Elizabeth Peterson, MD

Specialty: Plastic surgery.

Years in practice: 31.

Works at: Self-employed, Spokane.

Society memberships: American Medical Association, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Aesthetic Society, American Craniofacial and Cleft Palate Association.

Why WSMA: The WSMA is the organization that keeps abreast of developments in the way that medicine is practiced across Washington and advocates for the interests of patients and physicians.

Why serve on WSMA’s board: I want to stay involved with the rapidly changing landscape of the practice of medicine, and work for better health care for the people of Washington.

Why should physicians lead: Ultimately, we are the ones who have the depth of experience with patient care, and we are exposed regularly to the breadth of disciplines that also exert influence in health care.

How do you help further WSMA’s vision to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care: Believing in the mission is key. The rest involves rising to the challenges posed by the complexities of the financing, insurance, government regulatory systems, and a host of competing forces in carrying out this mission.

Fun fact about you: I once jumped into a cold lake all alone in the woods to rescue my drowning dog who could not swim and gave him mouth to snout resuscitation. He survived!