YCMS News

A message from Governor Inslee

11/18/2020

New Secretary of Health Announced

Please join me in welcoming Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, as the new Secretary of Health, starting December 21, 2020. Dr. Shah is currently executive director and local health authority for Harris County Public Health in Texas. He has led the nationally accredited Harris County Public Health for the last seven years, managing 700 public health staff serving the 4.7 million residents in the nation’s third largest county. Before working for the county, he was chief medical officer of Galveston County Health District and has served as an emergency department physician at Houston’s DeBakey VA Hospital for over 20 years.

Dr. Shah comes into the position with extensive experience responding to public health crises and will help lead Washington state through the next crucial phase of this pandemic. He has helped lead Harris County through novel H1N1, Ebola, Zika and now COVID-19 and has responded to a variety of hurricanes and other emergencies.

Words cannot express my appreciation for John’s leadership over the last eight years. And I am confident that Dr. Shah will continue to lead with the same dedication, resilience, and compassion that John has instilled at DOH. We are thrilled to have him on the team.
Thank you,
Governor Inslee

Umair A Shah

Another year of mentorship begins

11/01/2020

Each year YCMS brings together local physicians and medical students to facilitate life-changing relationships. Physicians share wisdom, insight, and encouragement to guide medical students through their education and beyond. Often times both mentors and mentees alike are surprised by how rewarding this relationship can be.

Here’s what Abrielle Sheets, student trustee and OMSII, has to say of the program:

“Last year, I participated in the student-physician mentorship program and
attended YCMS’ annual meeting. I was inspired by the program’s desire to bridge the gap between current and future doctors and was grateful to benefit from their efforts. I thoroughly appreciated having the opportunity to network with local community leaders while navigating my first year as a medical student; in the midst of exams and labs, having a physician mentor to encourage me, share insight, and help reset my perspective was invaluable. I strongly encourage others to participate as well!”

If you’re interested in learning more about the mentorship program and how to get involved, reach out to us through the Contact Us tab above.

YCMS President Alan Greenwald presented a check for $1000 to the Union Gospel Mission Medical Clinic fundraiser June 20, 2019.

This is the largest and busiest free clinic in Eastern Washington. It is staffed by physician volunteers and used as a training site for Pacific Northwest University students. Licensed physicians interested in volunteering can contact Jim Abbenhaus, or leave a message on this website.

Physician Whistleblower Protection Bill 

in the 2019 WA State Legislative Session

For a complete discussion of YCMS advocacy for the medical profession, see

Gov. Inslee signs Substitute House Bill No. 1049, April 19, 2019. Relating to health care provider and health care facility whistleblower protections. Primary Sponsor: Representative Nicole Macri

The Washington Legislature has an excellent website where you can read the complete text of the bill. Use this link:

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1049&Initiative=false&Year=2019