Harborview Medical Center

03/20/2026

On last night’s episode of HBO’s award-winning drama, “The Pitt," Dr. McKay (Fiona Dourif) brings fourth year medical student Ogilvie along with her on a clinical call outside the hospital, to treat an unhoused patient in the park for a necrotic skin ulcer caused by chronic use of xylazine-adulterated fentanyl or “Tranq.”

McKay, who says she's part of the Street Medicine Team at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center, advises her student that “empathy goes a long way in this job." This is exactly the kind of approach to compassionate care that drives our own real-world Harborview Street Medicine Team (pictured), which launched in December 2024.

The program is one of our Downtown Programs' field based teams, working in partnership with Public Health Seattle King County to meet unhoused patients where they are.

The team includes a registered nurse, mental health practitioner, community health worker, physicians, physician assistant and program coordinator. They provide care all across Seattle, from Ballard to Lake City, from Downtown and Capitol Hill to Beacon Hill.

Their goal is to provide primary care and episodic care in the community. They provide medical and behavioral health services, lab testing, medication dispensing and care for a variety of concerns, including injuries, wounds and infections, behavioral health, substance use disorder and bridge care for chronic diseases.

The program has already seen many successes, including a dramatic reduction in patients' visits to the Emergency Department.

Crucially, as the team engages with patients, they build trust, learn about the patient’s goals and establish a relationship that supports positive reengagement with the healthcare system by having a consistent, trauma-informed presence in patients’ lives.

03/19/2026

Harborview is standing at the edge of a brand new era, with planning actively underway for a new medical building on the west side of campus. In episode 3 of our ongoing "Ted (Klainer) Talks" series, meet King County’s Tony Wright, who delves into the history of our longstanding partnership with the County, and shares why this may be one of the most important bond programs he’s ever worked on.

Episode 3 of our series on the Harborview Bond Program shines a spotlight on the unique and storied connection between King County and Harborview Medical Cen...

03/13/2026

A comic illustrating the meaningful work of Violence Intervention Specialist Paul Carter III, supporting and advocating for patients and families.

03/12/2026

In episode 2 of our "Ted (Klainer) Talks" series, host Ted Klainer, Senior Director of Capital Development, chats with our Associate Chief Medical Officer for Critical Care, Dr. Bryce Robinson, about the clinical advisory perspective on the Harborview Bond Program. Calling this project an "infusion of hope," Robinson shares how he and other clinical advisors are working with architectural and construction experts to plan for a new medical tower and other campus improvements.

Watch the full episode here: https://bit.ly/4bFRTDG

03/11/2026

March is National Nutrition Month!

National Nutrition Month is an annual campaign in March that promotes the importance of making informed food choices and establishing healthy eating and physical activity habits. As part of National Nutrition Month, Harborview also celebrates Registered Dietitian Day on March 12, recognizing the specialized expertise and compassionate care our registered dietitians provide every day.

At Harborview, our nutrition team consists of 17 dietitians, including 11 inpatient and six outpatient. In addition to the 17 dietitians, the team includes one patient service manager and one health program operation specialist. They are a group of talented individuals who are experts in nutrition and are dedicated to helping patients improve their nutrition status during recovery.

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.