Dr. Jeff Raunig, MD
Dr. Jeff Raunig is a board-certified family medicine physician and the founder of North County Primary Care, a patient-centered medical practice in Carlsbad, California. Dr. Raunig is dedicated to providing comprehensive, evidence-based, and efficient care to the North County community.
Before becoming a physician, Dr. Raunig served as a nuclear submarine officer in the U.S. Navy, where he developed a strong foundation in leadership, problem-solving, and technical expertise in high-stakes environments. Following his time in the submarine force, he pursued a career in medicine and later served as a physician for Marines and Special Forces, providing frontline medical support in demanding operational settings. His experience caring for elite military personnel, managing trauma, and optimizing performance under extreme conditions has given him a unique perspective on resilience, injury prevention, and high-level medical decision-making. He has treated the most complex medical conditions in hospital and outpatient settings.
Dr. Raunig’s expertise extends beyond primary care. He holds a Master of Science in Developmental Biology, which deepens his understanding of cellular growth, regeneration, and the molecular mechanisms underlying human development. This advanced training provides a strong scientific foundation for his work in sports medicine and regenerative therapies, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and other biologic treatments. This enhances his approach to evidence-based care, injury recovery, and optimizing musculoskeletal health, allowing him to integrate cutting-edge medical advancements into his practice to help patients recover from injuries and maintain peak physical performance. His approach makes him a trusted resource for athletes, first responders, and physically active patients.
With a strong focus on efficiency and healthcare innovation, Dr. Raunig prioritizes streamlined medical workflows, optimized billing practices, and AI-driven documentation tools to improve patient care and reduce administrative burdens. His goal is to create a modern, patient-focused practice that enhances accessibility while maintaining high-quality medical care.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Raunig is an avid surfer and outdoors enthusiast who embraces the active coastal lifestyle of North County San Diego. His passion for movement and performance fuels his commitment to helping patients achieve their health goals, whether that means recovering from an injury, managing chronic conditions, or optimizing overall health and wellness. Through North County Primary Care, he strives to offer comprehensive, high-quality, and personalized care that empowers patients to live healthier, more active lives.”
Education credentials:
United States Naval Academy, BS Physics, 2002
U. of Hawaii, MS developmental biology, 2010
Eastern Virginia Medical School, MD, 2015
American Board of Family Medicine Diplomate, 2021
Active and current California Medical License
Dr. Melanie Parkes, DPT
Chief Executive, North County Primary Care
Hi, I’m Dr. Melanie Parkes—though around the office, just “Melanie” works great! I’m the Chief Executive and co-founder of North County Primary Care in Carlsbad, where I help run the show alongside my husband, our lead physician.
With a background as a Doctor of Physical Therapy and years of experience in healthcare, I’ve now taken on the role of making sure our clinic runs smoothly—from big-picture planning to the little details that make your visit feel personal. I’ll be the first smiling face you see when you walk in, and my goal is to make every patient feel at ease, listened to, and part of our extended family.
North County Primary Care is proudly family-run, and we’re passionate about creating a welcoming space that combines top-notch medical care with a warm, down-to-earth vibe. Whether you’re here for a quick checkup or ongoing care, we want you to feel like you truly belong.
We can’t wait to meet you and care for you like family!
Dr. Terrance Leighton, DO,CAQSM
Diagnostic and Procedural Sports Medicine
Dr. Leighton is a board-certified physician specializing in Family and Sports Medicine. He played college baseball at Point Loma Nazarene University and later earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, with a focus in Physiology and Biomechanics, from Boise State University. He went on to receive his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013. During medical school, he served as President of the Sports Medicine Club, working closely with university staff and Division I athletes, while also working with the Justin Boots Sports Medicine team for regional rodeo events.
Dr. Leighton completed his Family Medicine residency and Sports Medicine fellowship at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, where he served as both Chief Resident and Chief Fellow. During his fellowship, he provided medical coverage as a team physician for Carlsbad High School and California State University San Marcos (NCAA Division II). During fellowship he also worked alongside Team USA Ski and Snowboard physicians during the Toyota US Grand Prix at Mammoth Mountain. Upon completion of fellowship, Dr. Leighton was honored with the Sports Medicine Fellowship Teacher of the Year award by the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton Family Medicine Residency Program.
Further expanding his expertise, Dr. Leighton trained at the Naval Undersea Medical Institute in Groton, Connecticut, becoming a U.S. Navy Undersea Medical Officer with specialized training in diving and hyperbaric medicine.
Throughout his naval career, Dr. Leighton held a range of elite assignments, including roles at Naval Dive and Salvage Training Command (Panama City Beach, FL), Naval Station Great Lakes (Chicago, IL), 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion (Okinawa, Japan), and the Naval Special Warfare Center in Coronado, CA—serving as the Dive and Sports Medicine physician for Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training.
Dr. Leighton brings a comprehensive background in both traditional and extreme sports medicine. His clinical focus includes diagnostic and procedural musculoskeletal ultrasound, treatment of nerve entrapments with Hydrodissection, and regenerative therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for both chronic joint degeneration and acute soft tissue injuries. His ultimate goal is to help patients return to the activities they are passionate about with strength and confidence.