Meet Your Healthcare Providers

Our providers serve as your trusted guides in healthcare—combining clinical expertise with genuine compassion to help you navigate your wellness journey with confidence.

Dr. Annie Valente, Family Medicine Physician specializing in integrative medicine and women's health at Polaris Family Medicine in Franklin MA

Annie Valente, MD

Family Medicine Physician

Licensed in CA, FL, ID, MA, ME, NH, PA, OR, TX

Dr. Annie Valente's philosophy perfectly aligns with Polaris Family Medicine's belief that patients are the foremost experts on their own bodies and experiences. She partners with patients to help them navigate their healthcare journey with confidence and understanding.

Background

Dr. Valente graduated from the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine and completed her family medicine residency in Boise, Idaho. She practiced full-spectrum primary care for five years in Portland, Oregon, caring for patients across the entire life course including prenatal care and deliveries, working alongside midwives to provide woman-centered care.

Her commitment to expanding healthcare approaches led her to complete a fellowship at the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine. She then served as a research scientist with the Gates Foundation's Institute for Disease Modeling, where she designed and published the first open-source, individual-level, woman-centered model of family planning.

Most recently, she has been working with Carbon Health to build virtual primary care programs, and has experience with Maven Clinic and Grand Rounds (now Included Health). She is currently pursuing a certificate in Futures Studies and Speculative Design with Parsons School of Design.

Beyond Medicine

Dr. Valente enjoys an active lifestyle filled with adventure alongside her partner and two young sons. Her commitment to creativity—expressed through art, film, music, cooking, and storytelling—reflects her belief that healing encompasses the whole person.

Philosophy of Care

"I happily work with patients at all moments of their healthcare journey with questions large and small. I care about improving the patient experience in our healthcare system by being present for people at the moment they need it, ensuring all members of the care team work together, and by drawing on a diverse range of approaches to promote healing."

Areas of Clinical Focus

Women's and reproductive health
Integrative medicine
Complex medical conditions
Mental health support
Healthcare system design and futures thinking
Virtual primary care and digital health innovation
Leigh Dobbs, APRN MSN FNP-BC, Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in chronic disease management at Polaris Family Medicine in Franklin MA

Leigh Dobbs, APRN, MSN, FNP-BC

Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Licensed in CA, FL, MA, NY, PA, RI, TX

Leigh Dobbs brings a rare combination of clinical excellence and genuine compassion to her practice at Polaris Family Medicine. She is committed to being present for her patients at every moment of their healthcare journey—whether they're facing complex medical challenges or simply seeking support for maintaining optimal wellness.

Background

Although her official job title is Family Nurse Practitioner, her children have been known to tell their friends her job is "magic boo boo fixer." She wishes she could have earned a degree at Hogwarts for that but instead earned double degrees in Biology and Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, followed by a Master's degree in Organizational and Corporate Communication at Emerson College, and her RN and MSN/NP degrees at Simmons College.

She has also completed certification in lactation counseling. With over a decade of experience in primary care, Leigh specializes in working with medically complex patients.

Beyond Medicine

When not at work, Leigh loves spending time with her husband and two children, exploring new adventures together. She loves the ocean and photography, and embraces opportunities to try new activities—whether it's discovering a new hobby or planning the next family adventure.

Philosophy of Care

"I believe that everyone should have access to excellent healthcare and deserve clinicians who not only hear what they are saying, but listen to them as well. I try to meet patients where they are in their healthcare journey and work together to overcome any barriers to their healthcare goals. What I really enjoy in primary care is teaching patients about their chronic conditions to empower them to control their health and health outcomes."

Areas of Clinical Focus

Chronic disease management
Diabetes care and education
Lactation support
Obesity management and weight wellness
Sports medicine and injury care
Comprehensive wellness planning

Ready to Begin Your Health Journey?

Both Dr. Valente and Leigh Dobbs are currently accepting new adult patients at Polaris Family Medicine. Experience the difference that patient-centered, evidence-based care can make in your health journey.

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