Experienced Family Practice Provider Dr. Naomi Koenig
A family practice provider serving the rural Midwest, Dr. Naomi Koenig has emerged as a dedicated and forward-thinking leader in community-based healthcare. Since helping to found Selah Wellness Clinic, LLC, Dr. Koenig has played a central role in shaping a clinic rooted in compassion, innovation, and service to populations that have long been underserved. Through her work, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to ensuring that high-quality, comprehensive healthcare is accessible to all.
At Selah Wellness Clinic, Dr. Koenig provides primary care services to patients of all ages while also overseeing daily clinic operations. One of her most impactful contributions has been the integration of mental health care into the primary care setting, an approach that reflects her belief that physical and mental health are inseparable. By prioritizing whole-person care, she has helped create a clinical environment where patients feel seen, heard, and supported. This model has been particularly meaningful for individuals in rural communities, where access to mental health services is often limited or nonexistent.
Throughout her medical career, Dr. Koenig has earned recognition for her ability to develop creative, collaborative solutions to complex healthcare challenges. She is widely respected for her work with veterans and Indigenous patients, populations that often face unique medical, psychological, and systemic barriers to care. Her approach is grounded in cultural awareness, trust-building, and an understanding of trauma-informed practices. These principles guide her efforts to ensure that care is not only clinically effective but also respectful and responsive to each patient’s lived experience.
Among Dr. Koenig’s notable achievements is her distinction as the first Spravato therapy and TMS provider in East Central Minnesota. This milestone expanded access to an innovative treatment option for patients struggling with conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health challenges. Her leadership in bringing this therapy to the region reflects both her willingness to pursue evidence-based innovation and her determination to meet patients where traditional treatments may fall short.
Dr. Koenig’s commitment to service extends far beyond her current role. Earlier in her career, she worked as an emergency medical technician then paramedic, gaining firsthand experience in high-pressure environments that demand quick thinking, teamwork, and compassion. She was also recognized for her work as a volunteer logistics coordinator during Hurricane Katrina, where she helped coordinate essential services during one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history. These experiences reflect a consistent pattern in her life: stepping forward when others are in need and contributing her skills where they can make the greatest impact.
Her academic journey further underscores her dedication to service and leadership. Dr. Koenig studied psychiatry at the University of Arizona, where she distinguished herself both academically and professionally. During this time, she was selected as a Pat Tillman Scholar, an honor awarded to individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential, a commitment to service, and a drive to create positive change in their communities. She is also a member of the Sigma Theta Tau and Alpha Beta Kappa honor societies, reflecting her academic excellence and professional integrity.
The Pat Tillman Scholar designation carries special significance. The program honors the legacy of Pat Tillman, a former NFL player for the Arizona Cardinals who left his professional football career to enlist in the U.S. Army following the September 11, 2001 attacks. Tillman served as an Army Ranger and was killed in Afghanistan in 2004. He is remembered not only for his athletic talent but for his courage, humility, and unwavering commitment to service beyond self. The Pat Tillman Foundation was established to carry forward these values by supporting scholars who strive to lead with integrity and purpose.
Dr. Koenig’s selection as a Tillman Scholar reflects her alignment with these ideals. Her work with veterans is informed by a deep respect for military service and an understanding of the complex physical and psychological challenges many veterans face after service. Through her clinical practice and advocacy, she has worked to ensure that veterans receive care that is compassionate, comprehensive, and tailored to their unique needs. This dedication represents not only professional excellence but a personal commitment to honoring those who have served.
Beyond her clinical and administrative responsibilities, Dr. Koenig devotes significant time to writing legislation and grants aimed at addressing systemic gaps in healthcare access. Her efforts are driven by a belief that lasting change requires both direct patient care and structural solutions. By engaging in policy and funding initiatives, she seeks to expand resources, strengthen community health infrastructure, and promote healing on a broader scale.
In every aspect of her work, Dr. Naomi Koenig exemplifies leadership grounded in service, innovation, and compassion. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to improving lives—one patient, one clinic, and one community at a time. Through her dedication to veterans, underserved populations, and the principles embodied by the Pat Tillman legacy, she continues to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the communities she serves.