Consistently rated one of the best places to visit in the country, Bellingham offers exhilaration and relaxation. Just about an hour away from Seattle, Vancouver and Mt. Baker, this college town offers easy access to art, activity and action. Bellingham is about 90 miles north of Seattle, just off of Interstate 5, and about 20 miles from the Canadian Border. It faces Bellingham Bay and directly beyond are the San Juan Islands. It is bordered on the east by the Cascade Mountain range and is under the shadow of Mt. Baker. Bellingham is large enough to have many city-type amenities yet far enough from the greater Seattle/Everett area to retain a good deal of small-town feel. Quality of life issues often dominate the local political scene, which can be an interesting mix of college-town types and very conservative farmers from out in Whatcom County. Big city attractions are available in Vancouver (45-60 min. north depending on traffic) with excellent restaurants, clubs, theatre, etc., all at a bit of a discount with the Canadian exchange rate.
As a group, the pediatricians include skiers (Mt. Baker, Whistler), sailors (San Juans and beyond), kayakers, runners and bikers, hikers, fishers, and gardeners. We are travelers, parents, school board members, guitar and bagpipe players, and generally enjoy hanging out in a beautiful and rather laid-back environment. Several senior members of our group divide their time with summer places on Lummi Island and the San Juans (they bought in before those Californians bid up the prices!). We take pride in delivering first-rate medical care, yet most of us have found a good balance between work, family, and community.
PeaceHealth Medical Group
At PeaceHealth Medical Group, the pediatricians specialize in a complete range of issues affecting the health and development of your child. Emphasizing the importance of preventive care, or "well care," visits for children and adolescents. Our physicians have expertise in caring for children with ongoing or chronic medical problems. We manage the full range of concerns that confront the health of children with chronic diseases, consulting frequently and as needed with pediatric specialists at Children's Hospital in Seattle. The clinic provides extensive access and services to help diagnose and treat ill children. We provide extended evening and weekend hours for urgent care.
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center is the only hospital in the county. It has about 1,900 births per year, a 12-bed pediatric floor and a very busy ER and Level II trauma center. The Special Care Nursery is an approximately 6-bed unit, Level II. It has been our practice to transport neonates and children requiring ventilation or otherwise requiring formal pediatric intensive care to Seattle via Airlift NW. We usually transport mothers less than 33 weeks gestation if safe to do so, although this is not always possible.