Board Certification
|
American Board of Family Medicine
|
Patient Rating
Patients describe Dr. Spiess as knowledgeable and thorough, staying current with medical evidence and offering clear next steps. Reviewers frequently note she listens attentively, explains options clearly, and involves patients in decision-making so they feel heard and reassured. Many also highlight her compassionate, personable bedside manner and willingness to take time to address concerns and coordinate appropriate tests or treatments.
Generated via Patient Reviews
The patient rating score is an average of all responses on our patient experience survey. The rating averages scores for all questions about care from our providers. The scale on which responses are measured is 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
Patient comments are gathered from our patient experience survey and displayed in their entirety. For the convenience of our visitors, some patient comments have been translated from their original language into English while preserving their original meaning as accurately as possible. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
Board Certification and Academic Information
| Academic Departments |
Family & Preventive Medicine
-Assistant Professor (Clinical) |
|---|---|
| Board Certification |
American Board of Family Medicine
|
Education history
| Undergraduate | Human Development - University of California, San Diego Eleanor Roosevelt College | B.A. |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Medical | Medicine - Drexel University College of Medicine | M.D. |
| Residency | Family & Preventive Medicine - University of Utah School of Medicine | Resident |
Selected Publications
Journal Article
- Adediran E, Owens R, Whittaker C, Fortenberry KT, Spiess (2025). Postpartum Blood Pressure Screening in the United States Primary Care Settings: A Systematic Review. American journal of hypertension,
- Owens RW, Dahlin M, Adediran E, Curtin A, Spiess S, Moreno LE, Fortenberry KT, Whittaker TC, Ose (2025). Pregnancy-care intentions and practice among family medicine physicians: residents, obstetric fellows, and fellowship alumni. Family practice, 42(5),
- Debbink MP, Tanana H, Murray JL, Blosser P, Horse L, Monroy C, Spiess S, Charles JE, Turok DK, Smid MC, Allshouse AA, Smith JD, Cohen SR, Johnson EP, Metz TD, Gordon A (2025). Culturally Engaged REcovery - MOms connected through Native CommunitY (CEREMONY): An Implementation Study to Evaluate the Adaptation and Implementation of an Integrated Perinatal SUD Clinical Model for Pregnant and Postpartum Native People. Substance use & addiction journal, 29767342251336550.
- Owens R, Whittaker TC, Galt A, Spiess S, Mervis M, Lockrey A, Gardner E, Stoesser K, Ose (2024). Assessment of Family Medicine Obstetrics Fellowship Websites in the United States: Content and Usability. Journal of primary care & community health, 15, 21501319231225365.
- Spiess ST, Gardner E, Turner C, Galt A, Fortenberry K, Ho T, Knox J, Ose (2023). We Cannot Put This Genie Back in the Bottle: Qualitative Interview Study Among Family Medicine Providers About Their Experiences With Virtual Visits During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of medical Internet research, 25, e43877.
- Ho TF, Fortenberry KT, Gardner E, Turner C, Knox J, Spiess S, Ose D (2023). Perceived Impact of Virtual Visits on Access to Care in Family Medicine During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study of Benefits and Challenges. Journal of primary care & community health, 14, 21501319231220118.
- Owens RW, Whittaker TC, Galt A, Stoesser K, Spiess S, Mervis MJ, Curtin AD, Gardner E, Ose (2023). Evaluating maternal health capacity building in rural and underserved areas: a research protocol. Rural and remote health, 23(4), 8372.
Review
- Spiess S, Owens R, Charron E, DeMarco M, Feurdean M, Gold K, Murray K, Schenk N, Stoesser K, Thomas P, Adediran E, Gardner E, Fortenberry K, Whittaker TC, Ose (2024). The Role of Family Medicine in Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis in the United States. Journal of primary care & community health, 15, 21501319241274308.
- Wolferz R, Fotoohi M, Spiess S, Ose D, Vukelic B, Fortenberry K (2022). Does Exercise During Pregnancy Decrease the Risk of Developing Hypertensive Disorders?. American family physician, 106(1), 87-88.
