Matthew Grierson, MD

Specialty: PM&R Sports Medicine

Years in practice: 10.

Works at: Private practice (self-employed) in Seattle.

Society memberships: American Medical Association, International Association for Dance Medicine & Science, Performing Arts Medicine Association, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine.

Why WSMA: To me, the WSMA represents the unified voice of physicians across Washington—a collective force working to ensure we can provide the highest quality care to our patients. It’s about advocacy, showing up in Olympia to fight for smart, patient- centered policy. It’s about leadership, helping physicians grow beyond the clinic and into roles that shape health care in this state. And it’s about community—connecting with colleagues, sharing knowledge, and building a stronger, more resilient medical profession. The WSMA gives us a seat at the table and the tools to make our voices heard.

Why serve on WSMA’s board: I want to serve on the WSMA board to make a real difference—to have a seat at the table where critical decisions are made. As a private practice physician, I bring a perspective that’s essential but often underrepresented. I’ve been involved with the WSMA since I was a medical student, and it’s always felt like my professional home. This is my medical society—why wouldn’t I want to step up and help lead it?

Why should physicians lead: Because if we don’t lead, someone else will—and too often, those voices don’t put patients first. Physicians are uniquely positioned to lead: We have the training, the experience, and the trust of the public. This isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. Our profession exists to serve patients, and in a health care system full of competing interests, it’s critical that we remain the ones guiding how care is delivered. Without physician leadership, there’s a vacuum—and that puts quality care at risk.

How do you help further WSMA’s vision to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care: As a board member, I help advance WSMA’s vision by advocating for policies that support both patients and physicians—because you can’t have one without the other. I bring the voice of private practice to the table, offering real- world perspective on the challenges and opportunities we face in delivering high-quality care. I work to strengthen the physician community, support leadership development, and ensure our profession remains centered on trust, service, and clinical excellence. When we support physicians, we create the conditions for better care—and a better health care system for everyone in Washington.

Fun fact about you: I danced in the opening ceremony for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.