Patricia Gallegos, DO

The desire to become a doctor began in my high school years at St Mary’s Academy in downtown Portland. I loved helping people and wanted the challenge medical school would bring. Throughout my high school years, I worked with kids with disabilities, in nursing homes, in hospitals, and as a nanny for 2 children. These experiences helped me gain a better understanding of what area of medicine I wanted to pursue. My initial thought was to become a pediatrician. I learned from my hospital experience that I felt the need to be with critically ill children 24 hours a day and managing my time would be difficult.

These varied work experiences painted a full picture for me. That full picture provided the ‘Ah Ha’ moment that was the birth of becoming a family medicine doctor. It gave me the opportunity to reach the entire range of people of all ages and abilities.

In the mid 80’s when I was interviewing for medical schools, I discovered a strong preference for osteopathic medicine. Their philosophy has always been to embrace every person as a whole being and recognize how essential it is to address everything; physical, emotional, and spiritual. Their approach to medical students was the same nurturing environment they encouraged for patients. Osteopathic body manipulation provided an alternative method of treatment to prescription medications.

My medical practice mirrors this approach. I recognize that the interdependent parts of a person work together as a whole and treating the entirety of a person will help their preventive medical care. I am honored to be chosen as your doctor to help you with your healthcare and to fully practice holistic medicine with you as a partner. Your life and health is precious.

I am a wife, mother, sister, and daughter and embrace these roles as I do everything...with love and compassion. I see all ages in my practice and enjoy the differences the ages bring. I have a strong respect and admiration for the elderly as well as young mothers and fathers who are new to juggling life’s challenges.