Dr. Rikkele Saefkow, MD
Hospitalist
Dr. Rikkele Saefkow, pronounced “saff-cow,” is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician who brings more than two decades of dedicated clinical expertise to the hospitalist team at McKenzie Health. After earning her medical degree from the University of New Mexico and serving as Chief Resident during her combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics training, she has spent over 16 years providing comprehensive inpatient and critical-access care. Known for her patient-centered approach and deep experience managing complex medical conditions, she is passionate about delivering high-quality, compassionate care to the community.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Saefkow enjoys spending time on her six-acre hobby farm, where she raises chickens, pigs, sheep, goats, turkeys, and a rabbit. She is also deeply committed to animal welfare and actively operates her own dog rescue organization. Dr. Saefkow is the proud mother of two college-aged children.
Happy
Patients
Dr. Saefkow has Specialized Skills in:
- Working in critical access hospital settings
- Managing high-acuity medical patients
- Coordinating care with limited subspecialty support
Education & Certifications
Chief Resident — Department of Internal Medicine, Orlando Regional Medical Center/Arnold Palmer Hospital; Orlando, FL
Resident — Department of Internal Medicine, Orlando Regional Medical Center/Arnold Palmer Hospital; Orlando, FL
Intern — Department of Internal Medicine & Pediatrics, Orlando Regional Medical Center/Arnold Palmer Hospital; Orlando, FL
Doctor of Medicine — University of New Mexico School of Medicine; Albuquerque, NM
Bachelor of Science — Trinity University; San Antonio TX
Dr. Saefkow's favorite things to do:
- Spend time with her children
- Tend to chickens, pigs, sheep, goats, turkeys, and a rabbit on her hobby farm
- Care for rescued dogs
