Teresa Nauenberg, M.D.

Dr. Nauenberg uses her engineering background when thinking about human physiology and illness, however, she believes that the foundation of primary care is a strong patient-physician relationship. “I never let myself forget that it can be difficult for patients to open up about health concerns and it is a privilege to be trusted by my patients. Open communication and listening to the patient are key to building a therapeutic relationship and an environment that promotes good health. I truly cherish the relationships and friendships I have developed over the many years I have been practicing primary care.”

Dr. Nauenberg is married and has two children. She enjoys skiing, gardening and traveling.

Dr. Teresa “Terri” Nauenberg grew up in Boulder, Colorado and moved out to California in 1983 to attend Stanford University. Initially trained as a mechanical engineer, she worked for Hewlett Packard both in Germany and Silicon Valley before becoming interested in biomechanics. After spending several years in osteoporosis research (studying the relationship between mechanical forces and bone density) she decided to pursue a career in Medicine.

Since coming to Palo Alto Clinic in 2000 Dr. Nauenberg has had many roles in addition to her primary care practice. She has worked as a part-time hospitalist, a part-time geriatrician (Sequoias Portola Valley) and she has served in numerous administrative roles including 5 years as the Primary Care Division Head working to coordinate our primary care departments to better serve our patients. Most recently she has served as the Associate Medical Director of Innovation, looking at technologies to help in the delivery of care.

Her commitment to her patients is reflected in her consistently high patient satisfaction scores. In addition, in 2016 she was awarded the Sutter Quality Award, selected to be recognized among Sutter Medical Network’s 900 primary care physicians.