Heather Friend, DNP, APRN, FNP-C has lived in the greater Rogue Valley for most of her life. She has enjoyed serving the community in various ways since she was a teen. A rare cancer diagnosis at age 15  ignited an unrelenting hope to help others and “Resolve to be Better” as she herself had initially been misdiagnosed.

She started out as a phlebotomist while in high school, then a CNA, and graduated as a registered nurse in 2005. She has many years of experience working as an ER nurse and as a forensic sexual assault nurse examiner locally. She even dabbled in surgical recovery, cardiac testing, and labor and delivery. Over time, Heather came to the realization that people need BETTER primary care to keep them out of the ER and to allow for better life experiences – this starts with addressing root causes and promoting one’s journey to wellness.

Heather received her Master of Science in Nursing and Doctorate of Nursing Practice degrees from the reputable Frontier Nursing University in Kentucky with a 4.0 GPA. She has been board certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners since early 2018. She started her NP career at La Clinica, seeing high acuity (very ill). She worked closely with both a nutritionist and a physical therapist during her contract. She insisted on still offering in person appointments during the pandemic, one of only a few primary care clinicians in the valley willing to do this, and worked countless hours in a walk in clinic during the pandemic, and helped open the La Clinica Acute Care Clinic where she was the medical director. She later transitioned into private practice at Complete Integrative Care in 2022 to focus more on her interest in integrative medicine, a way of offering both conventional and holistic options when appropriate. She opened Resolute Integrative Health in 2024 offering primary care and integrative medical services to the greater southern Oregon region.

Heather treats the whole family ages two and up, though she primarily focuses on adults, including both women and men’s health. In addition to required ongoing education, she has gained some training through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and is currently working on ongoing education for functional medicine. She is a member of the Menopause Society as well. Heather also offers medical weight loss options, hormone replacement, and some mental health services.

To sum it, Heather does not just only focus on symptoms but on the whole person. She is not one to continue the status quo if it is not in your best interest and she resolves to be better. The provider-patient relationship is one that focuses on shared decision making, safety, education, and encouragement in your journey of life.

Heather lives in rural Rogue River with her law enforcement husband of 24 years and their children. The family has been actively involved in the community since moving to the area in 2015, volunteering in various ways. They enjoy Rogue River, working on their property, taking care of their little farm, creating things, and attending concerts.