Care Philosophy: “Every patient deserves unique, individualized care that works for them and meets them in the places where they are ready and able to heal and grow. There is no cookie-cutter solution that works for everyone in all circumstances, and ultimately the patient is the captain of their own ship. My role is to serve as a guide and counselor to help each patient navigate their healthcare journey, providing them with the best current medical information and available options so they can decide what route is best for them; and once a plan is selected, to help them execute that vision effectively and efficiently. Some surgical needs are cut and dried, but many others are more nuanced, and I am here to help each patient arrive at the destination that is best for them on an individual basis.”

Joseph Dougherty, MD, specializes in general surgery, acute care, and trauma surgery. Having graduated from the UC Berkeley (BA) and the University of Michigan (MD), Dr. Dougherty is board certified by the American Board of Surgery. His medical interests include minimally invasive surgical solutions to challenging physical conditions; Surgical Acute Care with the goal of helping people navigate unexpected emergency conditions and return to their normal life; helping people achieve optimal healthy lifestyles through a holistic fusion of exercise, nutrition, and modern medical care.

“The human body is an incredible living machine that can give you a lifetime of joyful smooth service if well cared for and maintained,” says Dr. Dougherty. “Like any machine, it must be properly tuned, well fueled, and used often in order to stay in optimal operational condition. Sometimes the long miles take a toll and we all need some basic maintenance from time to time. Preventive care will help keep you running smoothly and avoid the major overhauls that could leave you rusting in the yard on blocks! Invest in your health: stay active, exercise often, don’t smoke, get proper rest and nutrition, and fix the little things before they become major issues – from gut health to weight loss to hernia repair to preventive screenings, we’re here to help keep you healthy. If you need help with any of those things, come and see me… let’s talk about your health goals and how to help you achieve them.”

Dr. Joseph Dougherty has received a number of awards, honors, achievements, memberships, committee seats, licenses and certifications. In just the last several years, Dr. Dougherty has achieved the following awards and honors:
1. The 2020 US DOD Humanitarian Service Medal for action in support of COVID19 response
2. The AVH Values Oak Leaf Recognition Program (5 times from 2018-2020) for exemplary patient care
3. The US Navy review board for promotion to O-5, Commander in 2019
4. The Navy commendation in 2018 for meritorious service during Operation Inherent Resolve deployment with Naval Expeditionary Medical Unit, selected by CJTF for cross assignment to forward deployed USAF Ground Surgical Team at Syrian border
5. Army Commendation Medal for service in support of 3rd Cav at Al Qaim, Iraq, in 2018

Outside of work, Dr. Joseph Dougherty enjoys spending time with his children and family. He also enjoys wildlife photography, exercise and nutrition, BJJ and other combat sports, powerlifting, botany, birding, scuba diving, travel, and creative writing and poetry. Dr. Dougherty says that MDI presents, “the perfect mix of rural community large enough to be exciting, viable and vibrant but small enough to be a healthy place to raise a family.”