Amy Brendel, MD

Hometown: South Minneapolis

Practice philosophy: I believe that I'm a partner along the journey of health with patients. I take my lead from each patient to keep them engaged in their health and to set goals that inspire each person. 

What I'm passionate about: I'm passionate about equitable health systems and ensuring we provide care to everyone. I care about creating an open, kind, compassionate environment. My experiences growing up in south Minneapolis has taught me extreme gratitude for diverse voices and how much we depend on each other in this world.

Something I learned from a patient: A patient had a great reframing that I often share with patients. When I asked if life was busy, she said, “No, life is full.” It brings a sense of gratitude to one’s life by that reframing.

My personal health goal: To be present in all parts of my life and being mindful.

What I am most proud of: Completing the Alcatraz triathlon twice. I'm also proud that I traveled to Cuba with my family.

Why I became a doctor: I became a primary care doctor because I see the magic of connection in the health journey. I feel daily so honored to be a part of people’s lives and families. I left my practice in San Francisco after 11 years and truly feel immense gratitude for every person I interacted with who let me be part of the ups and downs of their lives. I knew I wanted to be a doctor when I traveled to Thailand in college and saw the activist who worked in public health to help during the HIV epidemic. As a partner in your health I can help work on the individual health decisions and also the compassion that sometimes (or often) those decisions are affected by our diverse life stressors.