Catherine Gutfreund, MD

Bio

I love being a Family Physician, and caring for people from "birth to death". I feel it is an honor to be involved in the health care of entire families. As a Family Medicine doctor I feel I can take care of the majority of your medical concerns with "one stop shopping". I like to partner with patients and allow them to take an active role in their health care. I firmly believe that the mind and body are interconnected, and often simple lifestyle changes can greatly improve ones' health.

I recently joined Kaiser Permanente, after having been in private practice in the community. I am excited to practice medicine here as Kaiser has multiple wellness programs, and a fantastic electronic medical record system.

My Medical Specialty

More details about my specialty:

I initially trained in Ear, Nose and Throat surgery while I was on active duty in the US Army. I found surgery fascinating, However, I found that I preferred to care for the whole person and all their medical issues. I then trained in Family Medicine at Henry Ford Medical Center in Detriot. I really love being involved in the health care of multigenerational families.

My specialty interests and affiliations within my field:

I studied acupuncture at UCLA and offer that to my patients. I think there are many alternative medical therapies that can be helpful for many medical conditions. In addition I have taken some courses in medical herbology.

Current projects or research:

I am currently an elected delegate for the California Medical Association for Sonoma county. I have been involved in different legislative issues to help patients have better access to health care, and to help physicians provide the best care they can.
I am now Santa Rosa's Womans Health Liason. I will be leading a team to help address womens' health issues. I am very excited about this new role.

Great health resources that I refer to:

AAFP.COM
KP.ORG

An interesting story from my training:

Last year I hospitalized one of my 93 year old patients. He had a severe pneumonia and I had the privilege to be at his bedside with his family when he passed away. Later that day, I saw his great granddaughter for her kindergarten physical. This experience made me reflect on the continuity of life and what an honor it is to care for families.

Interests

My favorite book or author:
Gabriel Marquez, Love in the time of Cholera

Great movie:
Gone with the Wind

Hobby Photos & Links:

our little vineyard

Family & Friends

People in my life:

My husband Greg is a native California from Humbolt county. He is a UC Davis Graduate and an engineer. We have been married for 5 years and met in a wine class at the Santa Rosa JC. He is my best friend and soul mate. Greg makes me laugh and not take life too seriously

My children and people I care about:

We have 2 beautiful boys, Ben who is 4 and Sam who is 2. They are the love and joy in my life. I never before understood the profound love one could have for another human.

Ben is a very adventuresome, outgoing, energetic boy. He is very curious sweet boy. He loves riding his bike and everything to do with space and Buzz Lightyear.

Sammy is my snuggle-bunny. He is a very bright happy child. He loves books and loves preschool. He and Ben wrestle a lot and are true boys!

Photos of my Family & Friends:

Cathy and Greg go ballroom dancing

Ben and Sam

we have a 17 year old Cat "Bamc" named after Brooke Army Medical Center, where I did my internship. He has traveled the world with me, and is slowing down, but is more energetic with the additon of a new kitten. Bamc loves to sleep with my son Sam.
Our new Kitty "Buzz" is quite the hunter and brings in a variety of lizards, birds and mice into the house. We never know what she'll bring in next.

We raise free range chickens for organic eggs. The boys have named them all, and love to hold them.

Travel

An adventure I've had:

My Husband Greg and I went on a eco/adventure trip in Costa Rica. We had a fantastic time, hiking, windsurfing and horseback riding in the forest. We got to see the volcano at Lake Arenal erupt several times which was fantastic!

Favorite place in the world:

Istanbul is my favorite city in the world. I traveled to Turkey for several weeks, and fell in love with the antiquity and architecture. The food and coffee were great also. I went to a Turkish bath and that was one of the best pampering experiences I have ever had in my life. (the bath is featured in Indiana Jones first movie).

One of my recent trips:

My Husband and I recently went to Japan- where he had business. It was a wonderful trip. The sushi was so fresh that at one restaurant they removed eel from the fish tank and served it to us a few minutes later. Boy, was it good!

Travel Photos:

Our trip to Italy