Linda Brown, MD

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Years in Practice: since 1990

Works at: Island Eye Physicians and Surgeons, Anacortes

Society memberships: WSMA, Washington Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, Skagit Island Medical Society President. American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association

Why WSMA: Opportunity for private practice to be heard and make a difference in the quality of medical care for our patients and our happiness and viability to continue to give to our patients and our peers.

Why serve on WSMA’s Board: Most practitioners are now employed and many no longer want to volunteer their precious free time to serve on boards or share their institutional knowledge. Without making our needs heard and contributing to the future of health care our profession and our personal wellbeing as well as our financial future is at risk of becoming controlled by politicians and non- physicians and third parties with more money and infrastructure to influence the future of healthcare. I have a graduating medical student son, and I want his future in medicine to be as fulfilling as mine has been.

Why should physicians lead: We need to control our own destiny.

How do you help further WSMA’s vision to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care: I try and represent the importance of organized medicine as our ally not as our foe. If you are not at the table, you are on the menu.

Fun fact about you: I love to dance which was bred into me from my Panamanian roots. I am also an avid traveler, always looking to explore places different from our own.