Hi, I'm Alison Neff. I also go by Dr. Neff to my patients, Mom to my daughters, Ali to my friends and family, and Ms. to those who don't know me. Of all the hats I wear, Dr. and Mom are my favorites — titles I've earned through years of love, honesty, compassion, and more than a little sacrifice.

Here's the short version of why I started 3 Roots: after years in hospital medicine and then primary care inside a larger health system, I felt boxed in by a healthcare model built around insurance companies instead of patients. I craved more time with the people I care for so I could actually get to the root of the problem. So I built a lovely, little medical practice in Mason, OH designed around what I truly value — excellence in health care, real relationships, family, and integrity.

Now, the longer version — because you should know who you're trusting with your care. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, the classic middle child of two older sisters and a younger brother. Big families teach you things smaller ones can't: how to put family first, how to make time for the people you love, and how to forgive quickly, because you have to. Still, the moment high school ended, I was ready to fly the coop. I headed across the country to the University of Richmond (go Spiders!), where I spent four years diving competitively, serving my sorority sisters in Kappa Kappa Gamma, and studying hard. I graduated with Honors in Biology and a minor in Sociology. University of Richmond continues to have a very special place in my heart. My daughter Ansley is in her first year of college, competing as a swimmer on the very same team I was on many moons ago.

Before medical school, I gave myself a gap year in Lakeview, one of Chicago's most vibrant neighborhoods. I did clinical research, waitressed at Big Bowl, and soaked up city life. Along the way, learned how to adult in the real world. That year taught me life lessons I still carry with me today: work hard toward your goals, but also build a life you full of joy and adventure.

Medical school brought me to Philadelphia, at Jefferson Medical College (now Sidney Kimmel). I loved Philly: the history, the food, the East Coast energy. I devoured every bit of my medical education information, because I knew being a great physician meant never stopping learning. It's also where I met my future husband, Carl, in my third year. He was — and still is — handsome, funny, and wicked smart. We spent those years exploring Philly and finding every excuse for an adventure.