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Katie Karlson, MD, FAAFP
Program Director
Ross University
School of Medicine
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Why I love to teach:
I have a great love of learning and learned this at a young age from the
example of my father. My father has a passion for teaching---he taught
Chemistry at the Air Force Academy and for various other colleges. He
also taught neighborhood kids math and science. He continues to still
teach to this day even in his retirement, but now is teaching about gardening
and leads the Master Gardener Association. My 3 year old son knows every
plant and vegetable thanks to my father’s teaching.
Medicine is forever changing with new updates, medications, guidelines,
and recommendations for best practice. I enjoy being in the Residency
Program where I can keep up on the latest evidence-based information.
What better way to learn than to teach!
Professional Interests:
I enjoy leading and teaching. I enjoy all aspects of family medicine and
see patient of all ages and practice full spectrum care including Obstetrics.
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Matthew Carlson, DO
Core Faculty
Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Why I love to teach:
I have been blessed with resources, access, and a level of privilege that
has allowed me great latitude in the pursuit of my academic interests.
I feel that helping guide others through their journey is a way of paying
back that debt in-kind with mentorship, instruction, and grace to explore.
I find joy in the shared experience of discovery. When life experiences
and study ignite the fires of new knowledge or new connections, as an
educator I get to share in that moment and often receive the gift of new insights.
Medicine is a dynamic and complex area of study that is built upon a foundation
of extensive knowledge and the proliferation of possibilities in its technical
application. My journey has brought me to this place to cultivate and
nurture others in their growth as healers. I am grateful that, through
teaching, I also will continue to evolve as a physician and educator in
order to better serve my patients and the community at large.
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Jack Dotson, DO
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Why I Love to Teach:
Teaching is both my passion and a vital component for advancing the medical
field. My journey into teaching began during my undergraduate years, when
I tutored subjects like physics and pathophysiology. Witnessing students'
growth and their ability to grasp and apply complex concepts was incredibly
gratifying. These early experiences, combined with my continued tutoring
during medical school, solidified my commitment to a career in teaching
and mentorship.
Family medicine is a perfect fit for my passion for education, as it consistently
involves patient teaching. Every day, I help patients understand their
conditions and empower them with tools to improve their health. As a faculty
member at Kadlec Family Medicine Residency, I have the privilege of educating
both my patients and aspiring future family physicians. Medical education
has long been instrumental in shaping the capabilities of aspiring physicians,
and I am honored to be part of this enduring tradition.
Guiding and influencing residents to become skilled, well-rounded family
physicians is a deeply fulfilling and meaningful aspect of my career,
allowing me to contribute to the future of healthcare.
Professional Interests:
Chronic Disease Management, Behavioral Health, Preventative Care, Graduate
Medical Education
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.jpg) Ashley McRoberts, DO
Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of
the Pacific
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Why I Love to Teach:
I love learning, and for me, along with that comes a love for teaching.
In residency, I was extremely fortunate to have my own excellent seniors
who believed in me and encouraged me when things were hard. They saw my
strengths, and that made all the difference. As I became a senior resident,
I used their strategies and the belief that they had in me to help others
and found I loved it. I think I realized I wanted to make teaching a major
focus of my career when a junior resident called me at 9pm to talk through
a patient, and I was excited to answer. As a faculty member, I am honored
to be able to be that person all the time.
My love for teaching is part of the reason I became a family medicine doctor
in the first place. There is nothing better than giving someone feedback
from a safe and supportive place, and seeing them use that to grow. I
love having a front row seat to seeing new doctors come in to themselves
and becoming the amazing providers they were meant to be.
Professional Interests:
I am interested in everything. Particular topics I am passionate about
include women’s health, obstetrics, whole person care, mental health,
chronic condition management, osteopathic manipulative treatment, and
graduate medical education.
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 John Olsen, MD
Core Faculty
Trinity School of Medicine
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Why I love to teach:
My passion for teaching is rooted in the joy that comes from cultivating
growth, knowledge, and relationships in Family Medicine. I am incredibly
fortunate to not only practice medicine but also guide and shape the next
generation of healthcare professionals. For me, teaching is not just a
professional obligation; it is a vocation that continuously reaffirms
my love for medicine and for people. My love for teaching is linked with
my love for medicine and care for people, making it not just a career,
but a lifelong passion that I am thankful to pursue.
Additionally, I am excited for the opportunity to teach and provide care
to the patient population of Tri-Cities. Being a native of Yakima, Washington,
and having made Tri-Cities my home since 2020, I feel a deep connection
to this community. I hope to remain here for many years to come, contributing
to both the health and education of the area's residents.
