Dr. Martens grew up in a single-parent household in Billings, Montana. She attended college at Concordia College in Moorhead and went on to medical school at Nova Southeastern University - College of Osteopathic Medicine in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She then completed 3 years of Family Medicine specialty training at the Rapid City Regional Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program in Rapid City, South Dakota before returning to Fargo in 2013 where she has been practicing full scope Family Medicine ever since.

Maintaining a meaningful and trusting relationship with her patients has always been a priority for Dr. Martens. She has heard too many times over the years how patients feel rushed or not listened to by their doctor, and she has been determined to “fix” this problem. Was it the system? Or the clinician? In 2017 she helped develop the Family Medicine Residency here in Fargo and had the opportunity to instill in those new doctors not just the clinical skills of practicing medicine, but more importantly emphasized to them that the true essence of being a doctor lies in the ability to connect on a human level, to empathize, and to listen intently. By investing the time and effort to understand a patient's story, concerns, and aspirations, these new doctors were equipped to deliver not just medical care, but compassion and support. After the inaugural class of 2020 graduated, she returned to full time patient care where she has always been meant to be.

When she isn’t working, she is with her family. She loves watching her husband play guitar with Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome or 6th Street Revue. It doesn’t happen often, but when given the opportunity, she proves she is his biggest fan! More often now she is able to spend quality time with her 2 children, at least when they aren’t at soccer, swim or dance practices!

“My passion is simple, I want to help people. Unfortunately, a doctor’s reality is that we technically work for the insurance companies, not the patient, and for too many years, the time I had with my family suffered in order to care for all of my patients the way everyone deserves to be cared for. DPC allows me to prioritize my family without compromising the care I give to my patients. Honestly, I think I have always been a DPC doctor and didn’t know it, and I am so excited to be able to offer this new model of primary care to our community."

Education/Certifications

• Board Certified in Family Medicine through American Board of Family Medicine
• Residency: Rapid City Regional Hospital Family Medicine Residency, Rapid City, SD (6/2010 - 6/2013)
• Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO): Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, FL (7/2006 - 5/2010)
• Bachelor of Art (BA) Biology and Chemistry; Minor, Spanish: Concordia College, Moorhead, MN (8/2001 - 5/2005)

Contact

• Email: Kristine.martens@resurgenthealth.net