For Dr. Jacob Staudt, practicing medicine in north-central Iowa is more than a career opportunity. It’s a chance to return home and serve the communities that helped shape him. Raised in Forest City, Iowa, Dr. Staudt is proud to be caring for patients close to where he grew up. He and his family have quickly felt at home in Mitchell County.
“What stands out about Mitchell County is the strong sense of community and the shared commitment to supporting one another,” Staudt said. “Every event and gathering I’ve attended has been filled with energy and excitement, and everyone has been genuinely welcoming and kind to my family and me.”
Dr. Staudt and his wife, Molly, are both Forest City natives. Molly, a former Spanish teacher, now focuses on caring for their home and two young sons. Their oldest son, Colson, has started kindergarten and loves anything with wheels, while his younger brother, Kellen, enjoys keeping up with his big brother every chance he gets.
A passion for science and helping others sparked Dr. Staudt’s interest in medicine at an early age, but a college medical mission trip to Tanzania solidified his calling. Working alongside rural physicians from northwest Iowa, he witnessed firsthand how access to healthcare can transform lives. The experience of seeing physicians provide care and train local medical residents in underserved communities continues to influence his approach to patient care today.
As a family medicine physician, Dr. Staudt values caring for patients throughout every stage of life. He enjoys the unique opportunity to see patients in the clinic, hospital, and emergency department, allowing him to build long-term relationships and provide continuity of care.
“It is hard to replace the importance of a good doctor-patient relationship in all of these settings,” he said.
Dr. Staudt believes excellent healthcare is built on collaboration. He appreciates working alongside colleagues from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, recognizing that each team member contributes valuable knowledge and perspective.
Preventive care is another cornerstone of his practice. Guided by Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” Dr. Staudt emphasizes routine screenings, patient education, and healthy lifestyle choices.
“These screenings and lifestyle changes help limit disease progression and even can prevent some diseases if we make these changes early in life,” he said.
Dr. Staudt earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Des Moines University, completed his Family Medicine residency at MercyOne Genesis in Davenport, and holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Buena Vista University.
Today, he is focused on helping patients and families lead healthier lives while strengthening the communities he proudly calls home. By combining evidence-based medicine with a personal approach to care, Dr. Staudt is committed to being a trusted partner in health for generations of North Iowa families.
