About Blue Spruce Health
Blue Spruce Health was started out of Dr. Malik’s desire to embrace his profession as a physician. Devoting himself to medicine required his transition to direct primary care so that he is able to spend more time with his patients. Our mission is to make you love your healthcare experience at Blue Spruce Health. We want to establish the physician patient connection that has been lost in modern medicine.
Good primary care is about access, trust and relationships. Through direct primary care, we are available to you 24/7. We offer value. With the discounts on labs and generic medications, the savings we offer could cover the entire cost of your membership. Visits are not rushed, so we have time to talk and importantly, to listen. Insurance is great when it comes to high cost medical needs. Unfortunately, it only gets in the way for lower cost care like primary or urgent care. By removing deductibles, co-pays or insurance restrictions we can offer you more access, value and time. At Blue Spruce Health, we will help you understand your health journey by developing strong relationships leading to trust and empowerment.
About our founder
Dr. Umair Malik
Dr. Umair Malik is a Board Certified Family Physician who has been practicing in Newport, Vermont for the last seven years. While working, he also served in a leadership role on various committees. He obtained his medical degree, Magna cum laude, from St. George’s University while completing an international program that allowed him to study medicine in England, the West Indies and in the United States. He then completed his residency at Case Western Medical Center in Cleveland, OH during which time he focused on public and global health. This focal point led him to travel to Panajachel, Guatemala and Chang Rai, Thailand where he strengthened the local care of chronic disease management. Dr. Malik has advanced training in medical aesthetics from the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine and the International Academy of Aesthetics. His new interests include learning more about aging well and functional medicine.
Dr. Malik enjoys working with patients of all ages and bringing them a no-nonsense approach to health and wellness. He became a physician to care for those in need and to build trusting relationships with his patients. Direct primary care gives Dr. Malik the opportunity to provide the care that he knows his patients deserve without being hindered by metrics, quotas or guidelines.
About Our Team
Katrina Prive, NP
Katrina Prive is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who completed her undergraduate studies at Vermont Technical College and Graduate studies at Chamberlain University. Katrina has been in the healthcare field since 2015 and has worked in various healthcare settings. She values the importance of providing care that is patient centered and is excited to have joined Blue Spruce Health to continue providing patient centered care in her community.
Jennifer Norz
Director of Operations & Growth
Jennifer Norz has been an operational professional for over 15 years, specializing in efficiency, financial responsibility, and equitable service delivery, all with a strong focus on customer experience.
A native New Yorker, Jen began her career in corporate recruitment and human resources before moving to Vermont more than 20 years ago. Since then, she has worked in diverse environments, honing her business acumen, strengthening her leadership skills, and building partnerships across the state.
As the Director of Operations & Growth at Blue Spruce Health, Jen is dedicated to balancing foundational business practices with strategic expansion, ensuring more patients have access to primary care when they need it. She is especially passionate about sharing the stories of Blue Spruce Health’s impact on Vermonters and the healthcare system.
Outside of work, Jen enjoys kayaking, fishing, cooking, traveling, and exploring Vermont and Canada, as well as spending time with friends and family.
Chelsea Hamel, RN
Chelsea was born and raised in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont and returned after attending college in Boston. She graduated from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in 2013 with her BSN. Chelsea has a background and passion in Early Childhood Intervention and Primary Care. Chelsea and her fiancé now raise their three children in her childhood home. “Family is of utmost importance to me, which is why my job here at Blue Spruce means so much, both personally and professionally.”
Lauren Macnee PA-C
Lauren Macnee is a Board Certified Physician Assistant, who has been practicing in upstate New York and Vermont since 2011. She completed her undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and her Masters is Medical Science at Salus University in Philadelphia. For the past 15 years she has worked in a variety of settings including most recently emergency medicine, serving diverse populations with complex medical needs. While she enjoys the high-acuity setting, she witnessed firsthand the downstream effects of chronic preventable disease on patients lives. Her growing focus is now in functional and integrative approaches to care, particularly in the prevention of chronic disease with food and lifestyle medicine, and loves to partner with patients to achieve their individual health goals. She also has a certificate in Palliative medicine, and enjoys helping patients plan for end of life, aligning their care with quality of life and individual values.
Outside of work, she spends her time exploring the outdoors with her three young children, gathering around good food with friends and family, enjoying live music, and unwinding with a mindful walk, good book, or a nerdy science podcast.
Ava George, MA
Ava is a skilled Clinical Esthetician and dedicated Medical Assistant with a passion for helping others look and feel their best. She studied at O’Briens Aveda Institute and holds an associate degree in Healthcare Science. Currently on her journey to becoming a registered nurse, Ava brings both expertise and compassion to every patient interaction.
Outside of work, you’ll find Ava spending quality time with friends, family, and her adorable dog, Louie. Whether she’s learning new techniques in skincare or advancing her medical knowledge, Ava is committed to providing top-tier care with a warm and friendly touch.
Felicia Updyke
Growth & Outreach Coordinator
Felicia leads growth and community initiatives for Blue Spruce Health, specializing in local partnerships and employer health benefits. Since moving to the Northeast Kingdom from Southern California in 2022, Felicia has become a dedicated community advocate, once serving as the Associate Director for Newport Downtown Development and Secretary for Memphremagog Community Maritime.
Prior to joining the Blue Spruce team, Felicia spent years as an entrepreneur managing international musicians—an experience that gave her a firsthand understanding of the healthcare challenges small business owners face. Felicia has a wide range of marketing and communication skills. Today, she uses that expertise to helps Vermont residents discover the benefits of Direct Primary Care. When she isn’t out connecting with local partners, Felicia is likely reading, petting every dog she meets, or spending time with her sassy daughter.
Felicia can be reached at felicia@bluespruce.care
Makenzie Parenteau, MA
Makenzie Parenteau, a new addition to our Blue Spruce Team, is a Medical Assistant. She is currently studying Neuroscience at the University of Vermont, with a minor in Emergency Medical Services, and plans to pursue Physician’s Assistant school after completing her undergraduate degree.
Originally from Newport, Vermont, Makenzie has a strong connection to her community and is passionate about giving back through meaningful, patient-centered care. She values building relationships with patients and helping create a welcoming, supportive environment within the practice. Outside of work and school, Makenzie enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family.
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Patient Reviews
Ive since moved out of state, but i miss Dr Malik very much. He was extremely knowledgeable and caring and helpful. I wish i was able to find a doctor like him where i live now.
Dr Malik uses necessary medical evaluation for symptoms. Great doctor, I don’t know where I would be without him. Been failed by the medical system for years, Dr Malik saved my life.
Dr. Malik has an excellent bedside manner. He is very thorough and stays on top of his patients. I trust my life to Doctor Malik.
Felt comfortable on my 1st visit. Caring and wanting to know all the right things.
Contact
Contact Us Today
Phone, Email & Fax
Open Hours
To provide you with the personalized care and undivided attention you deserve, all visits are by appointment only. Please contact us to schedule your next visit.
ADDRESS
Newport Office
401 E Main St. Newport, VT 05855
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St. Johnsbury Office
25 Depot Square - St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
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Williston Office
31 Market St. - Williston, VT 05495