About
Dr. Leigh Ann Higgins grew up in Maine and returned to her home state after extensive training and academic experience across the country. She earned her BA magna cum laude from Boston University in 1993 and her MD from Loyola University Chicago in 1997. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at University of Michigan Hospitals and then held Assistant Professor of Medicine positions at Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Vermont School of Medicine. She also completed a Stanford Executive Education Leadership Program in 2000.
Dr. Higgins holds board certification in Internal Medicine and has practiced primary care for over two decades. She brings particular depth in women's health, cardiovascular disease, sleep disorders, weight management, colorectal cancer screening, Alzheimer's disease, and Lyme disease. She served patients at the Mercy Free Clinic in Portland from 2001 to 2004 and spent more than two decades at InterMed before co-founding Casco Bay DPC. She currently serves as President of the Board of the New England Direct Primary Care Alliance.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Boston University, BA magna cum laude, 1993
Medical School
Loyola University Chicago, MD 1997
Residency
Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Hospitals, 1997-2000
Additional Training
Stanford Executive Education/Leadership Program, 2000; Assistant Professor of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University/Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Hospital, 2000-2001; Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Vermont School of Medicine, 2001-2006
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Higgins right for?
Dr. Higgins is an excellent fit for adults managing complex or chronic conditions, including hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, and sleep disorders. Women seeking a physician with deep expertise in cardiovascular health, gynecologic care, and preventive screenings will find her especially well matched. She approaches every patient with an emphasis on listening, education, and partnership. Patients who want a physician who advocates on their behalf and engages them as an active participant in their own care will thrive under her approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Higgins treats a wide range of conditions including hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, colorectal cancer screening, Alzheimer's disease, sleep disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, Lyme disease, bacterial vaginosis, and urinary tract infections. She also provides comprehensive women's health care.
Yes, women's health is a significant clinical focus for Dr. Higgins. She provides gynecologic evaluations, Pap smears, contraception counseling, family planning, and stays current on research specific to how conditions like heart disease present differently in women.
Dr. Higgins earned her MD from Loyola University Chicago and completed her Internal Medicine residency at University of Michigan Hospitals. She then held faculty positions at Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Vermont School of Medicine before returning to Maine.
Yes, Dr. Higgins holds board certification in Internal Medicine. She has practiced primary care for over 20 years and maintains active membership in the American College of Physicians and ABIM.
Dr. Higgins approaches every clinical situation with humility and an open mind. She places strong emphasis on listening, partnering with patients, and empowering them to take an active role in their health. Long-term relationships with patients and their families are central to how she practices.
Yes, Dr. Higgins serves as President of the Board of the New England Direct Primary Care Alliance as of 2026. She has been a strong advocate for the DPC model and the relationships it makes possible between physicians and patients.
Yes, Dr. Higgins has a strong clinical interest in weight management and GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. She helps patients understand the appropriate use, benefits, and risks of these treatments within a comprehensive care plan.
Dr. Higgins grew up in Maine and has practiced primary care in the Greater Portland area since 2001. She served patients at the Mercy Free Clinic in Portland from 2001 to 2004 and spent over two decades at InterMed before co-founding Casco Bay DPC.
Doctor profile last updated April 11, 2026