Very disappointing experience with Dr. Spiess. I felt rushed throughout the appointment, and her attitude made me uncomfortable sharing my concerns openly. Instead of feeling listened to or understood, I felt dismissed. What stood out most was a comment she made at the end of the appointment along the lines of 'You don't have to like me or continue treatment with me, just don't go advertising it,' which I found very unprofessional and confusing. I left the appointment with many of my questions unanswered, and I did not feel any clearer or reassured about my concerns afterward. Bedside manner and communication matter, and unfortunately this experience did not feel supportive or respectful.
Amazing Dr
Excellent care.
Dr. Spiess was great! Very attentive and genuinely helpful.
Thank you for identifying my issue and having it taken care of sos quickly.
very thoughtful and thorough
Excellent. Very professional. Willing to push me a bit, to do better on things I should do better on (diet).
She was very professional, knowledgeable, efficient, personable, and I felt like I was in good hands.
Had a telehealth visit.
Can't say enough spectacular things about Dr. Spiess - truly a spectacular physician
Great experience.
Dr. Spiess took her time and listened to all my concerns. She ordered tests and blood work which helped with my questions.
Took very good care of me
Wait for any opening with any other doctor.
I met Dr. Spiess after an early pregnancy loss. While my providers couldn't give me an appointment she went out of her way to see me. She made me feel like I have known her for years. She listened sympathized, showed support and understanding, explained clearly what she sees and gave me medical advice how to proceed further on. The way she talked to me was super professional yet super caring like a mother doctor. I never felt safer with a doctor like that before.
Thorough assessment and detailed in care
Outstanding
What a phenomenal doctor. So thorough, personable, professional and collaborative. Dr. Spiess ensured all of my goals for the visit were achieved, and allows you as the patient to take an active role in decision making.
She was a true caring doctor. She was honest, she did listen to me carefully. For the first time in a while I felt understood.
Dr. Spiess is kind, helpful, and considerate.
I feel incredibly blessed to have finally found a doctor who listens, cares, and is thorough.
Thank you, Saskia!
Dr. Spiess is a fantastic provider that makes you feel seen and heard. She does not give up on you, nor allow you to give up on yourself! She is patient, kind, and always takes the time to ensure all your concerns are listened to and validated.
Dr Spiess, is wonderful. She took the time to listen to my concerns and went over my care options with me in detail.
Extremely helpful and knowledgeable.
Dr. Spiess was great to work with. She above and beyond to recommend the best medication.
Dr. Spiess was kind, considerate and thorough.
Dr. Spies was excellent. She listened carefully to my concerns, asked pertinent follow-up questions and included me in a course of action to address my health issues. She took the time needed to treat me.
Very knowledgeable, and she stays up to date with latest healthcare trends.
So happy to start my care with Drm. Spiess.
Dr Speiss earned my trust. She is thorough, intelligent and demonstrated good judgement. She listened attentively and addressed my unique concerns. The staff responded to her directions and demands smoothly. I was very happy with my visit.
Friendly, detailed, comprehensive.
Dr. Spiess is very relatable, and understanding. She provides options, but ultimately lets you make the final call instead of pushing her personal agenda on you. She is also extremely gifted in her bedside manner. We love having her for our provider.
She is very professional yet understanding and caring about her patients. She walked me through every question until I was understanding and that is rare in Doctors taking on new patients. I will look forward to her being our new family Doctor
She's our favorite doctor by far!
She was very late to my appointment. My appointment was around 2ish and I didn't leave the office until 4:30. I didn't feel like she cared alot about what was going on with me.
She is a great provider that takes time to listen to questions and will help provide options so you can be in control of your medical decisions when appropriate. She is also very informed and kind! We love her and are so grateful we found her!
These head doctors only come in to get to know us and say that the doctor's treatment is the one that will be followed. I couldn't rate her because she only made a joke and that's it. She didn't ask or say anything about my health. It was me who told her how excellent Dr. Gutierrez is and she asked me to write it down. However, this wasn't necessary because I always write kudos to the doctor. Maybe the head doctors should take the time to get to know us better. [TRANSLATED]
Dr. Spiess is wonderful! She listens and takes time to make sure I'm ok and answers any questions I have and is always reassuring in her responses! Even if I don't feel better physically after my visit, I walk away feeling better mentally and with a peace of mind!
