Michelle Wilkening, MD

I am a board-certified family medicine physician with professional interests in women's health and preventive medicine. 

Hometown: Roseville, MN

I'm passionate about: helping people overcome the barriers to good health care. These barriers can be financial, or not-so-pleasant past experiences, etc. I believe the road to wellness starts with access to health care, and a relationship with a primary care provider. I'm passionate about the importance of a relationship between provider and patient. 

If I wasn't a provider, I would be a: chaplain in a hospital or hospice care. 

I knew I wanted to become a doctor: in high school. I wanted to help others in a tangible way. I saw some of the frustrations that family members had with the medical community and wanted to help change this. 

Something I have learned from my patients is: that the most important thing I can do as a doctor is listen. People want to be heard. 

One of the challenges of this career that I enjoy is: partnering with patients as they make choices to improve their health and well-being. 

My personal health goal is to: find balance in my life. It's too easy to always care for others and not yourself. 

The best thing I did for my health is: starting to run 10 years ago. It started with just a five-minute run after work and progressed from there. 

I'm most proud of: my family. 

A few of my personal achievements include: rescuing and adopting two dogs. 

Practice philosophy: I truly believe in treating the whole person; mind body and spirit.