I’m MAE WHELAN, MD

BOARD-CERTIFIED ENDOCRINOLOGIST
FOUNDER, essential endocrine health

I built this practice to combine clinical expertise with a more personal approach to care, because the best outcomes happen when you feel heard, understood, and supported in your health.

I chose a direct specialty care model so I can take the time to listen carefully, think through each case in a thoughtful way, and provide care that is tailored to your needs and goals.

My goal is to offer a focused, compassionate approach where you feel confident in your decisions, supported throughout your care, and clear about your health moving forward.

Dr/ Whelan in a blue blazer and white blouse against a plain white background. She has shoulder-length brown hair, conveying a professional and approachable demeanor.

More about DR. WHELAN

    • Internal Medicine

    • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

    • Clinical Endocrinologist, Yale New Haven Healthcare System/NEMG, 2015 to 2026

    • Lawrence and Memorial Hospital

    • B.S. in Psychology with Neuroscience concentration, University of Massachusetts, 2001 to 2005

    • MD, Doctor of Medicine, Albany Medical College, 2006 to 2010

    • Internal Medicine Resident, Brown University & Rhode Island Hospital, 2010 to 2013

    • Endocrinology Fellow, Brown University & Rhode Island Hospital, 2013 to 2015

    • Dr. Whelan is married and an extremely proud mom to two amazing kids - ages 10 and 8 - and an adorable goldendoodle pup. 

    • She is an avid reader of fiction, a lover of coffee and good food, and enjoys spending time at the beach.

ABIM Digital Badge
Essential's icon in white version

The Story behind Essential Endocrine Health

The foundation of Essential Endocrine Health stems from a deep-seated desire to merge evidence-based medicine with meaningful human connection. My journey began in medical school, where witnessing the profound impact of uncontrolled chronic conditions, particularly the complications of diabetes, instilled in me a mission to provide higher-quality, specialized care. I was captivated by the complexity of hormonal pathways, but even more so by the opportunity to build long-term relationships with the people navigating these issues. For me, medicine is most rewarding when it is a partnership; I believe in treating the person, not just the pathology. This motivates me to remain compassionate, open, and focused on attainable solutions.

I am transitioning to a micropractice model because I believe the current healthcare landscape often compromises the most vital element of healing: time. By operating a solo Direct Specialty Care practice, I can prioritize the core values of integrity and evidence-based medicine without the constraints of traditional volume-based systems.

This model allows me the freedom and space to truly listen, think critically about complex cases, and coordinate care with expertise and warmth. My patients often face significant hurdles inherent in the corporate medical system, from a lack of access to a qualified doctor, to impersonal and fragmented care, to ever-shortening visit times. At Essential Endocrine Health, I am removing those barriers to offer personalized attention from an expert physician without delay.

Ultimately, this practice is about restoring the human aspect of medicine.

It is designed to be a place where patients feel heard and empowered, and where I can dedicate my full expertise to improving their quality of life. By reclaiming autonomy in this new practice, I am restoring the personal balance necessary to remain the compassionate, focused, and effective physician my patients deserve.

Patients Love Dr. whelan

Five gold stars in a row with the word 'RATING' underneath.

  • "She is knowledgeable, attentive, and an excellent communicator—always responsive and thorough."

    I am deeply grateful for Dr. Mae Whelan, whose expertise and swift action quite literally saved my life. During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, I became critically ill with no clear diagnosis. Dr. Whelan saw me urgently, identified a very rare and life-threatening condition, and began lifesaving treatment immediately. Over the past six years, her care has remained consistently outstanding. She is knowledgeable, attentive, and an excellent communicator—always responsive and thorough. She has guided me through complex disease management with clarity and compassion, and I always feel supported under her care. Dr. Whelan has made an immeasurable difference in my life, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone in need of exceptional endocrinology care.

  • "I have never felt rushed or dismissed when talking to Dr. Whelan." 

    I have been a patient of Dr. Whelan for over 7 years.  I first met her after surgery to remove my thyroid due to noncancerous nodules. Since my thyroidectomy, my TSH levels have been closely monitored by Dr. Whelan.  I return every six months for a  lab work up and  one-on-one discussions. This close monitoring was of great importance in order to stabilize my thyroid hormone replacement dosage. As her patient, I have greatly appreciated the  approach she takes.  She focuses her treatment not only on the reported lab results, but also on how I’m feeling. She accomplishes this at each appointment first by asking how I am feeling and then taking the time to genuinely listen to me.  I have never felt rushed or dismissed when talking to Dr. Whelan. She patiently answers all my questions, even ones I’m sure I have asked before! Throughout my time as Dr. Whelan’s patient, she continues to offer valuable suggestions and referrals for me to lead a healthy lifestyle. I am forever grateful to Dr. Whelan for her continued help.

  • "She is thoughtful, attentive, and takes the time to truly listen to every concern..."

    I have had an excellent experience under the care of Dr. Whelan. She is thoughtful, attentive, and takes the time to truly listen to every concern I bring to her appointments. As someone managing Type 1 Diabetes, I greatly value her expertise and calm, steady approach. She explains things clearly, considers the full picture, and always makes me feel supported in my care decisions. Her combination of clinical knowledge and genuine compassion has made a meaningful difference in my health journey. I feel confident and well cared for in her practice, and I am grateful to be her patient.

  • "Dr. Mae Whelan is not only knowledgeable and experienced but her caring empathy always puts me at ease."

    In the 10 years I have been her patient, she has given me clear guidance and effective treatments that have improved my health. I feel lucky to have Dr. Whelan on my healthcare team.