Bridget Bush, MD

Specialty: Anesthesiology

Years in Practice: 10+

Works at: The Everett Clinic, Everett and Arlington

Society memberships: WSMA, American Society of Anesthesiologists, Washington State Society of Anesthesiologists, Snohomish County Medical Society

Why WSMA: Advocacy, education and connection.

Why serve on WSMA’s Board: I realized shortly before the pandemic, a feeling of purpose had drained from my work. I was being told on all sides that my job could be done by any number of people, including those with less training and education. Instead of losing heart I decided to double down and make my surroundings better. I started at my home, planting several hundred trees, at my workplace with various quality improvement projects, and I got more involved in medical societies at the local, state and national levels. I feel my involvement in WSMA is one of my avenues of purpose, to make this world better, for myself, my colleagues and our patients.

Why should physicians lead: Good leaders are inherently selfless. They take the blame when things go poorly and give credit to their teams when things go well. They seek to bring up everyone with them through example and hard work. Physicians are by nature and training these very types of people, eschewing the spotlight and not seeking power for its own sake (or we would have chosen a different profession).

How do you help further WSMA’s vision to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care: Active listening to others on the Board, our members and non-members. Trying to break down our silos to understand the needs and difficulties of the various specialties and fields. I bring that to each meeting and email.

Fun fact about you: I helped a fellow sailor survive SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) training with duct tape and benedryl.