Board-certified in family medicine, Heather Cichanowski, M.D., sees active people and athletes for musculoskeletal conditions and health concerns that impact sports participation, including return-to-play decisions, concussions and nutrition.

She earned her medical degree at the University of Minnesota Medical School in 2001 and completed her residency in family medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview in 2004. Following residency she completed a primary care sports medicine fellowship at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minn. She earned her Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in sports medicine in 2005.

Dr. Cichanowski sees patients at HealthPartners Specialty Center in St. Paul and serves as team physician for Hill-Murray high school in Maplewood. She provides medical coverage for numerous Minnesota State High School League tournaments, the Twin Cities Marathon, and the Minnesota Lightning (amateur women's soccer). She is a University of Minnesota Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, and is attending physician for the Hennepin County Medical Center Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship and the Family Medicine Residency Program.

Her special medical interests include injuries associated with nordic skiing, cycling, running, swimming and paddle sports.

"My own athletic experiences, including injuries, sparked my strong interest in sports medicine. From my own experience, I know how important it is for injured athletes to resume sport participation in a timely, efficient and safe manner. I aim to keep active people participating in their sports and try to motivate the sedentary to become active."

Her hobbies include traveling, hiking, paddle sports, woodworking and Norwegian studies.

HealthPartners Specialty Center
435 Phalen Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55130
Appointments: 651-254-8300
www.healthpartners.com