About
Dr. Susan J. Baumgaertel is a board-certified internist and Fellow of the American College of Physicians based in Seattle, Washington. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Washington College of Architecture and Urban Planning before completing her Doctor of Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Her Internal Medicine residency took place at the UW Department of Medicine, and she finished as Chief Resident in the Department of Medical Education at Swedish Medical Center. She holds board certification in Internal Medicine since 1996 and has served on Active Staff at Providence Swedish Medical Center since 1995.
Dr. Baumgaertel spent 25 years in full-time private practice at The Polyclinic, where she co-founded the concierge program Partnership in Health and launched the weight management program Menu for Change. She also served as Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the UW Department of Medicine and chaired committees in Integrative Medicine, Technology, Quality Management, and Peer Review. In 2022 she founded myMDadvocate and Parapluie Partners, LLC. com as a free community resource. She founded the talk show 'Voices With Vigor' in 2025. Her clinical passions include menopause, aging, chronic disease, cancer survivorship, autoimmune conditions, and referral advocacy. She speaks Latin, French, and German and holds personal interests in art, nature, food, and family.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of Washington, College of Architecture & Urban Planning
Medical School
University of Washington School of Medicine
Residency
Internal Medicine, UW Department of Medicine; Chief Resident, Department of Medical Education, Swedish Medical Center
Additional Training
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, UW Department of Medicine; EPIC Power User, Certified
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Baumgaertel right for?
Dr. Baumgaertel serves adult patients in Washington state who need expert guidance navigating a complex healthcare system. She is a strong fit for patients managing chronic conditions such as autoimmune disease, diabetes, heart disease, or thyroid disorders. Patients facing a new cancer diagnosis or moving through survivorship benefit from her focused support. She also works well with those navigating menopause, chronic pain, or caregiver stress. Anyone who needs help filtering medical information, securing the right referral, or coordinating across multiple specialists will find her approach highly practical.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Baumgaertel acts as a physician consultant, healthcare navigator, personal coach, and medical advocate. She helps patients understand their diagnoses, interpret medical information, prepare for specialist appointments, and navigate referrals. She can also collaborate with a patient's existing primary care and specialty physicians as a safety net.
Dr. Baumgaertel has deep clinical experience with menopause, chronic disease, autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disorders, Parkinson's disease, cancer and survivorship, chronic pain, weight management, behavioral health, caregiver stress, and aging-related concerns.
Yes. Dr. Baumgaertel holds board certification in Internal Medicine since 1996. She is also a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and a certified EPIC Power User.
Dr. Baumgaertel completed her Doctor of Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine. She did her Internal Medicine residency at the UW Department of Medicine and served as Chief Resident in the Department of Medical Education at Swedish Medical Center.
No. Dr. Baumgaertel does not prescribe medications or provide primary or urgent care. Patients need to obtain prescriptions from their primary care or specialty physicians. Her role focuses on consultation, advocacy, and navigation rather than direct prescribing.
Dr. Baumgaertel has focused on menopause as a core clinical interest throughout her career. com as a free community resource. She is a member of The Menopause Society.
Yes. Dr. Baumgaertel has published in the Washington State Medical Association journal, KevinMD/MedPage Today, and the NAMD Journal of Medicine. Becker's Healthcare featured her in October 2024. She also founded the talk show 'Voices With Vigor' in 2025 and maintains a YouTube channel.
Dr. Baumgaertel spent 25 years in full-time private practice in Internal Medicine at The Polyclinic, starting in 1996. She founded myMDadvocate in early 2022, bringing that depth of clinical experience to her virtual consultation practice.
Yes. Dr. Baumgaertel specifically helps patients who already have a primary care physician and one or more specialists. She collaborates with that existing team and helps patients prepare for appointments, understand recommendations, and advocate for appropriate referrals.
Doctor profile last updated April 10, 2026