the heart and soul of medical care

Igrew up watching “Little House on the Prairie” with Doc Baker, the beloved and friendly small-town doctor who took care of everyone in Walnut Grove. He knew everybody by name, made house calls, and was a part of the family. From early on, in kindergarten, I knew I wanted to be a doctor and thought I could be just like Doc Baker.

What is Family Medicine?

It is the medical specialty which provides continuing and comprehensive health care for the individual and the family. Unlike other specialties that are limited to a speci c organ system or disease, family physicians are the only specialists quali ed to diagnose and treat most ailments and long-term illnesses for people of all ages. It is also the doorway by which many patients get more specialized care. Before we had specialists, we had general physicians who provided broad-scope care (e.g., Doc Baker). Generalists are the cornerstone upon which modern medical care is built, forming more specialized practices.

Why Family Medicine?

In the family practice process, the patientphysician relationship is initiated, developed and nurtured for both sexes, for all ages, across time and independent of problem type. Because of the specialty’s ability to treat across the lifespan, family medicine doctors are able to develop sustained partnerships with their patients. In doing this, it allows us to be staunch advocates for our patients, taking the time to consider additional factors in our patients’ lives that contribute to overall health: family, community, environment and relationships. As family doctors, what we contribute is impalpable and not quanti able, it cannot be matched by subspecialists or replaced with algorithms and protocols. We navigate the entirety of the health care system and incorporate knowledge from all the diverse specialties into our daily clinical repertoire, all for our patients. On the other hand, we are comfortable with what we don’t know and always ready and willing to consult with subspecialists or refer as needed.

Why do I feel so passionate about Family Medicine?

Because I believe it is the heart and soul of medical care. It isn’t just taking care of the individual. It’s about relationships and caring for entire families across multiple generations. There is of course the science of medicine, but the art form is what sets family medicine apart. This art is composed of good bedside manner, infusing hope, building con dence, rendering comfort, educating, giving counsel and inspiring change while customizing treatment plans that are the best t to the patient.

I am fortunate to love what I do, and my patients can see it. In fact, many have become dear friends. It is a rare day seeing patients when I don’t get hugs and baby snuggles. These are cherished moments. Every family should have a doctor they can turn to for help in times of need. Whether a sick child or a dying grandparent, it is these relationships that make family medicine so rewarding.

Dr. Bauer-Olson was born and raised in Fargo. She attended MSUM and received a B.A. in Biology. Prior to medical school, she worked as CNA and unit clerk in oncology, NICU, and rehab. She credits this start in the medical field as creating a strong foundation of service and instilling the importance of collaboration with ancillary staff in her practice. “The day one of the oncologists helped me make a bed like it was just part of his job was pivotal for me. I have taken that with me throughout my schooling and career.”

She attended Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center graduating in 2004, with a family medicine residency at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. She worked for a multispecialty clinic locally for 13 years before starting her independent practice. She practices full-scope family medicine, obstetrics/newborns to the elderly, and is able to provide well and acute care. As an osteopathic physician, she uses osteopathic manipulative therapy. She offers the community a unique primary care option providing a continuum of approaches from holistic to contemporary, tailored to each individual's needs. She strives to be an advocate for her patients in a safe, calming and comfortable environment.