About
Dr. David Leichtling has practiced family medicine for more than 35 years, rooting his career in Columbia, Maryland from the start. He earned his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from Princeton University, then completed his medical degree at the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1982. He completed his internship and Family Practice residency at the University of Maryland Medical School Hospital System in Baltimore, finishing his training in 1985.
Dr. Leichtling maintains certification through the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons and holds memberships in the American Academy of Family Practice and the Maryland Academy of Family Practice. He remains affiliated with Howard County General Hospital and The Johns Hopkins Hospital. He speaks both English and French. His clinical focus includes preventing and managing diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease, with particular attention to strengthening muscles and mobility. A long-held belief in the value of unhurried, personalized care drives his work. As a teenager, he watched his mother's physician continue to give her same-day appointments and careful attention well into his 80s, and that image has guided Dr. Leichtling's practice ever since.
Education & Training
Family Medicine, more than 35 years of practice
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Leichtling right for?
Dr. Leichtling works well with adults seeking a long-term relationship with an experienced family medicine physician. Patients managing chronic conditions like diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity, or cardiovascular disease benefit from his preventive, holistic approach. He is a strong fit for patients who want thorough annual wellness assessments with advanced diagnostics. Anyone focused on maximizing their healthy, disease-free years will find his health span philosophy closely aligned with their goals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Leichtling focuses on preventing and managing diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease. He also emphasizes building muscle strength and mobility as part of long-term health. His approach targets the root causes of chronic illness through early screening and personalized planning.
Dr. Leichtling centers his practice on the concept of health span, which measures the number of healthier, disease-free years a patient experiences. He builds individualized wellness plans that address nutrition, exercise, and when needed, medications or supplements. He places strong value on unhurried appointments and lasting doctor-patient relationships.
Dr. Leichtling earned his medical degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1982. He completed both his internship and Family Practice residency at the University of Maryland Medical School Hospital System in Baltimore, finishing in 1985. Before medical school, he studied Biochemistry at Princeton University.
Yes, Dr. Leichtling holds certification through the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons. He is also a member of the American Academy of Family Practice and the Maryland Academy of Family Practice.
Dr. Leichtling has practiced medicine for more than 35 years. He started at Patuxent Medical Group in Columbia, Maryland, and in 2004 the practice became Columbia Medical Practice. He has served many of his patients for decades.
Yes, Dr. Leichtling maintains affiliations with Howard County General Hospital and The Johns Hopkins Hospital. These affiliations support his ability to coordinate care for patients who need hospital-based services.
Dr. Leichtling speaks both English and French.
As a teenager, Dr. Leichtling watched his mother's personal physician continue to give her unhurried, same-day appointments and personalized attention well into his 80s. That experience shaped his belief in what good primary care should look like and motivated him to build a practice rooted in the same values.
Dr. Leichtling uses inflammation testing developed with Cleveland HeartLab as part of the annual MDVIP Wellness Program. This testing examines cardiovascular risk markers beyond standard cholesterol panels. The program also includes screenings for diabetes, bone health, fitness, sleep, and emotional well-being.
Doctor profile last updated April 10, 2026