Garrison Bliss, MD

Dr. Garrison Bliss is a retired primary care physician, healthcare innovator, and pioneer in Direct Primary Care and concierge medicine. With over 40 years of experience in internal medicine, he has dedicated his career to improving patient-centered care, accessibility, and the overall quality of primary medical services. Dr. Bliss is recognized for founding Seattle Medical Associates, Qliance, and BlissMD, creating practice models that prioritize meaningful relationships between physicians and their patients.

Throughout his career, Dr. Bliss has focused on designing healthcare systems that are both effective and sustainable. At Qliance, he served as Executive VP of Medical Affairs, President, and Chief Medical Officer, developing innovative solutions for patient communications, clinical operations, and partnerships with specialists, hospitals, and laboratories. During his final years in clinical practice at BlissMD, he provided time-enabled, high-quality care to a dedicated patient panel while mentoring future primary care physicians.

A true pioneer in healthcare practice design, Dr. Bliss served as an early board member and president of the Society for Innovative Medical Practice Design, now known as the American Association of Private Physicians. He has been instrumental in shaping models that allow physicians to work directly with patients, ensuring care that is ethical, accessible, and financially sustainable. His leadership has helped define standards for Direct Primary Care and influenced healthcare policy to support patient-centered medicine.

Dr. Bliss earned his MD from the University of Utah School of Medicine and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Honored with awards such as TopDoc in Concierge Medicine and the Pioneer in Medical Practice Award, he continues to mentor and support physicians in advancing patient-centered care. Even in retirement, Dr. Bliss remains engaged with initiatives that improve healthcare delivery and advocate for a more effective, ethical healthcare system.

• MD, University of Utah School of Medicine

• Internal Medicine

• TopDoc in Concierge Medicine and Direct Primary Care, Concierge Medicine Today, 2013

• American Association of Private Physicians (formerly Society for Innovative Medical Practice Design), Board Member and President

• Mentorship of future primary care physicians

Contributor to articles on healthcare innovation and Direct Primary Care

Featured in healthcare industry publications for work in patient-centered care and practice design