Kelsey Jensen, MD

Practice philosophy: I believe strongly in teamwork when it comes to healthcare. My patients, their support network, other providers and myself are all on a team to help folks have the best life possible. Every person has different goals, values and needs with regards to health care, so there are very rarely one-size-fits-all approaches in medicine.

What are you passionate about and why? I have a particular interest in neuropalliative care, especially as it relates to neurodegenerative movement disorders. I believe that individual values, goals and quality of life should shape their health care. It is also very important to me that my patients feel heard.

If you weren't a health care provider, what would you be? An audiobook narrator and baker.

Why did you become a provider? When did you know this was the career for you? I have been interested medicine since childhood and in neuroscience since high school AP psychology. Shadowing in a movement disorder clinic before medical school clinched it.

What is something you have learned from your patients? I am constantly awed by the resiliency, compassion and care that I see in my patients and their families. Everyone's health care journey is different and people constantly surprise me.

What is one of the challenges of this career you enjoy? And why? Neurology is constantly changing. There is so much to learn and our understanding has to constantly be evolving. There is a lot to keep up with, but it gives me hope for the future.

What is your personal health goal? Stay moving!

What is the best thing you've done for your health or the best health advice you've received? Staying mentally, physically and socially active is incredibly important for brain health. Making these activities a habit pays off in the long run.

What are you most proud of? In medical school I started an organization called Share the Loaf: Make the World a Breader Place in which I exchanged homemade bread for donations to charities. We raised more money than I expected to and I taught a lot of people how to make bread.