About
Dr. Mary Ellen Hoffman earned her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Exercise Science from Ithaca College in 1997, where she played center field for the Bombers softball team. She went on to earn her medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. During medical school, she joined the Rural Medical Education program and spent nine months living and working in Oneonta, a community she would eventually call home. She completed her Family Medicine residency at Somerset Medical Center in Somerville, NJ in 2004, then spent seven years at Towne Centre Family Practice in Hillsborough, NJ before returning to Upstate New York.
Dr. Hoffman joined Oneonta Family Practice in 2010 and founded Hoffman Family Medicine in 2016. A self-described small-town girl who grew up in Alfred, NY, she now lives in Oneonta with her husband J and their children Jamie and Beckett. Since 2016, she has studied Functional Medicine to better understand root causes of dysfunction and disease. Since 2022, she has pursued a dedicated Functional Medicine Mentorship with Dr. Dan Kalish, incorporating specialized metabolic testing into her practice. She treats a broad range of conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, hormonal imbalances, fatigue, anxiety, digestive issues, and more. Patient empowerment sits at the center of her clinical philosophy.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Ithaca College, Biochemistry and Exercise Science (graduated 1997)
Medical School
SUNY Upstate Medical University
Residency
Family Medicine, Somerset Family Practice Residency at Somerset Medical Center, Somerville, NJ (graduated 2004)
Additional Training
Functional Medicine Mentorship with Dr. Dan Kalish (since 2022)
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Hoffman right for?
Dr. Hoffman is a strong fit for adults seeking both primary care and functional medicine under one roof. Patients dealing with fatigue, hormonal changes, digestive issues, metabolic concerns, or chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension benefit from her root-cause approach. Her team structure also suits patients who want integrated support from a nutritionist, health coach, and physical therapist. Those who value direct access to their physician and longer, unhurried visits will feel at home here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Hoffman treats a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, COPD, depression, anxiety, fatigue, obesity, heartburn, irritable bowel, gas, bloating, irregular menstrual cycles, fertility issues, low libido, hot flashes, brain fog, attention issues, insomnia, sugar cravings, allergies, pain, and skin issues. She also handles acute illnesses, sprains, and minor burns.
Dr. Hoffman uses functional medicine to investigate the root causes behind symptoms rather than treating them in isolation. She conducts in-depth histories and physicals, then selects specialized testing using blood, saliva, urine, or stool samples to evaluate metabolic function. From there, she builds an individualized health plan that may include lifestyle changes and targeted supplements.
Dr. Hoffman holds a medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University and completed her Family Medicine residency at Somerset Medical Center in Somerville, NJ in 2004. She has practiced family medicine for over two decades. Since 2022, she has pursued an active Functional Medicine Mentorship with Dr. Dan Kalish.
Yes. The membership at Hoffman Family Medicine covers unlimited visits with Dr. Hoffman in both roles. She handles routine primary care needs alongside functional medicine evaluation and treatment, so members work with a single physician across both areas of care.
Yes. Dr. Hoffman makes home visits for patients who cannot come into the office. Home visits fall within the standard membership for patients living within 20 miles of the Oneonta office. Patients beyond that range pay an additional $20 per 10 miles per visit.
Yes. Dr. Hoffman makes herself available by call, email, or text 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Response time varies based on the urgency of the concern. Members can reach out directly without going through an after-hours service.
Dr. Hoffman does not admit patients to the hospital. If a member requires hospitalization, she communicates with the hospitalist team managing their inpatient care. She then resumes care directly upon the patient's discharge.
Dr. Hoffman uses specialized metabolic testing that includes blood, saliva, urine, and stool analysis. These tests give her objective data on how key body systems are functioning. She uses the results to identify dysfunction that may contribute to symptoms like fatigue, hormonal imbalance, digestive trouble, mood changes, and more.
Dr. Hoffman grew up in Alfred, NY and attended Ithaca College, where she studied Biochemistry and Exercise Science. Her undergraduate training in both science and fitness informs her whole-person approach to health. She has lived and practiced in Oneonta for many years and brings a deep familiarity with the local community and its health resources.
Doctor profile last updated April 17, 2026