21 minute read
New providers
EAR, NOSE AND THROAT EAR, NOSE AND THROAT
Christopher England, MD Specialty: Ear, Nose and Throat Location: Skagit Regional Health – Cascade Ear, Nose and Throat
What motivated you to pursue a career in medicine? I’ve always had an interest in helping people to live better lives as well as an interest in science and medicine. Even when I was quite young I thought I wanted to be a doctor. What do you enjoy the most about your chosen field/specialty? I enjoy working with a broad range of patients, from children to the elderly, and I enjoy treating a wide variety of medical issues from sinus issues to hearing to endocrine disorders to head and neck cancer. What are your special interests within your practice? I have a particular interest in thyroid and salivary disease and head and neck cancer. Sinus issues are also very interesting. These issues tend to have effective treatments that really help people improve their quality of life. Dr. England earned his medical degree at University of Louisville School of Medicine and completed his residency at Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base LewisMcChord just outside of Lakewood, WA. He enjoys traveling, hiking, gardening and reading – particularly history. To schedule an appointment, please call 360-336-2178. James Gross, MD Specialty: Ear, Nose and Throat Location: Skagit Regional Health – Cascade Ear, Nose and Throat
What sparked your interest in medicine? My father was a general practitioner in Sedro-Woolley for 40 years. I grew up observing him serve the community and develop close long-lasting relationships with his patients. After doing a sixth grade demonstration speech on how to do suturing I pretty much had decided I wanted to pursue a career in medicine. What are your special interests within your practice? I enjoy the opportunity to treat patients of all ages, helping them improve their quality of life. I have been practicing in the community since 1985 and am treating children and grandchildren of my patients. I love coming to work each day! I enjoy all facets of our specialty, but particularly enjoy challenging ear surgery, helping restore health and hearing. Dr. Gross earned his medical degree at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, WA. Dr. Gross completed his general surgical residency at the University of Washington and his Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery residency at Harvard. He enjoys swimming, hiking, skiing and enjoying the beautiful Pacific Northwest as a grandparent. Dr. Gross settled in the Skagit Valley in 1960 and is looking forward to many more years enjoying its wonders and its people! To schedule an appointment, please call 360-336-2178. EAR, NOSE AND THROAT
Kevin Harris, MD Specialty: Ear, Nose and Throat Location: Skagit Regional Health – Cascade Ear, Nose and Throat
What sparked your interest in medicine? Although I didn’t recognize it fully until I had already begun college, the chance to help heal, including using my hands in surgery was appealing to me. Encouragement from family and generous mentors helped steer me to a career in medicine, and ultimately Otolaryngology. Otolaryngology as a surgical subspecialty allows for care of all ages, newborn to elderly, which I greatly enjoy. It offers the opportunity to help a patient both medically and surgically--at times with immediate and life-changing benefits. The variety requires lifelong learning and is both satisfying and humbling. I also appreciate the extended patient relationships and comradery with colleagues. What are your special interests within your practice? I enjoy the variety of a general ENT surgical practice, and have additional training in Otolaryngic Allergy, which contributes to many of the most common ear, nose and throat issues encountered in primary care as well. I try to treat people as I would want to be treated, offering my skill, encouragement and hope even when there may not be a simple solution. I’m thankful for the many God-given opportunities and relationships I’ve had. Dr. Harris earned his medical degree at the Medical College of Wisconsin and finished his Otolaryngology residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals. Dr. Harris loves spending time with his wife and two sons and exploring this beautiful area of the Pacific Northwest. To schedule an appointment, please call 360-336-2178.
