Meet Dr. Patti Kunze

Patti Kunze, MD

Internal Medicine
HealthEast Maplewood Clinic
651-232-7800

Dr. Kunze completed her undergraduate education at the University of Minnesota, attended the University of Minnesota, School of Medicine, and completed her residency in internal medicine at the University of Minnesota.

Dr. Kunze was a member of Women in Medicine (WIM) at the University of Minnesota and is currently a member of the American College of Physicians. She has been a practicing general internist since 2006, caring for patients in the clinic as well as the hospital. She has conducted community seminars in general health, nutrition, pre-diabetes and diabetic care. She also served as an active member of the quality improvement and peer review committees.

Prior to her medical training, Dr. Kunze was a teaching assistant at University of Minnesota, an anatomy and physiology instructor, a professional employment coordinator, a grant secretary at the Mayo Clinic and a hospital unit coordinator.

Why did you choose internal medicine as your specialty?

"I have been interested in medicine, and helping people, since childhood. My interest in internal medicine and the treatment of adults evolved over time. I like the challenge of internal medicine, which includes 'detective work,' to identify sometimes complex problems. I combine this skill with evidence-based medicine to treat medical conditions."

What are your professional interests?

"Continuing education in diabetes, women’s health and cardiac conditions."

What are some of your personal interests?

"Nature, including bird watching and flower gardening. Theater, from community staged plays to the Ordway and Guthrie. Music, including a good saxophone solo and other instrumentals. Our dogs, Henry, a poodle-cairns terrier 'hybrid,' and Jack, an Airedale-Irish soft coated wheaten terrier mix. A Minnesota Twins game, a week at a north woods cabin, or a trip to one of the small towns along the St. Croix or Mississippi rivers..."

Why did you choose HealthEast Care System?

"The excellent clinic and hospital facilities, combined with an exciting opportunity to be part of this growing health care system and work with the health care professionals here who put the needs of patients first."

Why did you choose this region to work?

"The scenic beauty of the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers, the vitality of the Twin Cities and all it has to offer, along with the charming old small towns and pleasant suburban communities."