Dr. David Stuart is a family medicine physician at St. Vincent Family Health Center, and a hospitalist at St. Vincent Health. With his affinity for science, he first earned a bachelor’s in chemical engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. Returning to medical school and initially aspiring to be a surgeon, Dr. Stuart was influenced by mentors and positive family medicine experiences where he identified his true passion. He attended medical school at Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska and finished medical residency at St. Mary’s Family Medicine in Grand Junction, Colorado.
“I chose family medicine with the goal of caring for and serving a small Colorado community,” says Dr. Stuart. “My goal as a family doctor is first to support all members of the community in remaining healthy and living their best lives.”
When illness does happen, Dr. Stuart’s goal then transitions to prompt, accurate diagnosis with immediate treatment or referral to the appropriate specialty. “I believe strongly in shared decision-making with patients. My role is often as an educator and interpreter of medical information, he says. “After educating my patient on diagnosis and treatment options, we can together make the best decision for his or her health.”
Dr. Stuart grew up on Colorado’s Front Range in Manitou Springs, and his wife Anna is from Buena Vista. The two are excited to plant roots in Lake County. Dr. Stuart is working on his Spanish and looks forward to improving his language skills.
“The diversity of residents in Leadville is unique for small towns in Colorado, making for a broad scope of family medicine practice. The challenges that come with living in Leadville also enhance the vibrant community, which I look forward to becoming a part of,” he says. “Thanks to the many caring members of the community St. Vincent is clearly moving forward in a positive direction, and I hope to assist in guiding the future of healthcare in Lake County.”
When Dr. Stuart isn’t caring for patients, you will likely find him outdoors cycling, running, skiing or fishing. He also enjoys disc golf. He and Anna love to cook, snuggle with their cat, read, listen to music and watch movies.