit of Prevalent, Inc. to PE in 2019
Speaker, Stanford Medical School (2024, 2021)
Presenter, McGovern Medical School (2020)
Lecturer, Columbia Business School (2022)
Honored as HBJ Diversity Champion (2021)
Medical Director
Functional Medicine
Family Medicine
Women's Health Expert
As a Medical Director of OptimalMD, Karen Richardson, MD brings a broad expertise working in emergency medicine as well as family practice. Her judgement and care strategies bring clinical excellent to our to our team. Dr. Richardson recognized a need for change in traditional models to improve upon the "standard of care" that is failing so many people. She champions a holistic approach that integrates the principles of functional medicine with comprehensive primary care.
Throughout her extensive career, Dr. Richardson has held several pivotal roles, including a decade as President of Rose-Rich EM Physicians, a democratic partnership comprising nine partners and 21 physicians. This role saw her expertly juggling administrative duties with a full-time clinical practice, showcasing her versatility and unwavering commitment to healthcare. For 14 years, Dr. Richardson also served as Assistant Medical Director at OakBend Medical Center, further enhancing her administrative and clinical expertise. At OptimalMD, Dr. Richardson applies her comprehensive knowledge and vast clinical experience to refine our patient-centered, innovative healthcare services. Her passion for identifying and addressing the root causes of diseases aligns seamlessly with our mission.
On a personal note, Dr. Richardson’s empathy for patients is deepened by her own family's health challenges, including battles with brain cancer, eosinophilic duodenitis, and Celiac disease. These personal experiences have reinforced her commitment to delivering exemplary medical care that is both scientifically sound and emotionally supportive.
Her leadership was particularly instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which she provided vital, uncompensated care. Dr. Richardson’s dedication to functional and integrative healthcare, enriched by her comprehensive experience, uniquely positions her to lead OptimalMD in transforming the healthcare landscape for our patients.
Medical Director
Functional Medicine
Family Medicine
Women's Health Expert
As a Medical Director of OptimalMD, Karen Richardson, MD brings a broad expertise working in emergency medicine as well as family practice. Her judgement and care strategies bring clinical excellent to our to our team. Dr. Richardson recognized a need for change in traditional models to improve upon the "standard of care" that is failing so many people. She champions a holistic approach that integrates the principles of functional medicine with comprehensive primary care.
Throughout her extensive career, Dr. Richardson has held several pivotal roles, including a decade as President of Rose-Rich EM Physicians, a democratic partnership comprising nine partners and 21 physicians. This role saw her expertly juggling administrative duties with a full-time clinical practice, showcasing her versatility and unwavering commitment to healthcare. For 14 years, Dr. Richardson also served as Assistant Medical Director at OakBend Medical Center, further enhancing her administrative and clinical expertise. At OptimalMD, Dr. Richardson applies her comprehensive knowledge and vast clinical experience to refine our patient-centered, innovative healthcare services. Her passion for identifying and addressing the root causes of diseases aligns seamlessly with our mission.
On a personal note, Dr. Richardson’s empathy for patients is deepened by her own family's health challenges, including battles with brain cancer, eosinophilic duodenitis, and Celiac disease. These personal experiences have reinforced her commitment to delivering exemplary medical care that is both scientifically sound and emotionally supportive.
Her leadership was particularly instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which she provided vital, uncompensated care. Dr. Richardson’s dedication to functional and integrative healthcare, enriched by her comprehensive experience, uniquely positions her to lead OptimalMD in transforming the healthcare landscape for our patients.
Medical Director
Weight Loss
Bariatric Surgeon
Dr. Thomas embarked on his career journey as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Marshall University in West Virginia, where he honed his surgical skills and passion for patient well-being. Recognizing the transformative potential of minimally invasive laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery, he later transitioned into private practice, dedicating his efforts to this groundbreaking approach.
Dr. Thomas is celebrated for his surgical precision and his ability to simplify complex health journeys. Often, nurses inquire, "Why do your patients undergoing weight loss surgery fare so remarkably well, experiencing minimal post-operative complications, pain, and nausea?" Dr. Thomas's response is consistently enlightening: "It's the accumulation of countless small adjustments and attentions to detail that make the difference."
With Dr. Clifton Thomas as your trusted Functional Medicine Doctor, you can expect a compassionate, knowledgeable, and holistic approach to your health, where the "little things" truly add up to significant improvements in your well-being.
Automated: (855) 378-7700
Members: (281) 962-7700
15002 Lakefair Drive
Suite 103
Richmond, TX 77406
Phone: (281) 962-7700