James Buxman, M.D.
Board Certified: Family Practice
A solid relationship between the patient and physician is key to quality patient care, says Dr. Buxman. “I not only enjoy the professional challenges of meeting my patients’ health care needs, but also the opportunity to build long-term relationships. Creating this bond helps me enhance their care.”
Dr. Buxman earned his medical degree at the University of California, San Francisco, and completed his residency at Oregon Health Sciences University. He has been board-certified in family practice since 1975.
“Practicing medicine is a privilege,” he says.
James Carlisle, M.D.
Board Certified: Family Practice
Dr. Carlisle wanted to be a family physician ever since he was a child. It was his college courses in biology and psychology that confirmed his decision to go into medicine.
“The thing I love most about being a family doctor is the interaction with people,” he says. In his practice, he provides comprehensive care for the whole family. Dr. Carlisle earned his undergraduate degree and his medical degree at the University of California, San Diego, in 1985. He completed his residency in family practice at Community Hospital in Santa Rosa, Calif.
In his free time, Dr. Carlisle enjoys canoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, backpacking and gardening. When the weather keeps him indoors, he keeps himself busy with woodworking projects.
Laura Donaghu, M.D.
Board Certified: Family Practice
Dr. Donaghu believes that every visit with a patient should be a learning experience—for both the patient and herself. “If we listen well to each other, think and make decisions together, the patient-doctor partnership can be a mutually satisfying and educating experience.”
Though she chose to practice family medicine because of the diversity of people and variety of medical challenges it offers, Dr. Donaghu particularly enjoys caring for women and children. “I feel that my experience as a mother and wife allows me to understand many of the family and parenting issues seen in family practice,” she says.
Board certified in family medicine, Dr. Donaghu earned her medical degree at Oregon Health Sciences University and completed her internship and residency at Family Medicine of Southwest Washington in Vancouver, Wash.
Married with three daughters, Dr. Donaghu enjoys running, hiking, knitting and quilting. And, of course, she loves being a mom.
Mindy Loebner, M.D.
Board Certified: Family Practice
Dr. Loebner’s practice reflects her keen interest in women’s health and pediatrics.
“To provide effective, comprehensive care to my patients,” says Dr.Loebner, “it’s my role to clearly explain illnesses, therapies, and preventive measures in ways that people of all ages and backgrounds can understand.” Fluent in English and Russian, her prescriptions for good health are heard loud and clear in both languages.
Dr. Loebner earned her medical degree at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio, and completed her residency at Oregon Health Sciences University.
Claudine Moreno, M.D.
Board Certified: Family Practice
Dr. Moreno values being a physician because she enjoys the combination of helping people feel better and problem solving. She likes to consult with her patients to help them figure what they can do to stay healthy. A question she often asks herself is "How can I help my patient be as healthy as possible into old age?" Because her patients range in age from newborn to 100 years, she feels that she has good insight into what it takes to stay healthy and active over a lifetime.
After graduating from Harvard University with a degree in biology, Dr. Moreno earned her medical degree from the University of California, Davis School of Medicine. She completed her residency at Oregon Health & Science University and is board certified in family medicine.
Dr. Moreno was born in California. Away from her medical practice, she likes to cycle, hike, cook and play with her two young sons.
Lonnie Smucker, M.D.
Board Certified: Family Practice
Dr. Smucker became a family physician because it offered the unique opportunity to work with people of all ages, from delivering babies to caring for the elderly. “I enjoy treating the whole person in the context of his or her background, family and current situation,” he says. “I can’t think of any other profession I’d rather be in.”
Dr. Smucker earned his medical degree at Oregon Health Sciences University, where he completed his residency in family medicine. In his practice, he encourages patients to be active participants in their own health.
Outside the office, the family practitioner is an avid family man. Dr. Smucker says his favorite way to spend time is with his wife, Lori, and their three children. He also enjoys church activities, cooking, music and computers.
Joseph Sullivan, M.D., M.P.H.
Board Certified: Family Practice
Taking time to listen for more than just a list of his patients’ medical concerns provides Dr. Sullivan with valuable insight into his patients’ needs. “Many medical problems are the result of several factors in the patient’s life, not just one isolated problem,” he says. “To restore a patient’s health, all of these factors need to be addressed.”
Dr. Sullivan earned his medical degree at the University of California, San Francisco. He also holds a master’s degree in public health from the University of California, Berkeley, where his studies emphasized epidemiology.
Dr. Sullivan enjoys caring for the entire family, from infants to the elderly. His practice emphasizes prevention and health promotion.
Lydia Villegas, M.D.
Board Certified: Family Practice
Asked what she enjoys most about being a family physician, Dr. Villegas says, “Interacting with people, becoming a partner in their care, and getting to know the whole family.” She believes that understanding people in the context of their environment and lifestyle is the key to providing comprehensive health care.
Dr. Villegas earned her medical degree at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, and completed her internship and residency at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland. She is board certified in family practice. Dr. Villegas takes a special interest in women’s health and obstetrics, in addition to her overall interest in health promotion.
Born in the Philippines, Dr. Villegas speaks her native language, Tagalog, as well as English and Spanish.
Robert Wells, M.D.
Board Certified: Family Practice
As a family practitioner, Dr. Wells provides care to fit every life stage and every lifestyle. “I’m committed to helping my patients understand how they can prevent illness,” he says. For young patients, prevention may mean stepped-up education efforts, while for older patients it may mean frequent screening exams.
Dr. Wells earned his medical degree from Oregon Health Sciences University, and completed his residency in family practice at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California.
A native Oregonian, Dr. Wells enjoys the outdoors and gets a kick out of playing soccer.
Valerie Wolfe, M.D.
Board Certified: Family Practice
Dr. Wolfe became a family physician so that she could work with people of all ages and backgrounds. “I enjoy being the primary care provider for the whole family, from the mother to her toddler to her elderly grandfather,” she says. She takes a special interest in women’s health.
Dr. Wolfe holds a degree in medicine from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. She completed her internship and residency at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, and is board certified in family medicine.
When she’s not working, Dr. Wolfe enjoys spending time outside. Running, snowboarding, kayaking, backpacking and gardening are among her favorite activities.