She's a wonderful doctor that is very attentive and seeks to provide the best care, but also relates on a level that makes you feel understood. Great provider who goes above and beyond! Highly recommend!
Dr. Spiess is very caring and understanding. She kindly answered all my questions, addressed all my concerns, and help me feel confident in my care plan. I appreciate her attention to detail.
Love Dr. Spiess!! Being a new parent lots of decisions have to get made annd it can be overwhelming - yet, after meeting her, choosing a pediatrician was an easy one.cannot say enough good things
Very caring and compassionate. Dr Spiess took the time and made extra effort to help my anxiety during my procedure.
Dr. Spiess introduced herself and remained a short time in room while Dr.Taylor was taking a history,etc.
Dr. Spiess is so great. She really takes time to explain things and answer my questions. I felt very cared for by an extremely competent and kind Dr. during my visit with her.
A very caring and good listener
Dr. Spiess is the one we go to when we need to have our questions answered. We feel listened to and she always takes our concerns seriously. We never leave with the feeling of being dismissed or not heard. She always finds a good resolution for us to follow.
Kind thoughtful collaborative in her care and approach.
Dr. Spiess is amazing.
she always listens and cares
Dr. Spiess is amazing! She listens and repeats back what you say to make sure she understands, what a talent few providers have. She also provides alternative options that help you decide which route to take. She is also personable and can talk to you on a personal level, rather than just about healthcare, which I appreciate.
Dr. Spiess is knowledgeable and helpful about a variety of ailments-not just a single specialty.
Very good experience
Love her. She is awesome.
Good attending
She is very understanding, empathetic, relatable and dedicated to my needs and to those of my daughter Conscience
Dr Spiess is knowledgeable, up on current medicine, visionary, and finds a way to provide treatment and to help patients to heal. A strength to the U of U and to all patients.
Very nice and pleasant
she listened to my feeling about my future care and agreed with Dr Wolferz
Dr. Spiess is very professional but also easy to talk to in discussing my health issues. I appreciate her promptbess and the effort she puts into my health care needs.
Thank you for taking the time to take a second look at my cyst on my hands and provide your opinion.
She is great doctor!
I feel like I can be honest with Dr. Spiess about my health and what is going on with me. I have never had a doctor like that before. Im a much healthier person today because I started seeing Dr. Spiess.
In and out Very nice Great smile
She was rude and pushed me to agree to be prescribed her favorite medication that I had unsuccessfully taken years prior and had concerns about. I felt rushed and unheard.
Very respectful and courteous
Dr. Spiess is a an excellent doctor who shows care and concern about my health. She answered my questions very thoroughly and took the time to research a question I had finding a likely solution.
Excellent physician, I'm very pleased that she is who I can go to for health care,
Im sure weve spoken
She was under a lot of pressure at the end of my long unexpected and urgent appointment late Friday. I felt she did an overall very good job.
Very caring provider
Dr Spiess is the most knowledgeable doctor. She also is great at communicating further health steps as well as being up on the latest medical studies. She is a true healer.
Saskia is amazing. She takes the time to be relatable and actually talks to you when discussing options rather than just talking to the computer. She is one to seek out information and let you decide how to proceed with the information.
She was literally so nice and told me to not be too hard on myself and this was literally one of the best doctors visits I have ever experienced!
I found this doctor to be disorganized and distracted. I didn't feel heard. Given the severity of the reason I was there, I felt like she wasn't taking it seriously and was not helpful. I will avoid seeing her again.
Dr. Spiess was very good about listening to my concerns and validating my worries. I never felt like she thought I was being silly for having anxiety related to my health. She took my concerns seriously and made me feel heard. I truly appreciate that.
Since my appointment was so truncated, I felt that I couldn't express my concerns or my reasons really for coming in for a visit. My answers had to therefor be shortened as were hers. There was no opportunity for a back and forth or even an opportunity for a full patient history to be taken.