About Us

The story behind first on-demand vacation healthcare service—built by ER doctors who believe there’s a better way to treat travelers.

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Founded by Local Emergency Medicine Physicians

Vacation Medicine was established by Dr. Erik Petersen and Dr. Will Carlson, board-certified emergency physicians with deep roots in the Florida Panhandle. After years of treating vacationers in the ER—many with non-urgent conditions that could have been handled outside a hospital setting—they saw a clear need for a better solution.

With nearly 1 in 4 Florida tourists landing in the ER for minor issues, their mission became clear: make high-quality, convenient care accessible without the stress, wait times, and high costs of traditional emergency rooms. That vision became Vacation Medicine—a modern approach to vacation healthcare built around convenience, compassion, and clinical excellence.

Our Founders & Mission

Vacation Medicine was founded by board-certified emergency physicians Dr. Erik Petersen and Dr. Will Carlson, who recognized a recurring problem: vacationers frequently visit emergency rooms for minor, non-urgent concerns that could be treated more efficiently and affordably outside a hospital setting.

With firsthand ER experience, they built Vacation Medicine to bridge the gap between traditional urgent care and the unique needs of travelers. Their mission is simple — to provide high-quality, convenient medical care designed specifically for people away from home. By combining clinical excellence with modern telemedicine and concierge services, Vacation Medicine delivers trusted care without the long waits, unnecessary stress, or excessive costs often associated with emergency rooms.

Comprehensive Care — Wherever You Are

Vacation Medicine offers flexible care options designed around your vacation experience:

  • Virtual Urgent Care: Fast telemedicine visits for minor illnesses, infections, allergies, medication refills, and more — typically completed in 10–15 minutes.

  • In-Clinic Care: Walk-in urgent care services for those near the Emerald Coast location.

  • At-Home Concierge Services: A medical team can come directly to your vacation rental to provide urgent care, IV treatments, wound care, and other on-site services.

This multi-modal approach ensures patients receive timely, personalized care without disrupting their vacation plans.

Partnering With Travel & Luxury Providers

Vacation Medicine collaborates with luxury vacation rental agencies and hospitality partners along the Florida Emerald Coast to enhance guest experiences. These partnerships allow property managers and hosts to offer on-demand medical and wellness services as an added amenity — providing guests with peace of mind during their stay.

By integrating healthcare into the hospitality experience, Vacation Medicine sets a new standard for traveler support and convenience.

A Better Way to Get Urgent Care

Vacation Medicine was created by emergency physicians who saw too many travelers end up in the ER for minor issues. We offer a smarter alternative—blending clinical excellence with unmatched convenience. Whether you’re at your rental, on the beach, or on the go, our team brings top-tier care directly to you.

Virtual Urgent Care

Prefer to visit us in person? Emerald Coast Concierge Medicine offers comfortable, walk-in clinic care for both locals and vacationers. Services include:

Committed to Excellence

At the core of Vacation Medicine is a team of highly qualified providers—board-certified emergency physicians, experienced nurse practitioners, and dedicated clinical staff—committed to providing top-tier medical care in a more personal, convenient way. Every service is designed to be fast, effective, and patient-centered, so you can return to enjoying your vacation with peace of mind.

Partnering with Luxury Rental Agencies

Vacation Medicine partners with luxury Emerald Coast home rental agencies to offer exclusive Urgent Care and wellness services to their guests. Our team of professionals offers premium-level telemedicine, in-clinic, and in-home health and wellness services, helping luxury home rental agencies elevate their brand while attracting new and returning homeowners and guests.
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