Jonathan Dickman, MD, PhD

Hometown: Saint Paul, MN

Practice philosophy : As a family physician serving my hometown, I care for both the patient and the surrounding community. My goal is to meet people where they are at and help promote positive change over time. My hope is to provide a welcoming environment where people feel comfortable expressing their concerns. 

What are you passionate about and why?  It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve my community. Family medicine allows me to care for the entire patient and my neighborhood. In addition, helping to teach family medicine residents is a privilege as they challenge me to become a better doctor each day.

If you weren't a health care provider, what would you be?  A restaurant owner.

Why did you become a provider? When did you know this was the career for you? I have wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember. I loved the day to day variety experienced by family medicine physicians.

What is something you have learned from your patients?  Patients teach me something everyday. I have learned the importance of listening, building relationships and taking the time to understand the story behind each concern.

 What is one of the challenges of this career you enjoy? And why?  Working with so many smart and passionate people at the residency program is both incredible and humbling. My goal is to continue to learn and keep up with everyone as medicine continues to advance.

What is your personal health goal? My goal is to be active everyday and continue to decrease animal products in my diet.

What is the best thing you've done for your health or the best health advice you've received? The best health advice was to make small steps in the diet. I have decreased, but not eliminated, the amount of animal products in the diet and have increased veggies in the diet.

What are you most proud of? Being a son, husband, and father is by far the most important roles in my life. No matter how crazy work can be, my family is always there to support me and I cannot have made it this far without them.

What are a few of your personal achievements? I was a professional student and attended the University of Wisconsin - Madison for 13 years! I have completed marathons and, despite being a terrible wrestler, an 4 week intensive wrestling camp.