About
Dr. Shannon Connolly, MD, FAAFP, DABFM, co-founded Open Arms Primary Care after training at some of the country's top institutions. She completed her undergraduate education at Brown University and Harvard University, then earned her medical degree from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. Her Family Medicine residency took place at UCLA, and she went on to complete a fellowship in Primary Care Psychiatry at UC Irvine.
Dr. Connolly holds board certification in Family Medicine and earned fellowship status in the American Academy of Family Physicians. The California Academy of Family Physicians named her 2025 Family Physician of the Year. She treats a broad range of conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, asthma, depression, anxiety, menopause, menstrual disorders, STIs, and substance use disorder. Her care philosophy centers on understanding each patient as a whole person. She participates actively in physician leadership and health equity advocacy at the state and national level. Outside the clinic, she enjoys hiking with her dog Sadie, trying new foods, and tending to five aquariums.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Brown University and Harvard University
Medical School
University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine
Residency
Family Medicine, UCLA
Fellowship
Primary Care Psychiatry, UC Irvine
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Connolly right for?
Dr. Connolly is a strong fit for adults seeking a physician who integrates mental health into primary care. Her fellowship in Primary Care Psychiatry makes her well-suited for patients managing depression, anxiety, or substance use disorder alongside chronic conditions. She welcomes LGBTQ+, neurodiverse, trauma-experienced, and larger-bodied patients. Patients who want a doctor invested in shared decision-making will find her approach a natural match.
Similar Doctors Nearby
Dr. Amy TressanMD
chronic conditions, reproductive health, menstrual disorders +4 more
Dr. Christopher CelioMD
chronic condition management, preventive care, metabolic health +4 more
Dr. Shayne PoulinMD
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Connolly treats a wide range of conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, asthma, depression, anxiety, menopause, menstrual disorders, STIs, and substance use disorder. Her training in Primary Care Psychiatry also allows her to manage behavioral and mental health concerns within primary care.
Yes. Dr. Connolly holds board certification in Family Medicine and carries the FAAFP and DABFM designations. She earned her fellowship status through the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Dr. Connolly attended Brown University and Harvard University for her undergraduate education. She earned her MD at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, completed her Family Medicine residency at UCLA, and finished a Primary Care Psychiatry fellowship at UC Irvine.
Dr. Connolly focuses on understanding each patient's life, priorities, and goals before making clinical decisions together. She practices inclusive, non-shaming, trauma-informed care. She welcomes patients from all backgrounds, including LGBTQ+, neurodiverse, and undocumented individuals.
Yes. The California Academy of Family Physicians named Dr. Connolly its 2025 Family Physician of the Year. She also participates in physician leadership and health equity advocacy at both the state and national level.
Yes, Dr. Connolly currently accepts new patients at Open Arms Primary Care. You can sign up online or text the practice directly to get started.
Doctor profile last updated April 11, 2026