Peter Barkett, MD
Specialty: Internal Medicine
Years in Practice: 9
Works at: Kaiser Permanente Washington, Silverdale
Society memberships: WSMA, Kitsap County Medical
Society, Society for General Internal Medicine
Why WSMA: WSMA represents the opportunity to positively
influence the future of healthcare in Washington state. It is a platform
for elevating the voice of clinicians and a seat at the table while health
policy is taking shape. WSMA exists to make Washington state the best
place to give and receive healthcare.
Why serve on WSMA’s Board: I joined the WSMA board in
order to connect with colleagues and help guide the future of medicine in
Washington state. I have had the opportunity to work in health policy for
many years and came to realize that care delivery depends on much more
than the patient and provider sitting across from each other in an exam
room. It requires constructive dialogue between providers, hospitals,
pharmacies, insurance, Washington Healthcare Authority, Office of the
Insurance Commissioner, state legislators, federal legislators, CMS and
many more. Joining the WSMA board was an opportunity to participate more
actively in that dialogue.
Why should physicians lead: Clinicians are on the
frontlines of healthcare delivery. We sit at the intersection point of a
large and complicated healthcare system. And we see what is working as
well as what needs fixing. Even more importantly, we are often the only
voice advocating for our patients. Physicians have a responsibility to
care for individual patients as well as patients in the collective. In
short, we have the ability to see what is needed and the responsibility to
act on behalf of our communities and our colleagues.
How do you help further WSMA’s vision to make Washington state the best
place to practice medicine and receive care:
As a WSMA board member my goal is to represent my colleagues and my
patients. I try to bring their perspective and the perspectives of other
stakeholders to board meetings. The best way to make progress is to
identify common ground then craft solutions which are win-win for all
involved.
Fun fact about you: My two favorite hobbies are rowing on
Puget Sound and working on my bonsai trees.