Rebecca Kulgren, MD
Specialty: OB/GYN
Years in practice: 17
Works at: Optum, Seattle
Why WSMA: I am honored to join the WSMA Board, an
organization that represents the pinnacle of advocacy, physician
leadership and development, collegiality and clinical excellence across
Washington state. To me, WSMA represents a collective voice for physicians
who are deeply committed to advancing the quality, equity, and
sustainability of healthcare in our state. As a member of a large,
multi-specialty group that is similarly grounded, the alignment in values
resonates with me. WSMA represents a space where our shared
values—professional integrity, patient-centered care, and community
impact—are not only upheld but actively championed. I look forward to
contributing to this mission and helping shape a future where both
physicians and patients thrive.
Why serve on WSMA’s Board: As a Washingtonian, I am
excited to serve on the WSMA Board as well collectively work towards
advancing the clinical care in Washington state. I grew up in this
community, did my early medical education here and I returned to
Washington 15 years ago to practice medicine. My experiences in other
regions demonstrated the exemplary care that this state offers. While the
quality of care that is provided in Washington state is worthy of praise,
the work is not done. The needs of our communities are changing, the
practice of medicine is evolving, the clinician shortage is exponentiating
healthcare disparities. We are in a place of critical need and through the
work of WSMA, I am excited to highlight our successes and opportunities,
to advocate for the care of our communities and to collaborate with our
legislators to ensure that our local policies preserve the
patient-physician relationship.
Why should physicians lead: Physician leadership is
imperative to represent and preserve the front-line experiences of
patients and clinicians. Leveraging clinician insights allows for
policies, advocacy efforts, and organizational priorities to remain
patient centric. Similarly, the physician board feels a sense of
responsibility and empowerment to both the healthcare system as well as
their own individual practices.
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 intend to use both my professional and personal
experience, my collaborative spirit, and my joy for innovation to help
further the board's mission of making Washington the best place to
practice medicine and to receive care. In that space, a directed focus on
quality is an imperative. Quality requires a commitment to all aspects of
the quadruple aim. At present, clinician experience is suffering. WSMA has
an opportunity to address the systemic challenges of physician burnout,
staffing shortages, and administrative burden be it through restoration of
work-life balance, incorporation of AI resources or enhancing access to
mental health resources for clinicians. A healthy workforce is essential
to ensure that we can and will provide exceptional care for our patients,
both today and tomorrow.
Just as healthy communities rely on healthy clinical teams, our
communities also deserve appropriate access to care. Equity and
inclusivity within our healthcare system are critical to the long-term
health of our communities. Our state is home to diverse populations, and
it is critical that our medical practices and policies reflect and respect
these differences. Engaging with community organizations that are
similarly mission driven would allow WSMA to expand its influence, build
trust within our communities and provide the necessary feedback that we
need as healthcare leaders to provide culturally competent care.
Finally, community and collaboration are my personal drivers. Through
this, I have learned that working together, building community and
supporting others are areas that bring me incredible joy. I am excited
about the opportunity to leverage what I have learned from personal
experiences both as a physician and a leader to help the WSMA Board of
Trustees fulfill its mission. Together, we can build a healthcare system
that supports its physicians, uplifts its patients, and sets a standard
for quality and excellence nationwide.
Fun fact about you: I love to cook and entertain. The
more the merrier when I am hosting!