Dr. Willow Monterrosa, M.D.

If you're a bit surprised to see an 8th-grade girl walk into your APG exam room, don't worry - it's not Join-A-Parent-At-Work-Day.  It's actually Willow Monterrosa, our small but mighty pediatrician. 

The diminutive Dr. Monterrosa moved to Alaska from her home state of Colorado and joined APG in 2004.  She has been happy with Alaska since Day One.  "I love it here.  I thought that Alaska would be a great place to raise kids, and the families I've met have proven that to be true."

Dr. Monterrosa was born in a teepee in the forests of Washington and grew up in Boulder, Colorado.  With the exception of a few years in Halifax, Montreal, and the Caribbean, her entire education took place in Colorado.  College at CU-Boulder was followed by medical school at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver. 

At the end of her pediatric residency at The Children's Hospital in Denver, the faculty bestowed upon Dr. Monterrosa the prestigious Bruce Garber Memorial Award, given annually to the program's most outstanding resident.

Dr. Monterrosa's worst childhood illness?  "Scabies in 4th grade.  I've never itched so badly from head to toe."  (don't be scared - she's no longer contagious)

Her favorite part of being a healthcare provider?  "The relationships I share with patients and families are the best.  I love the science and the challenge of solving problems, but it's the face-to-face interaction with other Alaskans that I value the most."

Her advice for patients and families?  "Our children will do what we show them much more than what we tell them."

Her interests?  Skiing, exploring Alaska, playing outside, watching and discussing football, and spending time with friends and family.