Meet the founder & CEO
Rashida S. Vassell, MD
Credentials at a Glance:
Medical Degree: SUNY Downstate College of Medicine
Residency: General Surgery (Chief Resident), University of Vermont Medical Center
Board Certifications: Wound Management, Anti-Aging Medicine, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner
Academic Appointments: Assistant Professor of Surgery, LECOM (Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine)
Clinical Research: Published author in the Journal of Surgical Oncology (focusing on cutaneous melanoma)
Dr. Rashida S. Vassell is an accomplished physician, entrepreneur, and double board-certified specialist dedicated to transforming the landscape of personal health and wellness. As the Founder and CEO of Safahla Medical PLLC—an integrative, cutaneous surgery, and regenerative medicine practice in Corning, NY—she seamlessly blends the rigorous standards of surgical medicine with a holistic, evidence-based approach to longevity health. With over 15 years of clinical experience, Dr. Vassell prioritizes shared decision-making, patient safety, and systemic well-being over superficial fixes.
Clinical Foundation & Executive Expertise
Dr. Vassell’s career is built on a robust foundation of clinical excellence and institutional leadership. After earning her medical degree from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine, she completed her General Surgery training at the University of Vermont (UVM) Medical Center, serving as Chief Resident in her final year. During a dedicated research year at UVM, she also obtained a graduate certification in Clinical and Translational Science.
She is double board-certified as a Wound Specialist and in Anti-Aging Medicine. Dr. Vassell is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. Her executive experience includes serving as a Medical Director at the teaching institution Montefiore Mount Vernon in Westchester County, NY. She later served at Guthrie Corning Hospital, where she pioneered an award-winning Wound and Hyperbaric program that earned the prestigious "Center of Distinction" award, and she actively participated on multiple committees, including the Credentialing Committee. Furthermore, her tenure as a principal Medical Director in Utilization Management cemented her expertise in health informatics, quality assurance, and the development of evidence-based clinical guidelines.
The Genesis of Safahla and the Power of Purpose
The mission behind Safahla Medical is deeply personal. As a breast cancer survivor, Dr. Vassell experienced firsthand the profound impact that acute medical treatments can have on long-term wellness and self-image. This journey crystallized her why: to establish a physician-led practice specializing in women's health and wellness solutions that prioritizes dignity and safety. Today, the practice proudly maintains exceptional client ratings, reflecting the profound trust patients place in her high-standard model of care.
More about dr. Vassell
The Safahla Foundation: Our Commitment to the Community
Dr. Vassell’s dedication extends well beyond the walls of her clinic. Recognizing that access to restorative wellness and aesthetic care is a matter of equity, she founded The Safahla Foundation to formalize and expand her practice’s commitment to service. The Foundation works tirelessly to provide wellness resources and therapeutic care to marginalized communities, reinforcing her core belief that health, confidence, and dignity should be universally accessible.
Academic Contributions & Research
A passionate advocate for life-long learning and the ever-evolving practice of medicine, Dr. Vassell serves as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). In this role, she helps mentor the next generation of physicians, sharing her expertise in surgical medicine and patient-centric care.
Dr. Vassell has also contributed significantly to oncological research. Her published work investigates the clinical impact of various biopsy methods on the quality of surgical management in cutaneous melanoma. Specifically, her research evaluated how partial biopsy techniques influence the accuracy of Breslow depth staging and how those methods affect subsequent surgical recommendations, providing highly valuable insights for dermatologists and surgeons alike.
Outside of her professional and philanthropic endeavors, Dr. Vassell has served as a Trustee on the Chemung Valley Montessori School Board and enjoys traveling with her husband and two daughters.
Meet the Team
Physician associate
Kayleigh Martin, RPA-C
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Kayleigh M. Martin, RPA-C, brings over a decade of dynamic clinical experience to her new role in direct primary care at Safahla Medical. Known for her highly motivated and compassionate approach, she is dedicated to providing quality, patient-centered care. Transitioning to the direct primary care model allows Kayleigh to build deeper, long-term relationships with her patients, blending her extensive emergency medicine background with a holistic approach to everyday wellness.
Kayleigh built a robust clinical foundation during her seven years at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center Emergency Department. There, she adeptly managed high-acuity, complex conditions—ranging from acute abdominal pain and minor trauma to chronic issues like CHF, COPD, and hypertension. Most recently, she anchored the team at WellNow Urgent Care, providing strong clinical leadership, guiding staff, overseeing diagnostics and ensuring efficient, high-quality patient care. This deep experience means she is unphased by complex medical challenges and highly skilled in hands-on procedures, including wound closures, joint reductions, and bedside ultrasound diagnostics.
Beyond the fast pace of the ER and urgent care clinics, Kayleigh spent five years providing empathetic, comprehensive care at the Upstate New York Eating Disorder Service. Collaborating closely with dietitians and attending physicians, she developed targeted treatment plans for patients navigating complex eating and mental health disorders. This unique background equips her with the patience, empathy, and collaborative mindset essential for exceptional primary care.
Concurrently, with her full time clinical duties, she has stepped into the classroom to teach at Ithaca College Physician Assistant Program. Here she teaches a course on the History of the PA Profession, where she thrives at the intersection of clinical practice and academic mentorship, using her daily experiences to inspire future Physician Assistants.
Core Credentials & Leadership
Education: Earned her MS in Physician Assistant Studies and a BS in Health and Physical Education from Marywood University.
Licensure: NCCPA Certified and New York State Licensed, holding active DEA, ACLS/BLS, and Advanced Pediatric Life Support certifications.
Mentorship: Passionate about medical education, she regularly precepts PA students, medical students, and advanced practitioner fellows to foster a supportive learning environment.
Professional Affiliations: Active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).
Chief of staff
Kristen
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Kristen DeWert serves as our Client Services Concierge, welcoming every guest with genuine warmth and attentive care. She is committed to creating a positive, comfortable environment where each person feels supported and truly valued throughout their visit. Outside of the spa, Kristen enjoys immersing herself in a good book, exploring the outdoors through hiking and walks, and spending quality time with her family and dogs. She loves discovering new trails, enjoying quiet moments in nature, and creating special memories with loved ones, always finding joy in the simple pleasures of life.
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