My goal in developing Mequon Wellness Center is to create a primary care practice where patients and physicians can develop long-term, trusting relationships and, as a result, deliver excellent, personalized care.
I completed my residency in 1997 and began my career with a physician-owned clinic, where I was given the opportunity to develop a Family Practice Department at a newly opened satellite location in Hartford, Wisconsin. From the outset, my practice flourished. Building a practice, providing quality patient care, and developing my skills as a Family Physician have been deeply rewarding experiences. I learned more about caring for people during my first five years of practice than I had during my four years of medical school and three years of residency.
Over the years, I have earned Board Certifications in both Family Practice and Urgent Care. More importantly, I have continued to learn from my patients and refine my approach to caring for them.
My Philosophy of Care
There are several aspects of caring for people that I consider non-negotiable.
First, a doctor needs to be accessible to the patient. Second, a doctor should be able to care for the patient when they are both healthy and sick. And third, a doctor needs to have the time to listen to and care for another human being.
Take away any of these elements, and I no longer believe I can provide the kind of primary care that patients deserve.
I believe that each of these principles is based on developing an authentic provider-patient relationship. A physician needs the time to appreciate each patient as a unique human being and to understand the complexities of that individual’s life and health.
Medicine is both an art and a science. Every person has a unique personality, individual strengths and weaknesses, and a unique set of circumstances and problems. There is no “cookie-cutter” approach that works for everyone.
I have learned that patients are best served when they have a doctor who knows them, understands their needs, and, when necessary, takes the time to gain a better understanding of their situation.
My Role as Your Primary Care Physician
I see my role as more than simply diagnosing illnesses and ordering tests. I see myself as a health adviser who works with each patient to help them understand their health and make informed decisions.
When a problem arises, I believe my job is to be available, listen to your concerns, explain my impression of what may be happening, and discuss the possible options with you.
Rather than automatically ordering a standard battery of tests for every symptom, I believe in developing an understanding of the individual patient over time. My experience has given me confidence in my ability to diagnose many conditions with minimal or no outside testing when appropriate.
Testing and treatment can be valuable tools, but they can also be costly and carry potential risks. Part of my responsibility is to help patients understand the difference between what is available and what is truly necessary for their particular situation.
I want my patients to understand their condition, the possibilities for diagnosis, the potential work-up, the financial implications of that work-up, and the potential risks and benefits of their treatment options. Ultimately, my goal is to give patients the knowledge they need to make strong healthcare decisions based on truly informed consent.
One of the advantages of having a relationship-based practice like Mequon Wellness Center is that we have the ability and the time to reconvene as your situation changes and make adjustments to your care when necessary.
August 2026 Update - Continuing to Evolve
It has now been more than a decade since I originally wrote about my philosophy of practicing medicine, and I am pleased to say that the fundamental principles of my practice have not changed.
Since entering private practice, I have continued to hone my skills and expand my knowledge, particularly in the area of functional medicine and wellness. I have developed a particular interest in helping patients optimize their hormones using natural products and in addressing the broader factors that contribute to overall health and well-being.
Helping my patients with their wellness has become one of the most satisfying aspects of my work, both professionally and personally.
I remain committed to taking the time to know my patients, understand their individual needs, and work with them to develop thoughtful, personalized approaches to their health.
A Special Thank You
Finally, I want to recognize the incredible staff at Mequon Wellness Center. I truly believe I have the best staff in the world.
My staff helps our patients with every aspect of their care, and they do it with professionalism, compassion, and a smile on their faces. I am extremely grateful to each of them for helping make Mequon Wellness Center a great place to receive healthcare.
I am equally grateful to all of our loyal patients who have trusted us with their care and supported us throughout the years.
To my staff and my patients: thank you for helping make my dream of creating this kind of practice a reality.
