When she was in second grade, Kristen Gabaldon, DO, told her class she wanted to be a doctor. Now, all these years later, her childhood dream has become reality as she joins Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) to provide primary care in Dawsonville.
“I love that family medicine allows me to care for people through every stage of life,” Dr. Gabaldon said. “It’s not just about diagnosing and treating illnesses. It’s about building relationships and being there for patients over time.”
Dr. Gabaldon was born and raised in New Port Richey, Florida, and earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida. She went on to earn her medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine before completing her family medicine residency at Emory Hospital Warner Robins, where she served as chief resident.
As a first-generation Asian American, Dr. Gabaldon said one of the most formative experiences of her life – and another reason she became interested in medicine – was serving as a translator and advocate for her parents when they were navigating healthcare.
“I learned at a young age how important it is for patients to feel heard and understood,” Dr. Gabaldon said. “That experience shaped the way I practice medicine, and I want every patient to feel like they have someone in their corner.”
Outside of work, Dr. Gabaldon enjoys spending time with her husband, their young daughter and their dog, Duke. She’s an Atlanta Braves fan, loves trying new foods and enjoys experimenting with different recipes at home.
NGPG Dawsonville is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is located inside Medical Plaza 1 at 108 Prominence Court, Suite 200. Call 706-216-3238 to schedule an appointment or visit ngpg.org/gabaldon to learn more.
NGPG is an affiliate of Northeast Georgia Health System.
