Born in the Bay Area of San Francisco, California, my parents moved me to Littleton, Colorado when I was 2 weeks old. Although technically not a native, I consider myself a Coloradan. I left only for medical school and residency, returning as soon as possible.
During and after residency I spent a few years working in rural Emergency Rooms at two separate community hospitals. While working in the ER I learned one of my passions was educating people about their conditions and how to better prevent repeat visits. However, the acuity and volume of patients in the ER left little time for thorough education.
Consequently, I transitioned into Primary Care Medicine while developing my skills in Concierge Medicine throughout the Vail Valley. For 5 years, while continuing concierge care in Vail on weekends, I practiced as a traditional Family Physician in Niwot, Colorado on weekdays. My experience in concierge medicine introduced me to the idea that appointments need not be restricted by time or location. Instead, they could last as long as required by each individual and be conducted wherever was most convenient for them. My experience in primary care medicine provided an appreciation for how a longstanding relationship between physician and patient can benefit both the acute treatment and the longer-term outcomes of all health conditions.
My goal with Alpine Woods Medical is to combine the convenience and service of the concierge model while expanding the personal relationship of the traditional primary care model. I believe the merging of these key components will restore the confidence, convenience, and integrity of what healthcare can and should be.
I was born in Sweden but grew up in a small town north of Boston. I first moved to Colorado for my pre-medical education at CU-Boulder. While working as a doctor in rural Colorado, I met my husband and we decided to start a family. My memories of Boulder brought us back here. We have lived here since 2010 and have two lovely daughters. We love to spend our time biking, walking our dog, training for the Bolder Boulder or watching one of our daughters perform at Rocky Mountain Theater for Kids.
I have always had a passion for health and wellness. My journey started in Boston working in metabolic research while earning my Masters Degree from Tufts University. I started my medical school education at the Columbia University of New York collaboration with Ben Gurion University of the Negev. When my mother became ill, I moved closer to home and completed my remaining medical school education in the US. I received my medical doctorate (MD) from the American University of Integrative Health (formerly University of Sint Eustatius School of Medicine). I completed my internal medicine residency at the Columbia University School of Physicians and Surgeons program at Stamford Hospital.
I have worked as a primary care provider for over 20 years including 10 years at Boulder Community Health. During the Covid pandemic, I expanded my knowledge into food as medicine by obtaining a nutrition health coach certificate from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and a plant-based medicine certificate from E-Cornell. I am presently enjoying the ability to share my whole health knowledge with clients at Alpine Woods Medical.
I earned my Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Saint Louis University. I am a certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) and trained in the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), Functional Movement Screening (FMS) systems, and Dry Needling certified. My educational and clinical background have made me an expert in manual and manipulative physical therapy as well as pain management and exercise prescription. In 2016, I opened Heafner Health Physical Therapy, a cash-based physical therapy clinic, in Boulder, Colorado.
When I’m not treating patients in the clinic, I focus my attention on educating fellow physical therapists in the profession, teaching in the community, speaking engagements, and writing. In addition, I have authored three books- Making Sense of Pain, The Guide to Efficient Physical Therapy Examination and The Yoga Fix, and I am the co-creator of The Student Physical Therapist website.
My name is Dawn Thompson and I am the Practice Manager for Alpine Woods Medical. I come to AWM with over 10 years of medical management experience. I started with the practice in November 2021 as an administrative assistant and in August of 2022 I became the Practice Manager for this revolutionary concierge care practice. I am passionate about personal interaction and organizational excellence.
I am originally from Flowood, MS and I have been in Colorado for about 6 years. I have four incredible kids and one beautiful grandbaby!
Born and raised in Colorado, I am as pure as they come. I enjoy skiing, camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, golf, & cycling. In high school, I was voted most likely to be an Olympic pole-vault gold medalist. Most recently I have enjoyed kickboxing and Mixed Martial Art training.
I have been a Medical Assistant and Phlebotomist in Boulder County for over 15 years. I have also been the managing supervisor for Longmont United Hospital laboratory services as well as Regional Manager for multiple outpatient primary care practices along the Front Range. In all that time I have worked with countless physicians in multiple specialties and can say with all confidence Dr. Hernandez is the best I have worked with. His bedside manner & level of care he provides his patients is inspiring.
The passion he has for his work was evident on even the first time I met him. I have been fortunate to have helped him open Alpine Woods Medical and watch it grow.