Lisa Sorensen, MD

	Joined Jul, 2001 Department: Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) [Map] Title: Physician Degree: MD Interests: Family, Travel, Skiing, Interior Decorating, Wine Tasting, Hiking Languages: German Physician Homepage
Bio I am originally from Munich, Germany, the capital city of picturesque Bavaria and home of the Oktoberfest. I still feel strongly connected to the rich, cultural heritage of this region. At the age of 10, I moved with my family to Phoenix, Arizona where my parents have since retired. California always had a great draw for me. I was happy to leave the heat behind to obtain my undergraduate degree in Biology and Psychology at the University of California at Berkeley (Go Bears!). Within a few days of arriving there, I met my husband, Steve, a native Santa Rosan. After college we moved to Los Angeles, where I completed my MD degree at the University of Southern California, followed by residency training in OB/GYN at the USC/Los Angeles County Medical Center. We dreamed of moving back to the beautiful wine country and were thrilled when the opportunity arose to join Kaiser Santa Rosa. I have been practicing here for the last four years. The integrated structure and prevention-based approach of the Kaiser Permanente system, along with an outstanding group of partners, makes this a great place to work. Our large OB/GYN group brings together a wealth of knowledge and experience. We're always learning new things from each other and we place a strong emphasis on continued education. Practicing at Kaiser Permanente allows me to do what I enjoy best: practicing medicine. I can focus on caring for my patients without having to worry about the administrative and financial issues of running a practice.
My Medical Specialty
More details about my specialty: My interest in medicine was sparked in my earliest years when I heard nostalgic stories about my late grandfather, who was an old fashioned pediatrician who made house calls. I knew from then on that I wanted to be a doctor. After delivering my first baby in medical school, I knew OB/GYN was the field for me. I love taking care of women's health needs at all stages of life. It is a privilege to be involved in my patients' lives, from seeing them for their regular check ups, to helping them through life's turning points and welcoming their children into the world. My specialty interests and affiliations within my field: I am involved in Early Start, which is a program designed to promote healthy pregnancies and babies through early intervention with pregnant women who are at high risk of substance abuse during pregnancy.
Interests
My husband and I enjoy packing up a picnic and exploring wineries, especially the little remote ones. However, these days, most of our free time is spent doing 'kid stuff.' Our son loves trains above all else, so we make the rounds from Train Town in Sonoma to the Howarth Park train to the Skunk Train up in Willets. We are also familiar with just about every play ground in Northern California! Whatever time we have left, we take the kids walking, biking, and swimming. Currently reading: Solving Your Child's Sleep Problems by Ferber My favorite book or author: Touchpoints by Brazelton Great movie: Million Dollar Baby	Hobby Photos & Links: Family Skiing in Tahoe
Family & Friends
People in my life: College sweethearts, my husband, Steve, and I have just celebrated our 10-year wedding anniversary and have been together for almost 20 years. He is a native Santa Rosan, an avid soccer player and works as an IT professional. Most importantly, he is a caring husband and a wonderful father to our two young children. My children and people I care about: We have been blessed with two wonderful children: Andrew born in 2001, and Grace, born in 2002. Just 20 months apart, they keep us extremely busy! An interesting story about my family or friends: After waiting in long holiday lines, the kids' first visit with Santa was a great hit!	Photos of my Family & Friends: Steve & Grace Halloween Lisa & Grace Andrew With My Children at the Russian River Visit with Santa
My pets: My dog, Rufus, is a 130 pound lap dog! Probably a Boxer/ Rottweiler mix (and definitely part human!), we adopted him after he had apparently been abandoned. Rufus is currently enjoying his retirement years in sunny Phoenix, AZ where Grandma and Grandpa dote on him 24 hours a day. There is always a lap available for him!	Pet Photos: Rufus
Travel
Favorite place in the world: My favorite place in the world is my birthplace, Bavaria. It is a region famous for the natural beauty of the Alps and the warmth of its culture found in even the smallest country village. I love walking the quaint streets of Munich and soaking in the atmosphere of the city, going to the same shops I visited as a child with my Oma, seeing the incredible architecture of the churches and buildings and enjoying the offerings at the local Biergarden, of course! One of my recent trips: For our ten-year wedding anniversary, my husband and I traveled to Italy and Germany. We explored the art and history of Rome, Florence, and Sienna. The highlight was hiking the Cinque Terre, five tiny fishing villages built into the cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Time seems to stand still in this magically beautiful region.	A Photo of One of My Favorite Places: Bavarian Alps Munich Trip Photos: Vernazza, Italy Apple Blossoms in the Alps