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Karen Weese Bell, MD

The Quick Version

  • I’m a family physician, board certified in Canada and the United States, and part-time hospice physician
  • I practiced rural and remote family medicine in northern Saskatchewan and worked with high-risk populations at a federally-qualified community health center in New Mexico

  • Practicing family medicine since 2010 — across rural and remote communities in northern Saskatchewan, a federally-qualified health center in New Mexico, and 10 years running my own insurance-based practice in Fort Collins

  • Now: Countercurrent Health
  • Outside of work, my deepest joys are my husband, our daughter, and our pets
  • Besides being with my family, I enjoy writing, movement, sitting by a crackling fire, coffee, and all things involving time in nature

The Longer Story

Who I Am (In a Nutshell)

Hi! My name is Dr. Karen Weese Bell. I’m a family physician by training, and I’m also a part-time hospice doctor. I trained in Canada and am board certified in family medicine in both Canada and the United States.

Family Roots

Since my 20s, I’ve been fascinated by using multiple methods to approach illness or problems. I come from a long line of nurses on my mother’s side, and clockmakers and engineers on my father’s side. I love the mix of using practical approaches to health problems, such as food and exercise as medicine, while applying evidence-based rigor to current guidelines, all the while holding space for personal autonomy and values.

I blend evidence-based guidelines, integrative perspectives, personal circumstances, and values together. Each decision has to make sense on a practical level and actually work in the messiness of real life.

What Hospice Medicine Taught Me

Hospice medicine gives me perspective on what matters. When people are at the end of their lives, true priorities become clear. Helping patients at the end of their lives has helped me appreciate and value the journey that exists long before someone goes on hospice.

Seeing the end helps me stay oriented to what happens in the beginning and the middle.

My Why

For years, the system made this kind of medicine hard to practice. I got tired of working in what I call “McMedicine”, rushing people in and out of exam rooms, clicking computer screen boxes, trying to listen to someone while clicking all the right boxes at the same time. It was exhausting for both me and the patients I served.

I was continually running behind, because half the time I refused to “speed up” and whisk someone through that desperately needed time with me, much to the chagrin of waiting patients and my administrators.

In 2015, I started exploring starting my own practice and founded a small, insurance-based micro practice. After 10 wonderfully therapeutic, yet financially difficult years, I had to shutter my doors. Determined to keep practicing the kind of medicine that nurtures my patients and sustains my business, I opened Countercurrent Health. It’s not flashy or fancy. It’s grounded, and designed to hold space for healing.

My Offering

Balancing people’s unique situations and values brings me joy. Exploring medicine and treatment collaboratively brings me fulfillment. And journeying alongside my patients as they walk through their lives is a sacred honor. I’m glad you found your way here.

Thia Mullikin, PA-C

Hi! My name is Cynthia Mullikin, but please call me Thia. I am a physician assistant with over 22 years of experience across various medical specialties, including OB-GYN, orthopedics, and pediatrics. For the past nine years, I have been practicing primary care here in Fort Collins. I live locally with my husband and nine-year-old son, and I enjoy gardening, traveling, and spending quality time with my family.

Professionally, I am particularly passionate about the patient-driven care model. Practicing with Countercurrent Health allows me the freedom to empower my patients to take charge of their own health and wellness. I look forward to utilizing my experience and my passion for helping others to support you in your health journey.

Germaine, HVA

Hi, mabuhay! I’m Germaine, but you can also call me Maine. I graduated with a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics (UST, Philippines) and am a Certified Healthcare Virtual Assistant (HVA) with experience in customer service and administrative work.

I’m proud to be part of Countercurrent Health, where patients’ needs and well-being always come first. My goal is to help every patient feel cared for, supported, and empowered throughout their health journey.

I share my home with 15 rescued cats and 12 dogs, who fill my life with love, energy, and joy every day.