Training
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 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 MN.
Physician Experience
After residency, Dr. Dan practiced “full scope” Family Medicine with 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 joined 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. In addition to practicing at Forest Direct Primary Care, he continues to serve as an on-call hospice physician for Season’s Hospice in Rochester, MN.
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 good science combined with clinical judgement honed by years of experience. Beware misinformation and propaganda rampant on the internet.
- 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 grave” 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 blessed to attend The Hope Company church in Lynchburg, where he’s part of a supportive small group and serves in the community monthly. He 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 26 years and having 4 children, there’s always something hopping with the family.
- Service. Dr. Dan serves on the Board of Directors for the Blue Ridge Pregnancy Center in Lynchburg, VA.
- Outdoors. Fishing, hiking, hunting, camping, or just enjoying an evening outside hanging 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 makes it possible for him to offer every patient attentive, personalized care.
