Clinic hires new doctor

The Wahkiakum Family Practice Clinic will have a new doctor starting April 7.

The Wahkiakum Family Practice Clinic Advisory Board on Tuesday announced the hiring of Dr. Janice McClean, a board certified family practice physician from the Everett area. She will start seeing patients about April 21.

It will take several months to complete the credential process with the medical insurance companies contracting with the clinic, said clinic Business Manager Kathy Patterson.

In the meantime, McClean, who has previously retired, is working in Everett clinics to refresh skills, said advisory board member David Goodroe.

"I think Janice McClean is a great addition to this county," Goodroe said. "She is intelligent, compassionate and very excited about helping the clinic achieve its goals."

Some of the initial objects include reviewing reimbursement rates for all contract insurers, recruiting additional staff, and preparing for the departure of Dr. Keith Wright.

Dr. Wright has announced his resignation effective this June after 13 years of service in the clinic. He and his family will move to Pennsylvania where he will join a family practice clinic.

"Dr. Wright and his family will certainly be missed," said Sandi Benbrook Rieder, clinic advisory board member. "The entire clinic advisory board honors his desire to move on to new opportunities."

According to an advisory board news release, Dr. McClean studied at Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Neb. She interned at Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, and completed her family practice residency at the University of Washington in 1994. She practiced in clinics in the Everett and Seattle areas, and she also provided acute medical care through the Indian Health Services at the Warm Springs, Quinault, Lummi and Colville reservations. In 2003, Seattle Magazine recognized her as one of the Top Doctors for Women.

Patterson added that the clinic had recently filled a vacant medical assistant position. When Dr. McClean joins the staff, she and Goodroe said, the clinic will be able to accept new patients.