Medical Director – Live Oaks Wellness
Dr. Michael B. MacQuarrie is a pioneering physician who has successfully transitioned from emergency medicine leadership to becoming a specialist in addiction medicine. After more than 40 years of distinguished service in emergency medicine, Dr. MacQuarrie has dedicated his expertise to addressing the critical needs of patients struggling with substance use disorders.
Following his education at Dartmouth College and Cornell University Medical College, Dr. MacQuarrie built an impressive foundation in medicine through his work at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an Epidemic Intelligence Officer and his extensive emergency medicine practice. Board certified in both Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine, he developed and implemented numerous emergency medical systems throughout Northern California, particularly in the Lake Tahoe region, where he served as Emergency Physician and Medical Director at Tahoe Forest Hospital from 1978 to 2021.
Dr. MacQuarrie’s unique background in emergency medicine, including his role as Medical Director at a prominent detox center located in San Francisco, has given him valuable insights into the acute medical needs of patients with substance use disorders. His experience managing critical care situations and developing systematic approaches to medical care has proven invaluable in creating comprehensive treatment plans for addiction patients.
In 2021, recognizing the growing need for experienced physicians in addiction treatment, Dr. MacQuarrie made a strategic shift to focus on addiction medicine. He currently serves as Medical Director at Live Oak Wellness in Novato, CA, where he brings his decades of critical care experience to treating patients with substance use disorders.
His private practice in Addiction Medicine, serving the San Francisco and Marin County areas, combines his extensive medical knowledge with specialized addiction treatment protocols. He is an active member of both the American Society of Addiction Medicine and the California Society of Addiction Medicine, contributing to the field’s ongoing development.
Throughout his career, Dr. MacQuarrie has demonstrated a commitment to medical education and system development. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Harvey Yorke Emergency Medical Service Award for developing paramedic systems and the Marin County Vision & Leadership Award.
He has held academic appointments at multiple institutions, including the University of California Davis and the University of Nevada Reno, where he has helped train the next generation of medical professionals.
Dr. MacQuarrie’s research contributions span various medical fields, from emergency medicine to infectious disease. As he continues his work in addiction medicine, he brings this same rigorous, evidence-based approach to helping patients overcome substance use disorders. His transition to addiction medicine represents a natural evolution of his commitment to addressing critical healthcare needs in his community, now focusing on one of society’s most pressing health challenges.
Currently, through his work at Live Oak Wellness and his private practice, Dr. MacQuarrie is dedicated to providing comprehensive addiction treatment services, combining his extensive medical expertise with the latest advances in addiction medicine. His practice emphasizes individualized treatment approaches, drawing on his broad medical background to address both the immediate and long-term needs of patients struggling with substance use disorders.
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