Justin Lynch, MD
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Justin Lynch, MD (he/him), is drawn to family medicine so he can provide holistic, longitudinal care for his patients. He is from Coon Rapids, MN and he earned both his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and his medical degree from the University of Minnesota. In medical school, Justin learned the importance of partnering closely with and advocating for patients during their healthcare journeys. He is committed to being present for patients and respects the vulnerability that exists when patients seek care for complex diseases. Justin is also interested in providing preventive care to his patients. He works tirelessly to integrate the science and art of medicine with patients’ goals to develop an actionable care plan. He is a lifelong learner and has a curiosity that he utilizes to learn more about his patients and their care. Outside of the clinic, Justin relaxes by playing chess, video games, and Dungeons and Dragons and he also enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, wakeboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and snowboarding.
David Smith, MD
Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
David Smith, MD (he/him), is committed to providing broad-spectrum care to underserved rural populations. He is a rural Wisconsinite, originally from Amery. He attended the University of Minnesota – Morris, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Biology. While in Morris, he worked as an EMT and saw firsthand the importance of preventive care. He also volunteered in Haiti and learned about the importance of building long-term relationships with patients for continued care. He returned to Wisconsin to earn his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. He participated in the Wisconsin Academy for Rural Medicine (WARM) program and completed his clinical rotations in the La Crosse area. While in La Crosse, he partnered with the local school system to encourage high school students to explore medical careers. David is interested in procedural medicine and palliative care. He enjoys being outdoors, hiking, and camping. When there is snow on the ground, he enjoys skiing; if there is no snow, he enjoys running. He plays and sings country and folk songs on his acoustic guitar and punk rock on his electric guitar. He also enjoys reading, watching sports, and roasting coffee.
Isheng Hou, MD
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine
Isheng Hou, MD, is captivated by family medicine because it emphasizes taking the time to listen to patients and addressing all their concerns, medically, socially, and emotionally. Hailing from Carbondale, Illinois, Isheng earned her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago and received her medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine. Isheng comes with a breadth of research, volunteer and work experience including investigating labor-induced trauma to the urinary tract; abstracting data from existing EMR to Epic; at the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center she taught children who have experienced abuse how to play a variety of musical instruments. Notably in 2018 she was the recipient of the National Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) award for her outstanding work in and commitment towards health issues that affect Asians and Pacific Islanders. Isheng is fluent in Chinese, and dabbles in German. When she is not serving her community, Isheng enjoys swimming, from competitive to casual water sports, weight training, and travel. Some of her favorite time is spent with family on road trips to state and national parks and preserves. Isheng is always up for an adventurous and difficult hike!
Ali Howen, MD
Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Ali Howen, MD, is from McFarland, Wisconsin. Having completed her undergraduate degree in Spanish at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Ali earned her medical degree at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Prior to medical school, Ali developed a passion for working with individuals with disabilities as a support specialist (respite provider), working primarily with children at risk of out-of-home placement. She sought those experiences via AmeriCorps and United Cerebral Palsy. With a servant’s heart, Ali volunteered with Global Brigades, a non-profit organization using a holistic model to help prepare rural communities in Honduras, Panama, and Nicaragua for self-sustainability through student-led medical, dental, public health, business, water, and engineering brigades, participating in three medical/dental brigades in Honduras, particularly. Ali further developed her Spanish-speaking abilities by majoring in Spanish, and incorporating Spanish into everyday life, which led to advanced ability to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients. When she’s not serving her community, Ali loves to play soccer, road biking, reading, and has deemed herself a cheese curd (both fresh and fried) enthusiast.
Jeffrey Daniels, MD
Medical School: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Undergraduate: Washington University in St. Louis
Jeffrey (Jeff) Daniels, MD (he/him), was born and raised in Cedar Falls, IA. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis and his medical degree from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. While in medical school, Jeff worked with the Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition to foster health equity in communities through advocacy, education, and acceptance, and work against stigma. This strengthened Jeff’s commitment to reaching out to people where they are and providing care and support in an environment where they feel comfortable to share their experiences and improve their livelihoods. Jeff also volunteered at the student-run free clinic and provided care in underserved Hispanic and homeless communities. He was also involved with a women’s health rotation quality improvement project to develop and implement changes for both patient experience and clinical education for his peers. Jeff is interested in full spectrum integrative primary care and obstetrics and is passionate about building long-lasting relationships with his patients and their families. Jeff enjoys spending time with his friends playing baseball, basketball, golf, volleyball, board games, and tabletop RPGs. He also can be found writing, playing piano, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals.
Andrea Kratzke Nelson, MD
Medical School: Rush Medical College
Undergraduate: St. Olaf College
Andrea Kratzke Nelson, MD (she/her), is from Edina, MN and earned her undergraduate degree in biology from St. Olaf College. After graduating from college, Andrea volunteered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency in disaster relief from hurricanes and floods, where she developed her passion for helping survivors of natural disasters and recognized the importance of community resilience. Andrea earned her medical degree from Rush Medical College. In medical school, Andrea helped lead a homeless shelter clinic, where she saw the importance of partnering with her colleagues across the allied health professions. As a fellow at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention, Andrea learned how research can impact communities. In the CDC Office on Smoking and Health, she discovered that people succeed best in their health goals when they receive support from their community; as a family physician, she contributes to both direct patient care and community health. Andrea also has an interest in health improvement and epidemiology and she has worked with a CDC international task force on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to community work, Andrea has medical interests in emergency medicine and psychiatry, especially mood disorders. Andrea relaxes by baking, knitting, painting, writing, sewing, hiking, and reading.