About
Dr. Cora Ludwig grew up in Battle Ground, Washington, and knew from childhood that she wanted to become a physician. Her curiosity about anatomy and physiology started early. In high school, she gave a presentation on olestra, the fat-blocking ingredient in Wow chips, noting its parallels to the weight-loss medication orlistat. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Cum Laude, from the University of Washington, with minors in Chemistry and History. She then completed her medical degree at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Her first-year capstone project compared Weight Watchers, Atkins, and Ornish diets in rural populations and found no meaningful difference between them. That early research shaped her thinking about obesity medicine for years to come.
Dr. Ludwig completed her Internal Medicine residency at Providence Portland Medical Center. She joined Kaiser Permanente in 2011, working at the Rockwood and Mt. Scott Medical Offices, where she managed obesity-related conditions including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and heart failure. She completed a fellowship in obesity medicine through the Obesity Medicine Association and has practiced obesity medicine since 2018. She holds the Diplomate designation from the American Board of Obesity Medicine and serves as a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. She carries active licenses in both Oregon and Washington. Her clinical approach embraces health at every size, body positivity, and body neutrality. She uses five pillars in her care plans: nutrition, physical activity, sleep, mental health, and medications or surgery. Medications play a real role in her toolkit, but she views them as one part of a broader, whole-person strategy. She is passionate about ending the obesity epidemic and deeply understands the bias and stigma her patients navigate. Outside the clinic, she enjoys gardening, knitting, reading, traveling, and exploring Happy Valley with her husband and co-founder, Tim Gray.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of Washington, B.S. Biochemistry (Cum Laude), minors in Chemistry and History
Medical School
University of Washington School of Medicine
Residency
Internal Medicine, Providence Portland Medical Center
Fellowship
Obesity Medicine, Obesity Medicine Association
Additional Training
Practiced at Kaiser Permanente (Rockwood and Mt Scott Medical Offices) beginning 2011; practicing obesity medicine since 2018
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Ludwig right for?
Dr. Ludwig is a strong fit for adults seeking primary care alongside dedicated obesity medicine support. Patients managing diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, sleep apnea, or menopause benefit from her broad internal medicine background. She is particularly well-suited for patients who have struggled with weight management under other providers. Her approach respects patients of all body sizes and meets them where they are. Anyone ready for a long-term, relationship-driven care plan will feel at home in her practice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Ludwig treats a wide range of adult conditions. Her core focus includes obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, heart failure, sleep apnea, insomnia, joint pain, reflux, and menopause and perimenopause. She also provides comprehensive primary care, including preventive screenings, women's health, and chronic disease management.
Yes. Dr. Ludwig holds the Diplomate designation from the American Board of Obesity Medicine, meaning she has met the specialty's rigorous certification standards. She has practiced obesity medicine since 2018 and completed a fellowship through the Obesity Medicine Association.
Dr. Ludwig approaches obesity medicine through five pillars: nutrition, physical activity, sleep, mental health, and medications or surgery. She does not push a single path. Instead, she works with each patient to define personal goals, whether that means weight loss, improved mobility, or reduced medication burden. She uses medications when appropriate and treats them as one tool among many.
Yes. Dr. Ludwig prescribes weight loss medications when they fit a patient's individual goals and health picture. She stays current with emerging treatments in obesity medicine. She also provides referrals for bariatric surgery when that option makes sense.
Dr. Ludwig trained in Internal Medicine at Providence Portland Medical Center. She then spent over a decade at Kaiser Permanente, managing complex obesity-related diseases across a large patient population. She brings more than 13 years of primary care experience to her practice at Pig & Penguin Wellness.
Dr. Ludwig sees patients for both. Pig & Penguin Wellness covers the full scope of adult primary care, including annual exams, cancer screenings, women's health, chronic disease management, and more. Primary care and obesity medicine are intentionally bundled together under one membership.
Dr. Ludwig earned her medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at Providence Portland Medical Center in Portland, Oregon. She later completed a fellowship in obesity medicine through the Obesity Medicine Association.
Yes. Dr. Ludwig offers a free one-hour initial consultation for prospective patients. This gives you time to ask questions, discuss your health goals, and decide whether Pig & Penguin Wellness is the right fit for you.
Yes. Dr. Ludwig's practice embraces health at every size, body positivity, and body neutrality. She tailors goals to each patient's unique physical, mental, and emotional health. She understands the bias and stigma patients with obesity often face and works to make her practice a safe and welcoming space.
Doctor profile last updated April 10, 2026