Bindu Nayak, MD

Specialty: Endocrinology.

Years in Practice: 17.

Works at: Confluence Health, Wenatchee.

Society memberships: WSMA, Endocrine Society, Chelan-Douglas County Medical Society.

Why WSMA: The WSMA holds a lot of meaning for me: Community, advocacy, collaboration, and a way for physicians to promote high-quality care for all people in the state of Washington.

Why serve on WSMA’s board: I wanted to serve on the board to bring a unique perspective from my experience of living in and practicing medicine in rural Washington. I also care deeply about addressing health disparities which are sometimes more prevalent in rural areas, but health equity is sometimes less advocated for in rural areas. I wanted to serve on the board after witnessing the degree of passion and enthusiasm and how much WSMA members care about making health care in Washington state the best that it can be for patients. It has been inspiring to work with so many people at the WSMA who are innovative, collaborative, and caring about improving health care.

Why should physicians lead: As physicians, we know health care from the perspectives shared with us from our patients. Physicians can advocate for changes that make better improvements in health care because we understand the daily inner workings of how a clinic or hospital works and how health care is delivered. It’s important for physicians to lead because we also need to advocate for our own needs in sustaining our practices and our wellness.

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 am bringing forward concerns of my community and region, which may be very different than the Seattle area, to be considered. I am using my background with work in health equity to analyze policies raised with an equity lens. I am collaborating with other board members from around the state to generate new ideas on how to solve problems.

Fun fact about you: I grew up in Louisiana, where I went to medical school. Then, I completed my internal medicine and endocrinology training at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. I have been in Washington state since 2009. After moving from the South to Washington, D.C. and then to Washington state, I can honestly say that I think the Pacific Northwest is the best!