About Dr. Saxman

Growing up in Los Alamos, New Mexico where my father worked as a physicist, I have always had a love of science and appreciation for those dedicated to basic science research. However, even as a high school student heading off to Stanford University, I recognized that research was not my true passion, and was drawn to pursue science through medicine where I could experience more immediate gratification connecting directly with people to improve their health and well-being.

In medical school at University of California, San Diego, I enjoyed the full breadth of medical science and even took an extra year (tuition was a lot less in the 90’s) for away rotations studying Ophthalmology in Alaska, Hematology in Scotland, Public Health in Costa Rica,Tropical Disease in Kenya and Ecuador.

I returned to Stanford for residency in Internal Medicine with a desire to practice full-spectrum primary care rather than specialize. Having exposure to the Pacific Northwest through friends during my academic years, I had my sights set on Oregon. My first interview after residency was in Eugene, and nothing after that even came close.

I have enjoyed serving this community for more than 25 years as a primary care physician (including hospital work the first 12). When I started with Oregon Medical Group in 1997, it was a small group of primary care physicians each dedicated to the care of the patients in their practice. Though there have been many changes in the structure of medical care delivery since then, the primacy of the doctor-patient relationship has always remained my focus and sustaining joy.

I am thankful to have stepped out of the increasingly commoditized model of corporate medicine to practice direct primary care that is more personalized and effective. I value direct communication with patients and the ability to see them same-day or next-day with 30 or 60 minute appointments. I enjoy understanding each person’s individual medical history as well as their unique life circumstances in order to help them define and achieve their personal health goals.

As a board-certified Internal Medicine physician I bring excellent training, years of experience and current expertise to provide a comprehensive approach to primary care. And when specialty or surgical services are required, I have long-established, personal relationships within Eugene’s extensive medical community to connect patients to the right specialist.