To integrate residents into the rural community, continuity clinic starts at Chehalis Family Medicine beginning in the first year. Residents have full days in the clinic even in their intern year during hospital rotations so that clinic can be home base.
At Chehalis Family Medicine we care for patients from all of Lewis County. Most patients seen in our clinic are on Medicaid/Medicare insurance plans. Our patients have complex medical issues in addition to significant social stressors which provides residents the opportunity to learn to care for a broad range of pathology and utilize community resources.
Patient Centered Medical Home
Our clinic is a Patient Centered Medical Home and was recognized on January 26, 2015 with a NCQA (National Committee for Quality Assurance) Level 3 Recognition.
At Chehalis Family Medicine, residents have the opportunity to work with a tight-knit group to help care for an underserved rural population. All our team members are an integral part of resident education.
Our clinical team consists of:
We have a PharmD on Faculty and a second-year ambulatory care pharmacy resident as part of our clinical team. They are integral to resident education and patient care to help co-manage patients with complex medical issues and polypharmacy. Their expertise includes but is not limited to diabetes, heart failure, COPD/Asthma, and psychiatric conditions. They are available on site for consults, topic discussions, and patient care in the form of joint visits.
Our faculty Behaviorist is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. The behaviorist works as part of the interdisciplinary team to help co-manage complex patients. The behaviorist is available on-site to see patients for individual counseling, in joint visits and is available for curbside consults. The behaviorist also assists in collaborating with local agencies to help patients navigate various community resources. Currently we are recruiting for a new Behaviorist and anticipate filling this position soon!
“Having pharmacists in clinic allows us to feel much more comfortable
managing conditions that otherwise we might have to refer out. With medications
being our predominant resource to help patients manage disease states,
a pharmacist is the perfect person to consult with to help navigate these
complex situations.”
Rein Lambrecht, MD, Assistant Program Director
"My growth has been fostered in large part by the support and guidance
of our clinical staff. They make clinic fun and welcoming and are a huge
part of what makes Chehalis Family Medicine my home away from home."
Jacqueline Gorzynski, MD Class of 2024
“I grew up in Southwestern Washington so returning home for residency
was my primary goal without realizing how perfect Chehalis Family Medicine
would end up being for me. The staff at the clinic and our senior residents
have created an environment of friendliness and respect which allows me
to look forward to going to work each day. Everyone has made me feel supported
and connected to the program since the early days of intern year through
words of advice, texts of encouragement, friendship and amazing personalized
swag. Our clinic staff, faculty and small resident cohorts have been filled
with individuals who care deeply for our patients and our community.”
Jordyn Wirkkala, DO, Class of 2025
