Washington State Medical Association (WSMA)

30/10/2025

Last year's saw record turnout, illustrating physicians' passion for making their voices heard in the Legislature. Register to join us (it's free for WSMA members) for the 2026 Summit, Jan. 28 in Olympia! wsma.org/legislative-summit.
The event includes:
✅ Guidance on WSMA's 2026 legislative priorities from our expert government affairs & policy team.
✅ Meetings with your legislators scheduled by WSMA staff (optional).
✅ Insight from health care policy leaders (to be announced).
✅ Breakfast and lunch.

Physicians, physician assistants, and medical students are all welcome!

29/10/2025

Stay up to date on guidance for COVID-19, flu, and RSV for the 2025-26 respiratory virus season from the West Coast Health Alliance: https://bit.ly/3LapiM6.

These recommendations are informed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists - ACOG, and American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP):

27/10/2025

Is it safe to take while pregnant? Here’s Dr. Keren Rosenblum, an OB-GYN: “Acetaminophen is one of the few options available to pregnant patients. It remains one of the safest and best ways to manage fever and pain, which can be harmful to individuals and their babies if left untreated.” Read more of Dr. Rosenblum’s thoughts on The Vancouver Clinic’s website: https://bit.ly/3WWSzMV and remember to talk to your doctor if you have questions about your care.

20/10/2025

Patient care is physicians’ no. 1 priority. And not just in the exam room. For this Longview pediatrician, patient care meant advocating in her community to ensure that public health initiatives remain based on medically and scientifically sound evidence. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/4ojF71X

16/10/2025

UPDATE: CMS has clarified that only select claims will be held amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, walking back an earlier notice that suggested a broader payment pause. More details: https://www.cms.gov/medicare/payment/fee-for-service-providers

Alert: CMS pauses payments to physicians. Read this update from the federal agency for details: https://bit.ly/3J0dNpY

16/10/2025

Open enrollment starts Nov. 1 at 7:30a.m. Set your alarm to check on your 2026 health and dental insurance.

15/10/2025

Alert: CMS pauses payments to physicians. Read this update from the federal agency for details: https://bit.ly/3J0dNpY

15/10/2025

There's a lot at stake in the 2026 legislative session, including mitigating the impact of new taxes, ensuring access to vaccines, preventing scope expansions, and more. The WSMA Legislative Summit is your chance to speak directly with legislators about what matters to you and your patients. Register today to join us in Olympia in January! This event is free for WSMA members. wsma.org/legislative-summit

13/10/2025

Many patients have questions about their care in light of shifting guidance from the federal government—We urge you to talk with your physician before acting on the advice of politicians. Get resources from trusted physician and health association partners: https://bit.ly/4nTDTtS


American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Washington State Department of Health American College of Physicians (ACP) American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists - ACOG American Academy of Pediatrics American Psychiatric Association

10/10/2025

Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol, etc.) is safe to take for pain and fever when you’re pregnant. Headaches, fever, and pain are important to treat during pregnancy. Some problems, especially fever, can be dangerous for both you and your fetus. Taking acetaminophen as directed by your OB-GYN can keep fever, headaches, and pain under control.

Do you have questions about your care? Talk to your doctor and follow trusted physician groups like the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists - ACOG and, here in Washington, the WSMA.

01/10/2025

Today we're celebrating to raise awareness of the critical shortage of Latino physicians in the U.S. Only 3% of physicians in Washington are Latino or Latina; WSMA members Katina Rue, DO; Vivienne Meljen, MD; Leo Morales, MD, PhD; and Jose Flores Rodarte, MD, talk about why representation matters.

In recognition of National Latino Physician Day on Oct. 1, 2025, WSMA members Past-President Katina Rue, DO; Jose Flores-Rodarte, MD; Vivienne Meljen, MD; and Leo…

29/09/2025

The Olympia Free Clinic is recruiting volunteers to serve as general medical providers. All providers at the clinic are volunteers. They serve uninsured and underinsured adults without charge to the patient. They partner with Kaiser Clinic for lab work and Providence for imaging. We have general medicine clinics three times a week: Monday and Wednesday 5-8 PM and Friday 11-2. Each clinic session is staffed by two providers. Providers can choose their sessions and are not expected to work any minimum number.

Providers find this very rewarding work as these patients have limited access to care. If you are interested or just want more information please contact them through the website: https://www.theolympiafreeclinic.org or email their volunteer coordinator directly: coordinator@theolympiafreeclinic.org