Family Physician Enjoying ThedaCare Physicians-Waupaca
When Dorrie Happ completed her residency training in Duluth, Minn., she knew she was ready to make a move to Wisconsin for some warmer weather. During her childhood, Dr. Happ, who is originally from Illinois, would visit extended family living in Wisconsin. She always knew one day she would make Wisconsin her home. “I have always felt like Wisconsin is my home,” she said. “It’s a beautiful state, full of friendly people.”
Dr. Happ and her husband also desired a small community where they could raise their two young children. She interviewed at several places before finding a fit in Waupaca “We really like the feel of Waupaca and the group that I was going to be working with,” said Dr. Happ, who joined ThedaCare Physicians-Waupaca a month ago as a family physician with a special interest in obstetrics.
Dr. Happ described an immediate connection she felt with the other physicians at the clinic. “Everyone is extremely supportive of one another. I am proud to be a part of this group with top-notch physicians,” she said, noting that they practice evidence based medicine and stay up to date on the latest treatment of patients.
She has been impressed with the quality of care afforded to the patients at the clinic and Riverside Medical Center. “It’s so nice to have the clinic attached to the hospital” she said. “It makes it really easy to check in with your patients and the nursing staff.”
Dr. Happ treats patients of all ages and especially enjoys women’s health, pediatrics, adolescent care as well as management of hospital patients. During her residency she had a strong training in obstetrics. “It’s a really amazing experience to be a part of delivering a baby,” she said.
Dr. Happ earned her bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from Northwestern University and then received her medical degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Dr. Happ completed her residency training through the Duluth Family Medicine Residency Program, a University of Minnesota affiliate. Dr. Happ explained she chose this residency program for its focus on training rural family physicians and strong obstetrics skills training. She enjoys the variety that comes with being a family physician. “Every single day is very different from the next,” she said. “You never get bored. It’s always challenging.”
Dr. Happ’s philosophy in caring for patients includes being honest and up front with people. This involves providing patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their care. “I think of the patient-physician relationship as a team where I can provide patient education and knowledge, which allows people to make better decisions to best care for themselves,” she said. “I also follow the physician’s oath of ‘Do No Harm.’ This crosses my mind as I am making decisions or suggestions for patients. For example, if I’m going to be prescribing a medication or a test for a patient, I think the benefits should outweigh the risks.”
When she is not at work, she is playing with her children, usually outdoors year-round. “We like to do a lot of outdoor activities,” she said. “Even if it’s freezing cold, you can still find us sledding or skiing.”