New Providers continued
Gary Johnson, MD Specialty: Ear, Nose and Throat Location: Skagit Regional Health – Cascade Ear, Nose and Throat
What sparked your interest in medicine? After falling from a tree when I was 12, I felt chest and back pain. Our family doctor came to our home and helped me with an injection. As a farm boy with many wounds, that was the first time that I had quick relief from pain! It was amazing. So later, that was a stimulus for being able to relieve pain in other people. What are your special interests within your practice? ENT serves all ages and contains common problems of hearing loss, sinus issues, breathing difficulty and more complex issues like nasal obstruction, twisted noses and septal deviation. Board certification in Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery allows surgical treatment, when indicated, with less down time utilizing advanced techniques and instrumentation. What would you like your patients to know about you? I am looking forward to being part of a large stable organization with a wide reach, still practicing locally, and being able to treat all patients who need help. Dr. Johnson earned his medical degree at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, WA and finished his Otolaryngology residence at Harbor General Hospital, UCLA, and the University of Washington. Being part of an extended family including lots of grandkids keeps life interesting and lots of fun when Dr. Johnson is outside of the office. To schedule an appointment, please call 360-336-2178. Gary Brown, MD Specialty: Ear, Nose and Throat Location: Skagit Regional Health – Cascade Ear, Nose and Throat
What sparked your interest in medicine? I was motivated, even in high school, to become a physician. I was influenced by our family physician who was filled not only with excellent medical knowledge but was also a very caring person. Often he would charge my grandmother a dollar for a home visit. What are your special interests within your practice? I chose ear, nose and throat because the surgeries were challenging and varied, from intricate ear surgery to head and neck cancer removal, and the patients are of all ages. I really enjoy children and considered becoming a pediatrician early in my training. I enjoy diagnostic work, difficult symptoms that make me think. I particularly enjoy facial reconstruction, secondary to skin cancer surgery. Dr. Brown earned his medical degree and completed his Otolaryngology residency at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver. He completed an Internship at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland. Dr. Brown and his wife Susan have loved living in the Skagit Valley since they moved here in 1977. It’s been a fantastic place to raise their children and they feel woven into the community. He enjoys photography, cycling, swimming and hiking. To schedule an appointment, please call 360-336-2178. Anna Hiatt, ARNP Specialty: Family Medicine Location: Skagit Regional Health – Arlington Family Medicine
What are your special interests within your practice? When I was a young student in school I learned about Environmental Theory. This is the belief that the environment affects our health just as much as our genetics. This includes food, exercise and stress management. Even the air we breathe and the people around us can affect our health. I really connected with this theory, and because of this my interests gravitate towards areas of health where I can use environmental interventions as well as traditional medicine to make a positive impact. Areas like diabetic management, cardiac heath and women’s health are a few fields of study where we can incorporate the patient environment into the care plan and make not only short term gains, but also look to the future and adapt the patient environment for better long term results as well. Hiatt earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Maryville University in St. Louis, MO. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, biking and being active. Hiatt is a hockey fan and particularly enjoys going to Everett Silvertips games. To schedule an appointment, please call 360-435-8810.
ENDOCRINOLOGY
Sarah Lim-Dwyer, ARNP Specialty: Endocrinology Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon
What motivated you to pursue a career in medicine? Growing up, I was always concerned about people’s well-being. Knowing that I have made a difference by helping someone is the overall satisfaction I have always wanted to achieve. My calling to pursue a career in medicine came while working for a non-profit community clinic in Los Angeles. I was working in Human Resources and witnessed first-hand how the shortages of healthcare providers impacted patient care. I left my career in Human Resources because I wanted to make a difference in the community. What would you like your patients to know about you? I am passionate about empowering my patients in managing their health, allowing them to guide their own road to recovery, while also providing them with the right tools to make healthy lifestyle changes. I am your healthcare partner and will work with you to find the best available options for managing your health. I strive to develop a level of trust, understanding and compassion for each of my patients. Lim-Dwyer earned her ARNP from Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA and is Board Certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Lim-Dwyer is also an avid baseball fan and roots for the Dodgers and Mariners. To schedule an appointment, please call 360-814-6315. CARDIOLOGY
