Meet Our Faculty

Katie Karlson, MD, FAAFP Program Director Ross University School of Medicine	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.
Matthew Carlson, DO Core Faculty Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine	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. Professional Interests:
Jack Dotson, DO Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
Ashley McRoberts, DO Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
John Olsen, MD Core Faculty Trinity School of Medicine	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