Excellence in Primary Care for Humboldt County

Our practice maintains small patient panels for each physician, longer appointment times, and the flexibility to offer established patients timely appointments

Our Mission & Vision

The Japanese have a word, "ikigai" (生き甲斐, pronounced [E-key-guy]), to describe a person's "reason for being." A person finds ikigai at the center of what they are good at, what the world needs, what they can be paid for, and what they love. Our mission is to create a sustainable culture of support for physicians within the full scope of their work for the community.

We will improve health care in Humboldt County by addressing community needs, providing continuity of care across various healthcare settings and allowing physicians to thrive and flourish within their chosen scope of practice.

Meet the Ikigai Team

  • Kate Estlin, MD

    FORTUNA CLINIC

    Kate Estlin attended U.C. Berkeley for her undergraduate degree and then earned her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Southern California. She completed her residency at Group Health Seattle, and is board certified in Family Medicine. Growing up among the redwoods of Loleta, she graduated from Fortuna High School and is happy to be home. She loves that our clinic system allows her the time needed to take care of patients well.

  • Stephanie Dittmer, MD

    FORTUNA CLINIC

    Stephanie Dittmer is a native of Southern California and a graduate of Stanford University and the University of California, Irvine. She served her residency at Tacoma Family Medicine in Tacoma, WA. Her areas of special interest include kayaking, camping, painting, scrap-booking, and traveling.

  • Steven Aussenberg, MD

    ARCATA CLINIC

    Steven Aussenberg grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated from Brown University. He completed his medical training at The Commonwealth Medical College, and his residency at Lancaster General-Penn Medicine in family medicine with a focus in integrative medicine. He has lived in Northern California for nine years - for the last three in Humboldt - and he enjoys cycling and spending time in the outdoors with his loved ones.

  • Tyler Ramirez, MA

    FORTUNA CLINIC

    Tyler Ramirez is a Humboldt County Native, born and raised in Eureka. After graduating high school in 2013, he decided to become a Medical Assistant in pursuit of expanding his knowledge and scope of practice in the medical field and someday becoming a Physician's Assistant. In his spare time, he enjoys activities such as snowboarding, hiking, gaming, and baking.

  • Brisia Alejandrez, MA

    FORTUNA CLINIC

    Brisia Alejandrez is an experienced Medical Assistant with aspirations of becoming a nurse and continuing to serve in the healing profession. She loves all things Disney and enjoying time with her family.

  • Liauna Cummings, MA

    ARCATA CLINIC

    Description Liauna Cummings, with over 10 years of experience as a Medical Assistant, brings a diverse skill set cultivated through various professional roles. She aspires to become a Labor and Delivery (L&D) Nurse, driven by a genuine passion for helping others and making a positive impact on her community. Beyond her professional pursuits, Liauna finds joy in outdoor activities, particularly when spending quality time with her son. Additionally, she enjoys reading and is enthusiastic about continuous learning.goes here

  • Dave Duncan, Data Specialist

    FORTUNA CLINIC

    Dave earned his BS in Computer Science at Tulane University. His career includes time as a software developer and tester as well as a strong customer service background with companies like Disney and Trader Joe's. Most recently he has had the opportunity to focus on raising a teenager and supporting a physician spouse as a full time Dad. Dave enjoys cooking, paddle boarding, and kite flying.

  • Barb Hough-Sisson, Administrator

    FORTUNA CLINIC

    Barb Hough-Sisson has worked in the medical field for 43 years. Starting as a receptionist for Dr. Jack Anderson she rapidly increased her knowledge and experience to become his office administrator. Born in Scotia and a lifelong resident of Humboldt County, Barb loves her husband Linn, 2 boys, grandkids and dog Rugger. She enjoys crafts, sewing, kayaking, and travel.