Amanda LoVecchio, ARNP Specialty: Cardiology Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Anacortes Cardiology
What motivated you to pursue a career in medicine? I have a passion for helping others live their very best lives which starts with good health. What do you enjoy the most about your chosen field/specialty? Hearts are amazing. Watch an angiogram and you’ll see its beautiful ballet. I love educating about heart health. One thing I have done in the past and am excited to do here is to partner with American Heart Association to present education to the community about real ways to keep hearts healthy. What brought you to Skagit Regional Health? Two reasons, this facility has an excellent reputation and I have always wanted to live in PNW. This was truly the perfect opportunity. I am just so excited to be here and to get to know my community members. What are you most passionate about professionally? Professionally, I am passionate about making good health accessible to everyone. I try to find ways with every patient to connect and make the most of our time together. LoVecchio received her MS from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. In her free time LoVecchio loves to be outside, kayaking, mountain biking, camping, and gardening. She practices yoga daily and is planning a trip to India to further her education. To schedule an appointment, please call 360-293-0308. DERMATOLOGY
Richard Lin, MD, PhD Specialty: Dermatology Location: Skagit Regional Clinics - Riverbend
What motivated you to pursue a career in medicine? I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in service. Through medicine, I am able to provide a personal aspect of service that is hard to replicate elsewhere. It is a gratifying experience that I cherish immensely. What are your special interests within your practice? Acne, eczema, skin surgery, cysts, skin infection and skin cancer management. What do you love most about the local community? So many things! First of all, I love the four seasons. I also enjoy the festivals and fairs that celebrate our area. In this area, it’s easy to see the cobalt blue sky or white fleecy clouds. It is also a great place to have children and raise a family. This community cares and works hard at creating a family friendly atmosphere. Last but not least, I love the people in this town. They are very welcoming and friendly. I see over and over again where there is a need, there is help. The sense of community is alive and well here. Dr. Lin earned his medical degree at Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA followed by residency training at New York University. Prior to attending medical school, Dr. Lin earned a PhD at University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. To schedule an appointment, please call 360-814-6800.
New Providers continued
INTERNAL MEDICINE WOMEN’S HEALTH
Madeline Button, PA-C Specialty: Internal Medicine Location: Skagit Regional Health – Division Street Clinic
What motivated you to pursue a career in medicine? Growing up in rural Alaska opened my eyes to the unique role of primary health care providers in a small town. I enjoy the challenges of medicine while being able to serve the public and grow relationships within the community. What do you enjoy the most about your chosen field/specialty? I enjoy internal medicine due to the opportunity to connect with my patients, and manage complex cases. I am grateful for the opportunity to have a positive impact on their health, and get to learn from my patients each day! What are you most passionate about professionally? I am passionate about finding a personalized medical approach for each patient. Helping each patient understand their health empowers them to take control of their own well-being. PA Button earned her Masters of Medical Science degree (MMS) from Chapman University in Orange, CA. She is an avid mountain biker, backpacker and wilderness explorer. If she’s not in the office, you can find her out on the trails! She also enjoy baking, reading and horticulture. To schedule an appointment, please call 360-814-2980. Carlyn King, DO Specialty: Women’s Health Location: Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon
What do you enjoy most about your chosen field or specialty? The breadth of the specialty is incredible. Whether it be cervical and breast cancer screenings, choosing a birth control method, trying to conceive, prenatal care, delivering babies, managing gynecologic issues, performing surgery and caring for patients through menopause and beyond, I have the privilege of helping women at every stage of their lives. What can a patient expect from you? I have worked hard to bring patient autonomy to the forefront of my interactions with patients. I spend a lot of time educating my patients, discussing with them all of the possible options for treatment and helping them decide which path for treatment is right for them. My patients will be treated with respect and as a partner in their health. Dr. King is a graduate of Western University of Health Sciences Medical School in Pomona, CA and completed her residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Loma Linda, CA. She is passionate about her family and loves to watch her young daughter learn about the world. To schedule an appointment, please call 360-428-2575.
