Family Birth Center at Highline Medical Center

03/13/2026

Did you know, colorectal cancer isn’t just an “older person’s disease” anymore? Jennifer Fijor, Gastroenterology Nurse Practitioner at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, shares important information you should to know during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

While colorectal cancer rates are declining in people over 50 thanks to improved screening and prevention, rates have been steadily increasing in people under 50 since the mid-1990s. This rise is linked to multiple factors including diet and lifestyle choices.

What can you do? Know your family history and your personal risk. Watch for red flag symptoms like changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, or persistent abdominal pain. And remember, there’s no such thing as too young anymore.

03/13/2026

Did you know, colorectal cancer isn't just an "older person's disease" anymore? Jennifer Fijor, Gastroenterology Nurse Practitioner at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, shares important information you should to know during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

While colorectal cancer rates are declining in people over 50 thanks to improved screening and prevention, rates have been steadily increasing in people under 50 since the mid-1990s. This rise is linked to multiple factors including diet and lifestyle choices.

What can you do? Know your family history and your personal risk. Watch for red flag symptoms like changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, or persistent abdominal pain. And remember, there's no such thing as too young anymore.

Learn more at https://ow.ly/9BYj50YtCnr

03/12/2026

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. If you're 45 or older, it's time to talk to your doctor about screening options.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when detected early through regular screening. In fact, when caught in early stages, colorectal cancer has a 90% survival rate. Yet many people delay or avoid screening altogether.

Don't wait for symptoms to appear. Most people with early-stage colorectal cancer have no symptoms at all. That's why screening starting at age 45 is so important.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/Ee1950Yt7Qz

03/11/2026

Groundbreaking achievement for the Pacific Northwest! St. Clare Hospital has become the first and only healthcare facility in Washington, Oregon, and Montana to offer advanced robotic-assisted technology for total shoulder replacement surgery.

Hear more on how Chris Anderson became the first patient in Washington state to undergo this innovative surgery with Dr. Jacob Gorbaty.

VMFH surgeon touts technique’s precision over traditional methods, with potential for faster recovery.

03/10/2026

Looking for a meaningful way to give back while enjoying world-class golf? Volunteer registration for the 21st annual Boeing Classic is now open!

As the beneficiary of the Boeing Classic, we're grateful for the community support that makes this tournament possible. Every volunteer helps raise crucial funds for Benaroya Research Institute's groundbreaking autoimmune disease research.

Whether you're a golf enthusiast or simply want to contribute to life-changing research, volunteering at the Boeing Classic offers a rewarding experience with special perks throughout the tournament.
Join us in supporting this incredible event!

Learn more and register: https://www.boeingclassic.com/volunteers/volunteer-information/

Volunteer registration for the 21st annual Boeing Classic is now open! ⛳

Join hundreds of community members in supporting the Pacific Northwest's premier PGA Tour Champions event. As a volunteer, you'll be part of an incredible tournament that benefits Benaroya Research Institute and supports groundbreaking autoimmune disease research.

Whether you're a golf enthusiast or simply want to give back to your community, volunteering at the Boeing Classic is a rewarding experience. Positions are available throughout the tournament, and all volunteers receive special perks.

Learn more and register: https://www.boeingclassic.com/volunteers/volunteer-information/

03/10/2026

Sleep complaints are common in primary care, but knowing when to reassure, when to investigate and when to refer isn’t always straightforward.

At the upcoming Neurosciences and Spine Symposium, the session Foundations of Sleep Medicine for Clinicians provides practical guidance that can be applied immediately in outpatient practice.

Moderated by David Corley, MD, this session includes:

• David Corley, MD | Sleep Apnea 101: What Every Clinician Should Know
• Amir Sabzpoushan, MD | Why Is My Patient So Tired? A Guide to Evaluating Sleepiness
• Oanh Nguyen, DO | Restless Legs and Beyond: Evaluating Sleep-Related Movement Symptoms

Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of diagnostic pathways, improved recognition of red flags and practical management strategies.

