Harborview Medical Center

03/03/2026

Chris Behrens has been honored with the Patient Safety Partner Award in recognition of his exceptional dedication to patient safety.

This award celebrates individuals who take meaningful action to safeguard patients through exemplary practices. Chris’s commitment exemplifies our shared mission to build and uphold a strong, dependable safety culture at Harborview.

📸: Chris Behrens, MD, Attending Physician, Family Medicine

03/01/2026

Congratulations to Alyson Apeles, who has been honored with a “Good Catch” award for her exceptional commitment to patient safety and high‑quality care! A “Good Catch” recognizes the timely intervention of a staff member to help improve the quality of care.

📸: Alyson Apeles RN and 3WH/3EH Nursing Team

02/28/2026

Rikki Hill has been presented with the Patient Safety Partner Award for her outstanding commitment to patient safety.

This award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to protect patients through exemplary practices and reflects our shared mission to foster a strong, reliable safety culture at Harborview.

📸: Rikki Hill, Nurse Manager and the 4EH Nursing Team

02/27/2026

Today, we are marking 95 years since Harborview Medical Center moved to First Hill!

On this day, February 27, 1931, a team of staff and clinicians – including students from one of the first nursing programs in the region – began treating patients in the 15-story art deco building where we still carry out our mission today.

Since then, there have been many changes – from our governance and infrastructure to our partnerships and programs. The most significant transformation took place in 1967, when the University of Washington began managing Harborview operations and clinical care.

We have also added new facilities and founded many incredible new clinical programs – including those specific to caring for our most marginalized.

Through so many decades, one thing has never changed: our commitment to delivering excellent, compassionate care for all patients, regardless of insurance status, income level or any other barriers to care.

As just one example of this commitment in action, I want to highlight how entire generations of Harborview staff and clinicians have stepped up to lead during challenging times.

In the mid-1940s, during a devastating rise in polio infections before the vaccine, Harborview was a hub for care. In 1985, the newly founded Madison Clinic became one of the nation’s first hospital-based clinics dedicated to HIV/AIDS care. Then, just six years ago, when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, we not only worked around the clock in our ER and ICUs, but we set up mobile vans for testing and vaccines and helped lead statewide efforts to triage patients in underserved areas to ensure equitable access to resources.

To celebrate what we have come through, what we have achieved, and the rich legacy that we are all a part of, we have put together this video featuring archival pictures and newspaper clippings from our building’s earliest days for you to enjoy!

As we embark upon our current major campus expansion, including the Bond Program, it’s exciting to think that we are building on nearly 100 years of innovation, leadership, courage and service to the community.

Thank you all for celebrating our history and building our future!

Photos courtesy of UW Libraries Special Collections, Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) and a generous donation from Bill Enerson.

02/25/2026

Congratulations to Robert Leyden, our employee of the month!

Robert is a peer support specialist who uses his experience to help patients, families, staff and learners. His positive attitude and high regard for individuals in recovery make him a standout advocate for well-being.

He regularly goes above the call of duty to support the community, providing outreach to patients in multiple clinics including Hobson, Pioneer Square and the addiction consult service.

His active participation in clinic huddles and meetings, consistently offering thoughtful insight. At the Hobson Clinic, Robert started a talking circle — an informal, supportive session for people to gather and be in community. The talking circle is very well attended and has been going on for one year.

Robert has created a safe environment where patients feel empowered to seek support through the challenges of recovery. He inspires his team with the compassion and encouragement he brings to helping individuals reach their full potential.

📷: Robert Leydon, Peer Support Specialist

02/13/2026

“I want to recognize Audrey Branom who is fantastic! She’s kind, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. She always listens to my concerns and is excellent at explaining complex concepts in an understandable manner. Each time I’ve met with her, I’ve walked away with a good understanding of my options and my medical conditions. She is the kindest medical professional I’ve ever met and I’ve been to many, many appointments. Audrey is the BEST PA I’ve ever met! Thank you, Audrey! You make me feel safe.” - Neurological Surgery patient

📷: Audrey Branom, PA-C

02/11/2026

Please join us in celebrating Cardiovascular Professionals Week: February 8th-14th!

This Week highlights the contributions of electrocardiogram technicians, cardiac sonographers and cardiac monitor technicians. These cardiovascular professionals use their expertise to perform procedures, provide diagnostic information and actively monitor patients admitted to our hospitals.

At Harborview, the cardiovascular team is made up of more than 50 staff members whose work supports the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease, the leading cause of death for men, women and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States.

02/06/2026

“Among the many doctors and nurses who cared for me during my stay, the one who stood out to me was Bethel. She was caring, compassionate, uplifting and attentive to my needs. Bethel cared for me with dignity and respect. She was imperative to my care and speedy recovery. I am truly blessed to have been under her care. She has my utmost gratitude.” - Neurosciences ICU patient

📷: Bethel Tadesse, RN

02/04/2026

Our new video series gives viewers a behind the scenes look at all the work to prepare for the Harborview Bond Program, including a new medical building and other important facility improvements.

Hosted by Ted Klainer, Harborview's senior director of capital development, the series explores the many different components of this complex, multi-year project -- all from the firsthand perspectives of those making it happen.

In Episode 1, Ted is joined by Kellie Hurley, associate administrator of clinical and capital integration. She explains what the Bond Program is, its goals, the overall timeline, the questions she is working through with clinical teams before the project breaks ground and what she's most excited to see happen.

Each new episode will bring new guests and new insights. Watch the full episode here!

Welcome to our new video series all about the Harborview Bond Program, hosted by Senior Director of Capital Development Ted Klainer. Join Ted as he explores ...

01/30/2026

Hahji Ruffin has been named Employee of the Month for his leadership as assistant director of Environmental Services. He is known for his open‑door policy, clear communication and strong support for his team.

Colleagues describe Hahji as a positive, steady presence who consistently invests time in ensuring his staff feel heard and valued. His guidance and professionalism have made a lasting impact and he continues to foster a workplace built on trust, respect and encouragement.

Congratulations, Hahji, on this well‑deserved honor.

📷: Hahji Ruffin, Assistant Director, Environmental Services

01/27/2026

Harborview’s Patient Safety team recently recognized the UW Medicine Compliance team for their partnership in advancing patient safety across the organization.

The Compliance team received the Patient Safety Partner Award, which honors individuals and teams who demonstrate exceptional commitment to safety through exemplary practices. These individuals help advance Harborview’s mission to foster a strong, reliable safety culture.

📷: Compliance Team: Angela Reyes, John Dortero, Brent DeBeaumont, Jeff Lesh, Laura Story, and Karen Kranz
📷: Patient Safety Team: Chris Cottingham and Polly Roush.

01/24/2026

In recognition of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Week, we celebrate the vital work and contributions of our CRNA team.

CRNAs are highly skilled anesthesia professionals who have been providing anesthesia care in the U.S. for more than 150 years. At Harborview, 50 CRNAs make up over 60% of our permanent anesthesia staff and work alongside our anesthesiologist colleagues. In addition to airway management and invasive monitoring skills required to care for critically ill patients, CRNAs bring a broad skill set that supports patients throughout the perioperative process, from preoperative assessment and anesthetic plan development to postoperative recovery.