train,” said Robyn Phillips-Madson, DO, MPH, Dean and Chief Academic Officer of the College of Osteopathic Medicine. “Our students will learn in a functional health care environment where patient safety, compassion, courtesy, efficiency, and appropriate presentation of the facilities and self are emphasized, and where universal attributes such as respect, hard work, and good communication are valued.” Gretchen Eickmeyer, CFRM, noted the common values of PNWU and Skagit Valley Hospital. “It’s our shared values and commitment to caring for all people through patientcentered quality medicine,” she said. “Launching a new teaching hospital program requires a commitment from the hospital, the medical staff, and the community, aspects that have all seen strong support at Skagit Valley Hospital,” said Pam Royston, assistant vice president of academic affairs at PNWU.
Ryan Kelln
John Pham
Ryan Kelln, a native of Bellingham, received a bachelor’s degree in Public Health from the University of Washington in 2005. He spent three years working as a Youth Director at University Presbyterian Church in Seattle and volunteering with families of children receiving cancer care. He enjoys playing soccer, basketball, and other sports. He is interested in pursuing pediatrics and sports medicine as a specialty.
John Pham previously worked as a high school biology and chemistry teacher in the Bellevue School District. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Cornell University where he received the Excellence in Leadership Award from the Cornell National Scholars. He has worked at a summer camp for children with cancer, which inspired him to pursue a career in medicine. He enjoys the outdoors, traveling, is an avid soccer player, and runner.
David M. Lewis, BS, MSA
Heather Preissler
David Lewis, who grew up in Port Angeles, received his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Washington in 2006. While attending the UW, David worked during his summer vacations as a surgical orderly at Olympic Memorial Hospital. After graduation, he spent a year working as a teacher with the Clallam County AmeriCorps program before attending Pacific Lutheran University and achieving a master’s degree in education. David spends his free time hiking, fishing, skiing, scuba diving, and playing a variety of sports. He is interested in pursuing internal medicine and cardiology as a specialty.
Heather Preissler grew up in Duvall, WA, and attended Bellevue Community College and Central Washington University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology. She worked as a dental assistant for seven years in Bellevue before starting medical school at PNWU. She has served on medical missions and is passionate about global health. Heather is married and enjoys spending her free time with her husband and family as well as traveling, cooking, running, playing soccer, snowboarding, and anything outdoors.
“To have a community that is this supportive is unique and it is vital for these students as they feel welcomed,” Royston said. The overwhelming physician support to serve as teachers and preceptors will allow the students to remain in the community for all of their training. “It’s the support of the physicians that is making this possible. I couldn’t ask for better role model physicians, so genuine and compassionate,” she said. “This helps students form their basis for becoming professional physicians and it’s going to bring a lot more back to this institution and community.” Statistics show medical students and residents frequently stay to practice in the community where they train. “Research has shown that 30 percent of physicians stay to work in the area CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
HealthQuest Fall 2010
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