📅 May 9, 2026
📍 Meydenbauer Center | Bellevue, WA

View the full agenda and register here: https://ow.ly/4bX550YrE3A

03/09/2026

Daylight Saving Time is upon us, meaning our clocks are springing forward an hour! While the clock may change, your body's internal rhythm sometimes struggles to keep up, so if you’re feeling groggy, you might not be imagining it. You may be in sleep debt.

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health sleep expert, Dr. Brandon Peters-Mathews, reveals how long it takes to shift back to normal and tips for a smooth transition.

"Typically, people adjust within a day or two," Dr. Peters-Mathews explains. "However, even an hour can throw off your rhythm."

What are his top tips for better sleep?
✅ Go to bed when you're truly sleepy. Don't force yourself to stay up just because the clock says so.
✅ Wake up at the SAME time daily (yes, even on weekends!). Consistency is key to regulating your body clock.
✅ Get light exposure as soon as you wake up, preferably within the first 15 minutes of rising. This signals to your brain that it's morning and gets your rhythm in just that - rhythm!

As Dr. Peters-Mathews emphasizes, "Sleep is a pillar of health, just like nutrition and exercise." It affects nearly every aspect of our lives - from our mood to our cognitive function. "Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep," he recommends, noting that many fall short. He even aims for 8 hours himself!

03/08/2026

Women serve as caregivers, clinicians, leaders, innovators and advocates. They support families, guide teams and help shape healthier futures. This International Women’s Day, we recognize the women who strengthen our communities in countless ways.

At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we are grateful for the women who bring compassion and expertise to our work every day.

03/07/2026

Today we're all in for National Dress in Blue Day, raising awareness for colorectal cancer! 💙

Our Virginia Mason Franciscan Health team is proud to support Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and remind everyone about the importance of screening. Colorectal cancer is highly preventable and treatable when caught early, with a 90% survival rate for cases detected in early stages.

Screening should begin at age 45, or earlier if you have risk factors or family history. Don't wait for symptoms to appear. Early detection saves lives.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/VYoQ50Yqz7e

03/06/2026

Happy Employee Appreciation Day! To every team member across our hospitals, clinics, and facilities: thank you. Your dedication, compassion, and expertise make a difference in countless lives every single day.

From providing exceptional patient care to supporting your colleagues, managing complex operations to advancing groundbreaking research, each role contributes to our mission of healing and service.

Thank you for everything you do!

03/05/2026

Considering medical weight loss options? Dr. Mahmuda Tasneem and Dr. Shanley Deal from Virginia Mason Franciscan Health recently joined New Day Northwest to break down what patients need to know.

From understanding different medication options to knowing what questions to ask your provider, this conversation provides valuable insights into making informed decisions about medical weight loss.

Dr. Mahmuda Tasneem and Dr. Shanley Deal explore the most common weight loss options. Sponsored by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health.

03/05/2026

Groundbreaking achievement for the Pacific Northwest! St. Clare Hospital has become the first and only healthcare facility in Washington, Oregon, and Montana to offer advanced robotic-assisted technology for total shoulder replacement surgery.

Dr. Jacob Gorbaty, renowned orthopedic surgeon, successfully performed the region's inaugural procedure. "There is nowhere else in Washington where you can have a robotic-assisted shoulder replacement surgery other than at St. Clare," Dr. Gorbaty stated. "We are building an elite program here, centered around the patient."

This cutting-edge technology offers surgeons enhanced precision with minimal variance during this intricate procedure. Traditional surgical guides typically have about a 10-degree variance, but robotic assistance reduces that to approximately half a degree. This precision leads to improved recovery times and better long-term outcomes for patients.

Chris Anderson became the first patient in Washington state to undergo this innovative surgery. After exhausting other options and facing unbearable shoulder pain that made everyday tasks impossible, Chris found hope with Dr. Gorbaty and this new technology.

"Being the first in our region to offer robotic-assisted total shoulder replacement is really about offering the best care we can to our patients," said Matthew Metsker, President of St. Clare Hospital.

St. Clare Hospital continues its legacy of advancing orthopedic care, already offering robotic-assisted total knee and hip replacements. This addition strengthens our position as a leader in surgical innovation for the Pacific Northwest.