Judith Heiler, MD

Bio

I grew up in Long Beach, California, and attended college at UC San Diego. While there I worked in a biochemistry lab and later as a teaching assistant. I decided that I wanted a career with more personal contact and realized that medicine would combine the science and human interaction I was looking for.

After attending UC Davis School of Medicine, I arrived in Santa Rosa in 1982 to complete my training in family medicine. While there, I met my husband John who is a radiologic technologist. We have two children, a son age 17, a senior in high school, and a daughter age 19 who attends SRJC and coaches volleyball at Analy High School. There is one more member of the family, Allie, a 2 year old Maltese and Lhasa Apso mix. I enjoy reading, golfing, and being involved with the kids and their activities and sports. I am also trying to learn to play the piano.

In 1985 I entered private practice, and worked with a group of other family physicians and nurse practitioners. We provided care for patients from the cradle to the grave as many of us delivered babies, assisted in surgery, performed minor procedures in the office as well as taking care of most of the medical problems of our patients. I truly enjoyed the privilege of being involved with so many families for so many years.

After 21 years in private practice, my career needs had shifted. I began work with Kaiser Permanente in 2006. The availability of the extensive specialty services, comprehensive electronic records, and patient education and support makes Kaiser a desirable place to work for a primary care physician. There is a strong emphasis on preventive care and managing chronic conditions with the latest evidence based medicine. This allows patients to be much more involved in understanding the nature of their health issues, which gives them the power to effect changes to make their health the best it can be. Knowledge is power, and I want patients to feel powerful in taking responsibility for their health care.

My Medical Specialty

More details about my specialty:

I grew up in Long Beach, California, and attended college at UC San Diego. While there I worked in a biochemistry lab and later as a teaching assistant. I decided that I wanted a career with more personal contact and realized that medicine would combine the science and human interaction I was looking for.

My specialty interests and affiliations within my field:

American Academy of Family Practice
Sonoma County Medical Association
California Medical Association

Current projects or research:

Maintenance of certification including practice improvement

Great health resources that I refer to:

Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease by Caldwell B. Esselstyn
Jounal of American Family Physician
Family Doctor.org
WebMd.com

An interesting story from my training:

Delivering babies in the middle of the night was a challenge - waking up to the phone ringing with a grumble but getting to the hospital and being part of a magical experience erased any regret of losing any sleep.

Photos from My Training Years or of Practicing Medicine in My Field:

maternity family

Interests

Currently reading:
Three Cups Of Tea

My favorite book or author:
Pride and Prejudice

Great movie:
To Kill a Mockingbird

Hobby Photos & Links:

Golfing in Hawaii

oakmont golf club in santa rosa

Family & Friends

People in my life:

After attending UC Davis School of Medicine, I arrived in Santa Rosa in 1982 to complete my training in family medicine. While there, I met my husband John who is a radiologic technologist.

My children and people I care about:

We have two children, a son age 17, a senior in high school, and a daughter age 19 who attends SRJC and coaches volleyball at Analy High School.

An interesting story about my family or friends:

When I was just learning to play golf, I had a hole in one in a couples tournement. I didn't realize how rare that is, and used the ball on the next hole and lost it. Later my husband explained that many people never get one in their lifetime, and will make trophies out of the ball that made the hole in one.

Photos of my Family & Friends:

favorite vacation spot

volleyball

golf

There is one more member of the family, Allie, a 2 year old Maltese and Lhasa Apso mix.

Pet Photos:

Allie

Travel

An adventure I've had:

Lived in Cuernavaca for a month with a family while attending a Spanish language school in my last year of medical school.

Favorite place in the world:

Hawaii is a favorite place with the warm weather and wonderful golf courses.

One of my recent trips:

While in Lake Tahoe this summer playing golf a thunderstorm blew in while I was holding a lightning rod. Luckily it was a short storm and we were able to finish our round!

Travel Photos:

A day at the beach.

Cuernavaca, Mexico

A Photo of One of My Favorite Places:

Golf in Hawaii

Trip Photos:

lightning on a golf course