Michael Burton grew up in McMinnville and graduated from McMinnville High School in 1998, where he was a state swimming champion. He went on to swim at the University of Tennessee, earning All-American honors and graduating summa cum laude in Chemistry. After gaining experience in medicine and research in Europe, he returned to Oregon to finish Pacific University’s PA program and ultimately to give back to the community that raised him.

Michael’s dedication to patient-centered medicine is deeply personal. When his grandmother suffered a severe fall while visiting from China, local providers refused treatment, forcing her to return abroad for care. That experience shaped his passion for ensuring that all patients have access to the care they deserve.

At Virginia Garcia, Michael strives to provide that level of accessible and compassionate care every day. Outside of work, he enjoys dirt biking and mushroom hunting.