Laura C. Hanson, MD, MPH

I was initially fascinated by the science of the human body and how it interacts with the world. As I went through training, I became more interested in the personal experiences of illness and learning how medicine can help improve the quality of our lives. Ultimately, I chose to specialize in hospice and palliative medicine to focus on improving the lives of patients with serious illness. I am particularly interested in end of life care and hospice, as well as how we can better deliver care in the community to serve patients outside of the hospital. In palliative care, one of our roles is to better understand a patient’s own goals and values so that we can help them receive the health care that best aligns with those goals and values. My approach is to listen to what matters most to my patients, and then work within our health care system to try and help them achieve that. Outside of work, I love exploring the many hiking trails and parks we have in our state.

I am trained in Internal Medicine and practice in the field of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. I am passionate about providing patient-centered care for patients with serious illness and teaching communication skills to learners throughout the health system. I am a father of two and enjoy spending quality time with my family, reading and coaching soccer.

I am a doctor because I want to listen to people’s stories to learn about them and from them. I want to stand up for social justice and equity. I want to sit with people in the good and hard times. I am honest even when it is painful and I will be there to help them navigate their experiences. My approach to patient care includes meeting people where they are with an open mind, compassionate heart, quiet tongue and an active ear. I then become a fierce advocate for them. My areas of special interest include: pediatric and adult hospice and palliative medicine, activism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), harm reduction, medical education and intersectionality of serious illness and social determinants of health. Outside of work, I like to cook and try out new recipes, hangout with my wife and two dogs, discover new breweries and craft beer, meditate, travel, hike, collect local art, listen to podcasts, watch sports and go to the movies or watch shows from my comfy couch.