Dr. Michael Watto, D.O., MPH, is the Chief Medical Officer of HealthFirst, where he provides primary and osteopathic care across the Laconia and Franklin, NH, locations. A board-certified family physician and 20-year US Army veteran, he earned his medical degree from Kansas City University and a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Texas Medical Branch.
Dr. Michael Watto, D.O., MPH, is the Chief Medical Officer of HealthFirst, where he provides primary and osteopathic care across the Laconia and Franklin, NH, locations. A board-certified family physician and 20-year US Army veteran, he earned his medical degree from Kansas City University and a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Texas Medical Branch.
The reviews listed below were collected independently of HealthFirst Family Care Center through rater8. Each review represents an authentic and verified patient experience.
very present and listening well to my issues. Gave some very helpful advice. Very please with him as my PCP
(1 week ago)
May-2026
He was so compassionate and caring. Very professional. I’ve seen Dr Watto since he began his practice in Plymouth and will continue to follow him. He’s kind and brilliant.
(1 week ago)
May-2026
I trust him. He "gets it" and does his best for his patients in a very imperfect system.
(3 weeks ago)
Apr-2026
It is easy to talk to Dr Watto. He listens and shares his thoughts in a kind and knowledgable manner. We are on the same page so smoothly. This Doc is awesome!
(1 month ago)
Apr-2026
Awesome
Always seems positive towards me and my test results.
(1 month ago)
Apr-2026
he’s always great has no problem explaining anything for me either thanks
(1 month ago)
Apr-2026
Great doctor.
(1 month ago)
Apr-2026
As always, Dr. Walt was thorough very personable 99 and easy to talk to
(1 month ago)
Apr-2026
Central Street
841 Central Street Franklin, NH 03235
Strafford Street
22 Strafford St #1 Laconia, NH 03246
Dr. Michael Watto, D.O., MPH, joined HealthFirst in February 2023 and serves as its Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Watto provides primary and osteopathic care to patients in both the Laconia and Franklin HealthFirst locations.
Dr. Watto has an extensive medical and military background. Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, he completed his residency training at Martin Army Community Hospital, Fort Benning, Georgia. Dr. Watto completed his medical education at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, where he received his DO degree in Osteopathic Medicine. He has also earned a master’s degree in public health from the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University.
Dr. Watto spent more than 20 years in the US Army serving in a variety of roles as a physician leader. Highlights include his service as a flight surgeon, a deployment to Iraq, and providing medical care and ringside coverage to the All-Army Boxing team.
Michael and his family have lived in central NH for nearly a decade, where he has worked at Speare Primary Care in Plymouth, NH, since 2015, specializing in family medicine. He has held the position of Medical Staff President at Speare Memorial Hospital as well as Director of Health Services at Plymouth State University. Dr. Watto was recently honored as a “Top Doctor 2022” by New Hampshire Magazine. Other notable achievements include his selection as Franklin Pierce University Clinical Preceptor of the Year, earning the US Army Combat Medical Badge, and being named a Distinguished Military Graduate.
An osteopathic medicine (DO) doctor differs from a medical doctor in that they use the same conventional medical techniques as MDs, but with a few other methods. They bring a unique, patient-centered approach to every specialty across the full spectrum of medicine. They are trained to listen and partner with their patients to help them get healthy and stay well.
See other doctors in HealthFirst Family Care Center
very present and listening well to my issues. Gave some very helpful advice. Very please with him as my PCP
He was so compassionate and caring. Very professional. I’ve seen Dr Watto since he began his practice in Plymouth and will continue to follow him. He’s kind and brilliant.
I trust him. He "gets it" and does his best for his patients in a very imperfect system.
It is easy to talk to Dr Watto. He listens and shares his thoughts in a kind and knowledgable manner. We are on the same page so smoothly. This Doc is awesome!
Awesome Always seems positive towards me and my test results.
he’s always great has no problem explaining anything for me either thanks
Great doctor.
As always, Dr. Walt was thorough very personable 99 and easy to talk to