Kelsey Wertzler, MD

Kelsey grew up in Portland, Oregon. She attended Washington State University where she rowed on the women’s crew team while earning bachelor’s degrees in biotechnology as well genetics & cell biology. She completed a minor degree in Spanish while studying at the Universidad de Sevilla in Seville, Spain. Seeking more adventure outside of the classroom, she spent the summers guiding whitewater rafting trips out of Riggins, Idaho. Kelsey then continued on to earn a master’s degree in biochemistry, researching DNA repair and cancer, before ultimately realizing that what she truly wanted was to become a doctor to build deeper, more meaningful relationships with the patients she aimed to help. 

At the University of Washington School of Medicine, Kelsey completed certificates of additional training in the areas of rural and underserved medicine, global health, and Hispanic health. Her passion for rural and underserved medicine was stoked while traveling through remote areas of Washington, Wyoming, Montana, and Alaska during her clinical rotations as well as through longitudinal training opportunities in Wasilla, Alaska and Huancayo, Peru.

Kelsey completed her residency training at the Full Circle Health in Boise. There, she was immersed in a culture committed to rigorous medical training and a passion to meet the needs of underserved populations. After graduation, she was grateful to continue with the Full Circle Health family as a faculty member and helped to develop and launch another family medicine residency program in nearby Nampa, ID. 

Kelsey now focuses on clinical medicine and serves as the clinic director for the three Full Circle Health clinics in Nampa. She continues to feel that the most rewarding aspect of medicine is the joy of building long lasting relationships with her patients and their families.  When not at work, you will find Kelsey outside with her family, riding one of her bikes, trail running, swimming, back-country skiing or gardening.