Amy Ellingson, MD
Specialty: Family Medicine
Years in Practice: 22
Works at: Three Rivers Family Medicine & Seattle
Menopause Medicine, Brewster
Society memberships: WSMA, AAFP, Menopause Society
Why WSMA: WSMA provides many opportunities that were
unavailable when I was just attending to my medical practice. It is a
chance to connect with physicians and physician assistants from all over
the state, in different specialties than my own and in different practice
settings. It has provided additional leadership training where I was able
to connect with providers across the state and who were in varied types of
practices. WSMA is also an opportunity to help make a difference for both
patients and the healthcare team in our state. I have enjoyed seeing the
passion behind the resolutions that are presented each year and learn so
much. I feel more informed and empowered to help shape healthcare in
Washington state.
Why serve on WSMA’s Board: I wanted to serve on the board
in order to be more involved. I got involved late in my career and wanted
to learn as much as possible as quickly as possible about how WSMA worked.
It provides a chance to understand and take part in the inner workings of
WSMA, which I really enjoy. Seeing the hard work and dedication of the
staff and WSMA leadership is also inspiring. I also felt it was important
to have representation from a rural county to provide our unique
perspective and experience.
Why should physicians lead:
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We are the ones in the room with patients and we know what is helping
and what is hurting.
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We have a lot at stake and therefore are highly motivated to make this
system work.
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We are trained problem-solvers and with the right training, can be
effective leaders.
How do you help further WSMA’s vision to make Washington state the best
place to practice medicine and receive care:
One of the reasons I wanted to join the board was to be voice from rural
medicine in Washington state. Many of the medical providers in WSMA work
in urban and/or academic settings. I listen carefully and speak up when
the rural perspective needs to be heard. We have some different
challenges, needs and desires and it is important to have diversity on the
board to hear all voices.
Fun fact about you: I have traveled to Lesotho, a country
in southern Africa, three times over the past 15 years. I am on the board
and medical director for The Tiny Lives Foundation which a grassroots,
locally staffed, female-led organization in Mokhotlong, Lesotho. We serve
a rugged, mountainous area of a small country with one of the highest HIV
+ rates in the world. It has been an honor to travel and work with the
people in Lesotho and each trip has been personally transformative.