“Dr. Dan”
Dr. Daniel J. Swartz, M.D. (Dr. Dan) earned his Bachelor of Individualized Studies in Biology, Chemistry and Kinesiology (Exercise Science), summa cum laude, from the University of Minnesota in 1996.
He earned his Medical Degree, summa cum laude, from the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 2002.
His Family Medicine residency training occurred at Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa in Mason City, IA.
Dr. Dan is board certified in Family Medicine and holds active medical licenses in the commonwealth of VA and the state of MI.
Physician Experience
After residency, Dr. Dan practiced “full scope” (literally delivering babies to hospice care) Family Medicine at Olmsted Medical Center in Rochester, MN for over a decade. While there, he joined the nonprofit Season’s Hospice as an on-call physician.
He later moved across town to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN as a consultant and instructor in the Mayo Clinic Medical School.
Dr. Dan and his family moved to Forest, VA in 2017 to join the faculty of Liberty University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine as an Assistant Professor of Family Medicine. In connection with his academic appointment at LUCOM, he was deployed to the Lynchburg Family Medicine Residency where he was awarded the rank of core faculty with the residency and earned adjunct faculty positions with the UVA and VCU Schools of Medicine during his time in academic medicine.
Dr. Dan purchased Forest Direct Primary Care in 2020 and grew that individual DPC practice to three full time physicians before moving to MI to get closer to his family and start Imago Dei DPC.
Philosophy
Patient-centered. Having conversations with patients to understand their specific needs, limitations, values and preferences produces better understanding and success with any treatment plan.
Family-centered. Providing medical care for the entire family, even multiple generations of family, yields insights that improve patient outcomes. Dr. Dan is delighted to care for your children, siblings, spouse, and parents – even that slightly awkward second-cousin twice removed…
Evidence-based. Good medicine relies on reliable science combined with clinical judgement honed by years of experience.
Holistic. Context counts. Understanding the big picture is important. Medications are recommended only when necessary, and are often only one piece of improving health. No medication cures lack of sleep, exercise, community, proper nutrition, etc. Prevention is a cornerstone of Family Medicine, and preventative recommendations are reviewed regularly.
Educational. Helping patients understand their medical conditions, treatment options, and navigating the healthcare system improves health outcomes and satisfaction.
Comprehensive. Experienced in “cradle to cane” Family Medicine, Dr. Dan is also proficient in a broad range of clinical procedures. Often patients find they don’t need to continue going to another specialist, saving additional time and money.
Interests
Faith. Dr. Dan is a member of the Christian Medical Dental Association. His faith informs and motivates “golden rule” medicine (do unto others as you’d like done unto you).
Family. Married to his best friend Kendra for 31 years and having 4 children, 1 grandchild (and another on the way!) and 2 re-homed bernedoodles, there’s always something hopping with the family.
Service. Dr. Dan has served on leadership boards for churches and pregnancy centers and volunteered with many nonprofit groups.
Outdoors. Fishing, hiking, biking, hunting, camping, or just enjoying an evening of conversation outside around a bonfire.
Games. Board games, card games, yard games, escape rooms, sports. Always willing to learn or try a new one.
Summary
Dr. Dan places a high value on building relationships with his patients for the benefit of their health.
Limiting the size of his practice and eliminating third party payments makes it possible for him to offer every patient attentive, personalized care.
This has been so meaningful for some of his prior patients that they’ve vowed to visit him annually around Christmas, no matter where he moves!
Ready to Feel Your Best?
Send us a quick message, and we’ll help you schedule a no cost, no obligation, no pressure, “meet and greet” with Dr. Dan—simple, welcoming, and transparent.