Medical Services

Primary Care

Marine City Medical Clinic PC provides comprehensive primary care services with a patient-centered approach, offering same-day and next-day appointments for convenience. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for your health.



We focus on building lasting relationships with our patients, offering personalized care that includes preventive services, routine checkups, and long-term management of a wide range of medical conditions, as well as treatment for everyday illnesses or injuries. Conveniently located and committed to your care, Marine City Medical Clinic makes it easier to keep your family healthy—close to home.


Not only are Dr. Pashley and Dr. Lee trained in Internal Medicine, but they are also medically trained acupuncturists. Nicolette is board certified in family practice and adult health. She sees patients aged 2 to 102. She brings a more holistic approach to her approach to patient care drawing upon her functional medicine training.


At Marine City Medical Clinic PC, your health is our priority, and we are committed to delivering quality care tailored to your needs.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a medical diagnostic and treatment technique that was first recorded in China three thousand years ago during the reign of the Yellow Emperor. Since that time, it has been used as the primary medical treatment in many eastern cultures. French Jesuit missionaries brought this knowledge to European attention during the 16th century. Today the French are at the forefront of modern medical acupuncture research. 


Treatment uses very thin needles inserted at very specific points. These points are in channels called Meridians. The meridians contain all the organs and tissues in the body. When inserted, the needles produce a very slight electrical impulse that propagate along the respective meridian. This stimulation causes powerful chemical signals called neurotransmitters to be released in the nervous system. Both the central and peripheral nervous systems can be affected. 


Autonomic nervous system stimulation can affect involuntary functions, like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, immune activity, and pain perception among other things. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies done during acupuncture treatment show significant metabolic changes in brain activity. These studies are evidence of how acupuncture can affect brain function. Needle stimulation also affects the body’s inherent healing mechanisms and is commonly used to reduce pain, induce relaxation, decrease stress, and promote restful sleep. Organ dysfunction such as digestive and reproductive issues can improve with treatment. 


The acupuncturists at Marine City Medical Clinic are fully licensed, residency trained physicians with many years in medical practice. After completing internal medicine residency, our doctors went on to complete acupuncture certification. We have combined traditional evidence based western medical training with observational multi-generational treatment protocols developed over thousands of years.


A typical treatment lasts about 30 minutes. Upon arrival, the physician will spend a few minutes interviewing and then examining the patient to decide on a treatment plan. As far as the needles are concerned, they are very thin, about as thick as a human hair. The only discomfort is noticed as the needle pierces the skin. Once placed, there is no more feeling.  After needle placement, patients rest quietly for 20-30 minutes. When removed, there is usually no blood loss. Many patients describe acupuncture treatment as very relaxing, inducing a sense of calm and serenity. The number of treatments required is based on the diagnosis and response to treatment.


There are numerous conditions and symptoms that acupuncture has been found to help with.


Here are just a few:

  • allergies
  • anxiety and depression
  • osteoarthritis
  • chronic pain, often in the neck, back, knees, and head
  • hypertension
  • insomnia
  • menstrual cramps and PMS
  • migraines
  • multiple sclerosis
  • sprains
  • strokes


Studies suggest that acupuncture can help with cancer treatment as well.


Unfortunately, at this time, insurance coverage for this service is not universal. Patients with dual insurance are more likely to have coverage. Most commercial insurers deny coverage in order to create scarcity and limit their financial exposure to claims. We charge most people at the time of service and provide documentation for the patient to submit to their individual health insurer for reimbursement.

Functional Medicine

Functional medicine (FM) is a holistic school of thought about health care that focuses on finding and addressing the root cause of an ailment, rather than just treating symptoms. FM practitioners put a strong focus on acknowledging that each patient is unique, and that all of the organ systems work together to help you function optimally. And they believe strongly that non-medical factors—like lifestyle habits, diet, environment, and other social factors—are integral in overall health.

Living Light Metabolic Reset

Nickie is pleased to offer the Living Light Metabolic Reset, a weight-optimization and lifestyle functional medicine program to help people with unresolved weight loss and inflammatory issues. It is a 10-week program in which people lose an average of 20-30 pounds safely, rapidly, and permanently. It is a mind, body, and spirit approach to weight loss that emphasizes what contributes to weight gain (and what other programs miss) such as sleep, digestion, stress, toxins, and other lifestyle factors. The program focuses on learning how to cook real, whole foods, becoming more self-aware, and making better long-term choices for your health. For further information, please visit www.nicolettekowal.com

*Note* This is a cash based program and not covered by insurance.