Latest News About Physician Vacancy at UW Clinic

Following last week’s announcement from UW Medicine that they’d made an offer to a candidate for the physician position at Lopez Clinic, Lopez Island Hospital District contacted the candidate to express our hopes that he would accept. We also extended further help as he considered the offer.

The evening of May 20, we received a thoughtful response from the candidate and have quoted part of it below with his permission:

“Thank you so much, it has definitely been a process and we deeply appreciate all the effort that has gone into it, from the UW team to all of you with the LIHD and everyone we interacted with on Lopez. We are sorry to say that after immense consideration, we have declined the offer at this time. … For the time being, we need to maintain stability for our kids and extended family, as much as it hurts to miss such a wonderful opportunity to be part of the Lopez community. Again, thank you so much for your warm welcome and attention throughout this process.”

The UW is continuing the search for a clinic provider and will keep the community informed of the progress. As reported last week, Clinic staff are already working, along with Dr. Matt Jaffy, UW Associate Medical Director, and Lindsey Pervinich, Finance and Strategic Planning Administrator, on staffing coverage until a new physician is on board. They will keep the LIHD updated about those plans, with particular attention to supporting Sam Rich, PA-C, who will remain in his full-time Physician Assistant role, along with Family Nurse Practitioner Preicy Frianeza-Garin, who provides telemedicine care.

The Lopez Island Hospital District regrets that this candidate did not accept the position offered, although we understand and support his attention to his family’s needs. We also appreciate the efforts of UW Medicine to fill the provider vacancy and will continue to work with them on this search and to support the staff in providing care for the community.

We know the Lopez community understands the challenges of staffing for all jobs on our island, but particularly for one as important as that of a new care provider for the Clinic. LIHD appreciates your understanding and patience as we continue this search. Questions and comments may be directed to LIHD Superintendent Edee Scriven at superintendent@lopezislandhd.org. We’ll provide community updates as more information becomes available during this time of transition.