Professional Interests:
Family medicine, Behavioral health, Preventative care, Graduate Medical Education
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 Rubicelia Perez, MD
Core Faculty
Loma Linda University
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Why I love to teach:
Teachers come in all forms, some last a lifetime, some only a moment. Throughout
my life I had the privilege of having so many people who served as teachers
beginning with my parents. They helped instill in me a passion for learning
and in addition, the desire to share that knowledge and experience with
others. There is a special power in learning and being able to be a part
of someone else’s educational journey is a privilege and great responsibility.
As I had so many different people take part in my own journey, it was
natural for me to want to give back, which is why I chose to become a
faculty member. I love being able to see the residents grow and learn
with each patient, each rotation all the while developing their unique
skills and becoming more confident in their own abilities. I also love
being able to share my passions which includes lifestyle medicine, focusing
on providing whole person care for our patients. I also have a passion
for women’s health including women’s health procedures and
prevention and management of chronic disease.
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 Corey Pickett, DO
Core Faculty
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Why I love to teach:
I would not be where I am without involved, caring, and capable professionals
that shared their time, expertise and advice. I am excited to extend that
same assistance and share my experience with others. Being a part of the
learning process has been one of the more rewarding experiences I have had.
As a doctor there are many aspects to my job, one of the main aspects is
teaching. Doctors are expected to teach their patients about their bodies
and their health to empower them to make informed decisions for themselves.
I have tried to keep that focus in mind as I interact with my patients,
that I am an expert source of medical information and advice.
I enjoy the broad medical needs presented as a family physician, I see
all ages and conditions affecting any part of the body. This keeps me
engaged in learning and deepening my understanding with every patient
interaction. As a family doctor I love the variety of health concerns
I am able to help with.
Outside of the clinic I spend most of my free time with family doing all
the sporting events, band concerts, and home activities that keep us all
busy. We enjoy travelling, and love the outdoor opportunities here in
the North West.
Professional Interests:
I am happy to offer most in office medical procedures and address many
different types of concerns including skin biopsies, ingrown nail removals,
circumcisions, joint injections, mental health management, hormone therapy,
cancer screening, and family planning.
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 Courtney Valentine, PhD
Psychologist
University of Texas at Austin
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Why I Love to Teach:
As a psychologist working in primary care, I am deeply passionate about
prevention, early intervention, and supporting individuals and families
across the lifespan. My work is rooted in building meaningful relationships
and improving the health of both individuals and communities. I believe
that mental and physical health are inseparable, and I’m committed
to teaching other medical professionals how to see the whole person—integrating
behavioral health into every aspect of care.
Teaching allows me to share this vision and help shape a future where healthcare
is more compassionate, comprehensive, and collaborative. I find great
joy in mentoring others to not only enhance patient care but also to improve
the well-being of their teams. When we care for each other, we create
healthier systems and stronger communities.
I continue to love the work I do because it’s grounded in purpose,
connection, and the belief that we can make a lasting impact—together.
Professional Interests:
Integrated behavioral health, prevention, pediatrics, whole-person care,
teaching in collaborated interprofessional teams to provide high quality
health care.
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 Kate Hale, PharmD,
BCPS, MFA
Clinical Pharmacist
University of Washington School of Pharmacy
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Why I love to teach:
Each day is a new day, bringing with it numerous opportunities to learn
and grow as a person and as a care provider. Even the smallest instance
and experience may become a learning moment. I love to teach because it
challenges me to learn new ways to convey knowledge, no matter how many
times I have worked with that topic before. Teaching allows me to learn
from other’s experiences and knowledge and how to approach the world
from a different perspective. Many of my longtime mentors have been teachers
and professors that I met years ago at the beginning of my professional
journey and continue to guide and support me to this day. As a teacher
and mentor, it is my hope that I achieve that with the students and residents
I come in to contact with. Regardless of whether the question is being
asked the first time or the tenth time, my favorite part of teaching is
when “the lightbulb goes off” and understanding is achieved.
There is excitement in that! Teaching builds lasting relationships and
collaborations and fosters lifelong learning and professional development.
Each of these is important with continued changes in medicine and pharmacy
practice. I love teaching because it is fun!
Professional interests:
Chronic Health Management, Comprehensive Medication Management, Pharmacotherapy,
Graduate Medical and Pharmacy Education, Women’s Health, Sports
Medicine, Wellness and Burnout Prevention, and Medical Writing and Editing.
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