PHOTO: JAY CLINE
Airlift Northwest: Helicopters play key role in trauma system
In this photo, an Airlift Northwest helicopter takes off, transporting a patient to a higher level of trauma care at Harborview Medical Center, Seattle Children’s and other destinations. These flying intensive care units are staffed by two critical care trained nurses on board each flight. Skagit Valley Hospital has a helipad on the roof where Airlift has flown out 157 times in the past two years. Cascade Valley Hospital has a helistop across the street from the hospital’s Emergency Department where Airlift has provided 43 flights out of Arlington in the past two years. Airlift Northwest bases aircraft in Bellingham, Arlington, Seattle, Olympia, Yakima, Bremerton, Wenatchee and Juneau.
MD, DO, ARNP, PA-C: What do all these letters mean?
When patients are searching for a provider they want to know what all those letters after their names mean and what are the differences? Skagit Regional Health benefits from the skills and expertise of a variety of healthcare providers to care for patients. Here is a quick summary of four types of providers who may care for you at a Skagit Regional Health hospital or clinic: Physician
Both medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) work in hospital and clinic settings. Both are licensed doctors who have completed four years of medical school and additional residency training to prepare for practice in a specific care area. MDs and DOs must pass comparable exams to obtain a state license. One of the main differences between MDs and DOs is the osteopathic philosophy of care which emphasizes the integration of all the body’s systems and healing the body through use of osteopathic manipulation techniques. Resident Physician
A Resident is a licensed physician who has graduated from medical school and practices under the supervision of a fully licensed physician during their training. He or she spends several years focusing care in a specialized area during residency training. Skagit Regional Health offers residency training in Family Medicine and Internal Medicine. Residents provide care in both the hospital and outpatient setting. The Graduate Medical education program at Skagit Regional Health currently includes 19 Internal Medicine residents and nine Family Medicine residents. ARNP
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNP) are registered nurses (RN) who have additional education and training at the Masters (MSN) or Doctorate (DNP) level. Nurse practitioners care for patients by assessing health risks, employing preventative health measures, diagnosing and managing diseases, ordering diagnostic tests, and prescribing medications. The work with patients across the age spectrum in a variety of primary and specialty care settings. They practice independently in many states, including Washington. “Nurse practitioners’ nursing background fundamentally shapes their approach to patient care,” said Kelli Kraft, ARNP at Skagit Regional Health – Darrington. “With a focus on seeing patients in the context of their environment, NPs help patients minimize their health risks and best manage their diseases. This patientcentered approach and nursing background helps NPs empower patients to live their healthiest lives.” Nurse Practitioners practice in primary care, specialty care departments and in both urgent and emergency care at Skagit Regional Health.
PA-C and PA
PA-C stands for certified Physician Assistant. Physician Assistants have graduated from an accredited educational program which typically takes three years to complete. They have also been certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Their skills are used in a full range of clinical areas including primary care, medical and surgical specialties, as well as in urgent or emergency care settings. Their role is to serve as an extension of the supervising physician. Physician Assistants are valuable assets to many clinics where they practice in collaboration with physicians to educate patients about their diagnosis and can help set reasonable expectations for any planned surgery or treatment.
PAs diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, perform office procedures, assist surgeons in the operating room and often serve as a patient’s principal healthcare provider. “With thousands of hours of medical training, PAs are versatile and collaborative,” said Jon Ruff, PAC. PAs practice in all states and in every medical setting and specialty.
“As an orthopedic PA, I enjoy listening to patients and formulating a plan to help them increase their quality of life,” said PA Ruff. “It is great to see patients improve as they are educated about their health concerns and ways we can work together to better help them.”
DO YOU NEED A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER?
If you are in need of a health care provider, call the Skagit Regional Health Find a Doctor phone line: 360-848-5555 or visit www. SkagitRegionalHealth.org/find-adoctor.
12 medical students start rotations at Skagit Regional Health
A dozen third-year medical students from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences started two years of rotations and education at Skagit Regional Health in July. The students from left are Zackery Sanders, Rick Rice,
Aniqa Minhas, Leif Hoover, Julie Fedorko, Julie Lee, Brian Bachmann, Whitney Keiffer-Sharp, Vickie Sizemore, Phillip Hasenbalg, Tiana Nading; and Tavleen Aulakh.
