I became a family physician because I wanted to build relationships, earn trust, and walk alongside people through every stage of life. Over time, however, I found myself increasingly frustrated by a healthcare system that often puts insurance requirements, administrative burdens, and time constraints between doctors and patients.
My introduction to Direct Primary Care came through Dr. Laura Slings, whom I had the privilege of working alongside for three years. She introduced me to the DPC model, and after attending two DPC conferences with her, I knew I had found the future of primary care. I met physicians who were excited about practicing medicine again. They were spending their time caring for patients instead of fighting paperwork, and they were able to offer transparent, relationship-based care that put patients—not insurance companies—at the center of every decision.
I believe patients deserve to know the cost of their care. They deserve time to ask questions, explore options, and make informed decisions without wondering whether an insurance company will approve a test, medication, or treatment. They deserve a physician who knows them well enough to understand not only their medical history, but also their goals, fears, values, and priorities.
That is why I am so excited to join True North Direct Primary Care. DPC allows me to practice medicine the way I always hoped I could: with longer visits, direct access, meaningful relationships, and a focus on prevention and whole-person health. Instead of rushing through a 15-minute appointment, I can take the time to listen, educate, encourage, and partner with patients in pursuing lasting health.
My goal is not simply to treat illness. I want to help patients thrive, from in the womb until 100+. Whether we are managing chronic conditions, navigating a new diagnosis, celebrating health victories, or simply working toward healthier habits, I consider it a privilege to walk that journey alongside my patients.
Outside of medicine, my greatest joy is my family. I am married to my husband, Jay, and we have two wonderful sons, who keep life adventurous and full of laughter. You’ll often find us exploring toddler-friendly activities around the Twin Cities, sometimes with our small poodle, Rocky. I also love reading, traveling, knitting, theater, concerts, birdwatching, flowers/gardening, and gathering around a great meal with friends and family.
I believe healthcare should be personal, accessible, and rooted in trust. I am honored to be part of the True North DPC family and look forward to helping patients take ownership of their health while experiencing a different kind of primary care—one built on relationships, transparency, and genuine partnership.
*Waitlist Available for:
When I first decided to become a Family Medicine physician, I was drawn to the long-term relationships I’d build with patients — the trust, and the sacred privilege of walking alongside families through everything from delivering their babies to counseling them through end-of-life decisions.
Over the years, the fee-for-service system I was working in made that desire harder and harder to live out. The emphasis of that care model is one of production, how many patients could you see, how many tests did you order and how many specialist referrals did you make — not how well you did you actually know and care for the person in front of you. Both my patients and I were suffering the effects: appointments were booked weeks out and visits were too short to have meaningful conversation. There was just enough time to write a prescription or send a referral, but not time to ask the questions that get to the root cause of people’s health issues to actually solve their problems. Not to mention, the cost of care barrier that existed even for “well-insured” patients.
Direct Primary Care has changed all of that. Without insurance dictating how many patients I need to see in a day, I am free to practice medicine the way I always dreamed. One that puts the needs and concerns of patients first. It’s truly been life changing for both me and my patients.
I strongly believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and that listening — really listening — is often the most important thing I do for my patients.
The Direct Primary Care movement keeps growing, and True North DPC is growing right along with it — but what we believe and stand for hasn’t changed since day one:
Laura and her husband Steve live in Hugo with their three children and pudelpointer Kota. They love playing games and spending time with their friends and “relaxing” with family at the cabin. Laura loves dark roast coffee, a good book, laughter, caprese salad, kayaking and hiking in the Rocky Mountains.
While we would love to welcome you aboard immediately, Medicare has strict regulations stating that a physician (who is automatically “opted-in” to Medicare) MUST bill Medicare for any Medicare covered services (i.e. physicals, office visits, labs, etc). It is therefore illegal for a doctor who has not “opted-out” to charge a monthly membership fee to a patient who has Medicare insurance.
Dr. Slings will be “moonlighting” at local urgent cares until her practice grows enough that she can devote herself full-time to True North. At this point she will opt-out of Medicare which will allow her to accept members with Medicare insurance. Upon enrollement you will be asked to sign our Medicare Opt-out Agreement (ABN) stating that you will not bill Medicare for any of our services.
If you are on Medicare and are interested in becoming a member please subscribe to our Medicare patient waiting list. We will keep you updated as to when Dr. Slings is able to onboard you to the Practice.
