Dr. Laura Willoughby believes that patients shouldn’t have to navigate the health care system on their own. Instead, a patient’s care team should provide ongoing support to make sure they understand their condition, treatment options, and next steps in management. As a physician, Dr. Willoughby particularly values educating patients because it gives them more control and confidence in making health decisions.

Dr. Willoughby enjoys all aspects of pulmonology, but the best part of her practice is getting to know each patient and their personal stories, values, and interests.

Dr. Willoughby grew up in rural North Dakota. She attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska, earning a bachelor of science in biochemistry. She received a doctor of medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. She completed a residency in internal medicine at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. From there she completed a pulmonary and critical care fellowship at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California.

On the weekends, Dr. Willoughby and her husband enjoy hiking in the mountains. She always keeps her Audubon and Peterson field guides handy so she can identify the birds and trees she sees along the way.