Helen Shearer M.D.
Welcome! I’m Helen Shearer, MD. I’ve been a family physician on the Palouse since 2001 with Moscow Family Medicine and Gritman Clinics. I have practiced the full spectrum of family medicine–hospital admissions, ICU care, obstetrics, newborn care, pediatric admissions, urgent care and clinic medicine. I became a family doctor to help people through connection and comprehensive care.
The insurance driven health care system has changed, creating more barriers between patients and doctors. I have felt more and more disconnected from my patients–forced to focus too much on billing, coding, meeting insurance requirements, checking boxes, and hours of documentation. I was looking at a computer screen more than my patients’ faces. The U.S. health care system is not working for patients or doctors. I am leaving Moscow Family Medicine and Gritman Clinics to create Sanguine Direct Primary Care. I want to return to the heart of family medicine–taking care of people.
The Northwest is full of amazing nature…
Deeply rooted in the Palouse, my husband, James, and I have raised two sons here. Our first son was 6 months old when we arrived. I love the rich variety of people here–farmers, college professors, assembly line workers, students, and families of all kinds. Some families have lived here for generations. And, there are other people from all over the country and world, who have come for the universities or local industries. I enjoy meeting people and hearing their stories.
With Moscow as a home base, I have been blessed to go to Africa three times for medical mission work. I’ve been to Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Mission work expanded my heart and mind. Providing medical care with very limited resources taught me to creatively find solutions–you work with what you have on hand (not with everything you want). I learned to listen better, to ask a lot of questions, and to wait patiently. We can make the world a better place with healthy curiosity and open minds.
The Northwest is full of amazing nature. James and I love to fly fish, camp, hike and back pack. While I cannot give up James’ favorite fishing holes, I love to trade fish stories and hear about the best trails and secret gems around us.
Originally from Arkansas, I earned my Medical Degree at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock in 1998. My residency training was at Idaho State University Family Medicine Residency in Pocatello, graduating in 2001. I came to Idaho for the strong rural medicine and obstetrics training offered at ISU. We fell in love with Idaho and could not return south. Although, I’m still a fan of Arkansas Razorback football (Wooo Pig Sooiee!)! But also, I-D-A-H-O Go Vandals!
More than anything, I want you to see me as a whole person–a wife, mother, doctor, neighbor, soul searcher, wanderer, explorer, and life-long learner.
I’d love to join you in your life and health journey.