Upcoming Webinars

Continuing professional development is the process of lifelong learning in which physicians acquire, through formal and informal activities, the medical and nonmedical competencies they need to improve their ability to practice medicine and provide effective patient care. Engaging in continuing professional development is a professional obligation and also a prerequisite for enhancing the quality of health care. The WSMA offers continuing professional development as part of our commitment to supporting physicians and physician assistants on their lifelong learning journey. Questions? Contact Brendan Cox at brendan@wsma.org or 206.956.3625.

POLST and Your Practice: Tools to Improve Patient Conversations

Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, noon-1 p.m.

Talking to patients and families about code status and the Portable Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form can be challenging. Furthermore, health care providers rarely receive training on POLST nor how to approach these discussion with their patients.

Join us for a one-hour webinar where we will provide an overview of the POLST form, discuss ways to identify patients who would most benefit from a POLST conversation, and introduce a five-step framework for having these discussions.

Speakers

Mark Beiter, DO, is a palliative care physician and medical director of the palliative care team at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. He is also an educator and believes in training other physicians and health care professionals to have the tools necessary to make sure all patients with serious illness receive the best care possible.

Hope Wechkin, MD, is the medical director of EvergreenHealth Home Care Services in Kirkland. A family physician by training, she is devoted to the practice of hospice and palliative medicine.

Hilary Walker is a licensed occupational therapist with more than 25 years of experience helping people maintain independence and quality of life at every stage. She is the current chair of the WA POLST advisory council, led PeaceHealth’s advance care planning program for 9 years, and is now co-owner of Stay Home Improvements, LLC. A passionate patient advocate, Hilary ensures that clients feel heard, valued, and actively involved in planning for their future.

Register