Island Hospital welcomed Rachael Cleghorn, PA-C to its Island Primary Care – Orcas Clinic on October 4. Cleghorn, who received her Master of Clinical Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Barry University, FL, comes most recently from Urgent Medical Center in Vancouver, WA. Prior to that, she worked in Family Medicine in Yakima, WA, where her Spanish fluency was put to use daily.

CEO Charles Hall says, “Cleghorn is a perfect fit for the Orcas Clinic. She comes to the clinic with substantial experience in family medicine and a passion for health and wellness.”

An avid yoga and nature lover, Cleghorn is looking forward to living on Orcas Island and being a part of a small community. Her own childhood was spent in a rural community and on farms, growing food and milking cows. She left the world of international affairs and environmental policy five years ago to find greater meaning and purpose because she values science as a form of truth seeking.

“I strive to practice integrative medicine that takes one’s whole being into consideration, emphasizing the importance of making even small changes in habits to improve health and well-being,” she said.

The most challenging and favorite part of her job is that there’s always more to learn. Cleghorn would like to dive deeper into orthopedics and urgent care and says primary care works best in collaboration.

“If we can work together and each do our part, the rewards can be transformative and limitless.”

To schedule an appointment with Cleghorn, call (360)-293-3101.