• Medical school at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Family Medicine Residency: University of Minnesota North Memorial
• Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation 40 hour cranial course
• Fascial Distortion Model Academy Course (Module 1)
• The Power of Presence with Rachel Brooks MD
• Natural Mental Health: Joy, Calm, and Focus practitioner training (in progress)

Dr. Swanson has always cared deeply about women and children, but it was navigating her own matrescence and breastfeeding journey that sparked a passion to work professionally in this space. Despite hundreds of hours of education in these areas as a nurse and medical student, she returned home after the birth of her first daughter confused, bewildered, and unsupported. She soon realized her experience was not unique, and became committed to supporting families in their parenthood transitions.

She grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin and graduated from St. Olaf College with a BA in nursing. She spent several years as an RN in various hospitals and in the emergency department before deciding to pursue medicine. She was interested in osteopathic medical school for its holistic focus on mind, body, and spirit, and when she started at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, she was immediately drawn to osteopathic manipulation, a gentle, hands-on method of diagnosis and treatment that complements her training in allopathic medicine. During medical school she had the great fortune of working with a group of midwives who did home visits, which opened her eyes to the possibility of practicing family care differently. Before joining Dr. Haggerty, she completed family medicine residency at University of Minnesota North Memorial Family Medicine Residency, and spent two years working in an outpatient-based family medicine practice where she attended births and cared for families. She has completed extra training in breastfeeding medicine, integrative medicine, urgent care, osteopathic medicine, and lifestyle medicine since completing residency.

When she isn’t working, Dr. Swanson can be found hiking, skiing, hanging out with her partner and 3 daughters, foraging, or going down an artistic rabbit hole learning a new skill (she’s currently learning botanical dyeing).

Dr. Swanson believes good medicine happens with time, listening, and connection. She also believes everyone is a work in progress (including herself) and that mental and physical health are a marathon, not a sprint. Her own experiences of pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting have been beautiful, difficult, stressful, joy-filled, scary, hilarious, and everything in-between, and she hopes to support you and your family as you enter this special season together.