8 new residents join Skagit Regional Health
INTERNAL MEDICINE:
Khadij Assani, DO was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and majored in Physiology and Religion at the University of California in Los Angeles. After graduating, she spent a few months in Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania, working on medical school admissions processes and bringing the best practices of modern medicine to East Africa. Dr. Assani was introduced to medicine at a young age through accompanying her grandmother to her doctor’s appointments after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. As an osteopathic physician, Dr. Assani said she hopes to treat her patients holistically and provide empathetic, compassionate care. Dr. Assani is excited to move to the Pacific Northwest and learn all about what it has to offer, starting off with the food.
Savannah Broadlick, DO is a Pacific Northwest native and grew up spending her weekdays in Edmonds and weekends on San Juan Island. She attended Washington State University to study neuroscience. While there, she learned to embrace her love of science and decided to pursue medicine. She attended Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima, Washington. Her third- and fourth-years of medical school were spent in Mount Vernon, where preceptors, residents, and mentors at Skagit Regional Health inspired her to pursue Internal Medicine. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family’s dogs, fresh water fishing, reading mystery novels, crosswords and riding horses.
Rhandy Ceballos, DO was raised in the Dominican Republic where he lived until the age of 13 before moving to Florida. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of South Florida before completing medical school at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. He likes attending music festivals, watching the Seahawks play and relaxing at home with his girlfriend and cat.
Matthew Kon, DO a first generation Polish-American who grew up in Florida and North Carolina. He studied Marine Biology and Jazz at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington before going on to pursue Osteopathic Medicine at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Dr. Kon enjoys travel, hiking, biking, surfing, climbing and good food. With a passion for rural primary care, Dr. Kon said he is elated to be moving to the Pacific Northwest to begin an exciting career in medicine.
Matthew Kon, DO
Melinda Mantooth, DO
Melinda Mantooth, DO was raised north of Seattle and learned the value of hard work through her mother’s example and growing up as a competitive dancer. She graduated from Washington State University where she studied biology after transferring from Big Bend Community College. She attended Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima. She studied Spanish throughout college. As an osteopathic physician, she strives to provide excellent care to all of her patients including historically underserved and marginalized populations. Dr. Mantooth and her partner are extreme animal lovers and enjoy spending time with their pack of rescue dogs, family and friends.
Sarah Zubair, MD grew up in New Brunswick, Canada with her parents and three siblings. Her family then moved to Ontario. Dr. Zubair attended McMaster University where she graduated with a Bachelors in the Life Sciences. Following graduation, she obtained a Master’s of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Guelph where her studies included researching the effects of niacin on colorectal cancer cells. She graduated from St. George’s
Sarah Zubair, MD
Rhandy Ceballos, DO
University School of Medicine. During her four years of medical school, Dr. Zubair was able to travel and gain a global health perspective as a result of her rotations in Grenada, the United Kingdom and United States. Dr. Zubair enjoys photography, the great outdoors and traveling. Vicky Sandhu, DO was born and raised in India and moved to the United States after attending college. She received a Masters of Public Health at the University of Washington and worked in clinical research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Seattle for five years. She attended New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Long Island, NY and did an internship at St. Mary Medical Center - Long Beach. She said she enjoys volunteering in the community, learning about her patients’ cultures and diverse backgrounds. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, ice skating, spending time with family and music.
Savannah Broadlick, DO
Khadij Assani, DO
FAMILY MEDICINE: C. Brooksby Hafen, DO was raised in southwestern Utah and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Utah in Religious Studies with a minor in Peace and Conflict Studies. After a brief stint in law school, he decided to pursue his original passion of medicine, and completed his osteopathic medical studies at Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine. His partner, Dr. Katherine J. Anderson, is a Professor of Victorian Literature and Culture at Western Washington University. Their daughter, Kaitlin, is starting her junior year at the University of California-Davis. Dr. Hafen said he enjoys having delicious food with the company of his family and friends, puttering about in his garden/yard, walking his dog, Sherlock, and attending concerts.
