About Us

On the North Shore of Lake Superior, nestled along the Superior Hiking Trail, a short drive from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and a 2 hour drive from Duluth, MN, Sawtooth Mountain Clinic, Inc. (SMC) is a Federally Qualified Community Health Center in Grand Marais, MN. Founded by Drs. Roger MacDonald, David Hilfiker, Bill Gallea, and Barbara Bank in 1979, SMC has served the health care needs of Cook County, MN, for over 40 years.

Through financial support from the federal government, we are able to offer high-quality primary health care to every patient, regardless of the ability to pay. In addition, a Sliding Fee Scale Program is available to help offset the cost of care at our clinic as well as services offered by the local hospital, dentist office, and a wide range of mental health services.

We are able to meet our community’s varied needs through community and public health services as well. From childbirth education to city planning, a healthy community is the motive for everything we do.

Sawtooth Mountain Clinic, Inc. (SMC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

This health center receives HHS funding and has Federal Public Health Services deemed status with respect to certain health or health-related claims, including medical malpractice claims, for itself and its covered individuals. This health center is a Health Center Program grantee under 42 U.S.C. 254b, and a deemed Public Health Service employee under 42 U.S.C. 233(g)-(n).


Sawtooth Mountain Clinic is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.