About
Dr. Michael Lillestol has practiced internal medicine in the Fargo area for decades, building patient relationships that span more than 30 years. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from North Dakota State University in 1970, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Medicine from the University of North Dakota in 1973. He then completed his Doctorate of Medicine at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine in 1974. His internship and residency in internal medicine both took place at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, where he trained from 1974 to 1977. Before medical school, he served in the US Air Force Reserves as a pharmacy sergeant at Grand Forks Air Force Base from 1971 to 1975.
Dr. Lillestol holds certification as a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and serves as a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. His pharmacy training gives him a grounded, cautious perspective on medication use. He rounds at Sanford Health as early as 6:30am when patients need hospital care. Since 2000, he has taught medical students as a Professor of Medical Students Clerkships at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine. He also leads Lillestol Research, LLC as Principal Investigator, a role he has held since 2004. The North Dakota Diabetes Care Provider Achievement Gold Award recognized his work in diabetes care each year from 2005 through 2009. He received the Golden Grains Award from the North Dakota Dietetic Association in 2003.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
North Dakota State University, B.S. Pharmacy (1970); University of North Dakota, B.S. Medicine (1973)
Medical School
University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Doctorate of Medicine (1974)
Residency
Internal Medicine, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, MN (1975-1977)
Additional Training
Internship, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, MN (1974-1975); US Air Force Reserves, Sgt. - Pharmacy, Grand Forks Air Force Base (1971-1975)
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Lillestol right for?
Dr. Lillestol suits adults who want a long-term primary care relationship built on prevention and careful follow-through. Patients managing chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension benefit from his attentive, proactive style. His pharmacy background makes him a strong fit for patients on multiple medications who want a physician who scrutinizes prescribing decisions. Patients who value direct physician access, including after-hours phone calls and hospital rounding, find his approach reassuring. Those who need specialist coordination will benefit from his role as a hands-on medical navigator.
Similar Doctors Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Lillestol focuses on internal medicine and preventive care. He has particular expertise managing chronic conditions including type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. The North Dakota Diabetes Care Provider Achievement Gold Award recognized his diabetes care work for five consecutive years from 2005 through 2009.
Dr. Lillestol earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from North Dakota State University before pursuing medicine. That background gives him a detailed understanding of how medications work and interact. He takes a conservative approach to prescribing, weighing both benefits and risks before recommending a medication.
Yes. Dr. Lillestol holds certification as a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He also maintains certifications in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support and Basic Life Support. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.
Dr. Lillestol earned his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Minnesota School of Medicine in 1974. He completed both his internship and his internal medicine residency at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, finishing his residency training in 1977.
Yes. Dr. Lillestol holds affiliations with Sanford Health, Essentia Health, and Coblat Rehab Hospital. Patients have noted that he rounds as early as 6:30am when they need inpatient care. He stays actively involved and makes recommendations to the care team throughout a hospital stay.
Dr. Lillestol takes an active role in coordinating specialist care. He identifies when a condition falls outside primary care and connects patients with the right specialists promptly. Through MDVIP, he also has access to Medical Centers of Excellence for patients who need care beyond what local providers offer.
Dr. Lillestol has maintained long-term patient relationships throughout his career. Several of his patients have remained under his care for more than 30 years. That continuity reflects his commitment to knowing each patient's full health history and building trust over time.
Yes. Dr. Lillestol has served as a Professor of Medical Students Clerkships at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine since 2000. He also leads Lillestol Research, LLC as Principal Investigator, a role he has held since 2004.
Yes. Dr. Lillestol makes himself available by phone after hours and on weekends. Members call him directly for urgent concerns outside regular office hours. This level of access is a core benefit of his MDVIP-affiliated practice.
Doctor profile last updated April 2, 2026