WASHINGTON
BELLINGHAM
Roger Sharf MD, Family Practice and Carrie Dyer PA-C
Bellingham, WA
Dr. Sharf and Carrie Dyer are a great FF team. Not one time has
my weight been called a reason for a medical problem. Even when
I went to discuss fertility and trying to conceive my weight was
not mentioned as a scapegoat for my not yet conceiving or that
it may pose any problems. They both are direct when necessary,
but not push. When I was informed by Dr. Sharf that my
cholesterol levels were a bit high... he did not preach weight
loss... just sensibility and an effort to improve my current
diet... he was great!
DES MOINES
Megan Kelly, M.D.
Highline Women's Clinic 22000 Marine View Dr S Ste 200
Des Moines, WA 98198 (near South Seattle area)
206-870-0112
I haven't gone through a full pregnancy with her, but if I was
still in Washington, she would be my first choice. She was my
ob/gyn for a few years, always had larger gowns, very nice
nursing staff. She would discuss my weight when I brought it up
but she never discussed it when I told her I wanted to get
pregnant, it was never a factor for her, and I am over 350
pounds. I went through a miscarriage with her in 2003 and her
staff was amazing, they called to check on me daily and made me
feel very supported. -- Jill
EVERETT
Oliver Batson, Medical Oncologist
1717 13th St, Everett WA 98201
425-297-5500
www.cancerpartnership.com
Dr. Batson mostly sees cancer patients but I have seen him for
anemia in 2012 and 2015. My weight happens not to be relevant to
this condition so he has simply never mentioned it. He is
friendly, very polite, and asks appropriate questions. His
waiting room has appropriate chairs for people of various sizes.
Kevin Shaw, ND
Alyssa Rieser, RD
2804 Grand Avenue, Suite 300
Everett WA United States 98201
Comfortable waiting room, very understanding and warm office staff.
DR. SHAW:
No confrontation when refusing vitals. His sole
focus has been to get me feeling better, totally separate from
my weight. When he does encourage exercises or nutrition, it has
absolutely nothing to do with weight loss. He is extremely
understanding of life circumstances and works with me to figure
out what I can do on my own consistently instead of rattling off
a list of things I can't do. Very soft spoken, never once feel
like I'm being belittled or lectured.
ALYSSA RIESER:
Incredibly understanding and compassionate dietician. She is not
only registered on the HAES website, but makes it abundantly
clear that she is living that philosophy and wants people to eat
food to feel good, totally separate from weight. Knowledge and
understanding of eating disorders and other barriers to changing
eating habits.
KENT
Kimberly Cincilla, Chiropractor
http://www.infinitychiroclinic.com
524 W Meeker, Suite 4
Kent, Washington 98032
Greater Seattle Area
(253) 850-9973
I went to Dr. Cincilla on the referral of one of my fat-friendly
friends. I had a pinched nerve (or something similar) in my
lower back that has been giving me trouble for a few months, and
has been bothering me intensely for the last 24 hours. I was
nervous about seeing a chiropractor that was going to try to
blame it on my weight (I am around 300 lbs.) Not ONCE did Dr.
Cincilla comment on my weight. She was all smiles, and
patiently explained how joints get out of alignment and can put
pressure on the nerve clusters. She told me that I work too
much (duh) and sitting in front of a computer so much (60+
hours/wk) probably contributed to the issue. She was truly a
breath of fresh air. I would wholeheartedly recommend her to
anyone in the Greater Seattle Area needing a chiropractor.
-- Molly Bennett, Fat Bottom Boudoir (http://www.fatbottomboudoir.com)
KIRKLAND
Thomas Greene, Family Practice
Totem Lake Family Medicine
12911 120th Ave NE Ste B-10
Kirkland, WA 98034
(425) 899-5200
I have told Dr. Greene about my feelings of size acceptance and
an emphasis on health at whatever size and he is in agreement!
He believes that genetically some people are just going to be
bigger. He said that we'll work to maintain my health and that
he would work with me if I ever wanted to lose weight but only
if I asked. I felt totally comfortable with both him and his
staff. -- Kathryn www.angelfire.com/wa2/katsplace
LAKEWOOD
Rachel Dawson, M.D., family medicine
Lakewood Multicare Clinic
9332 Bridgeport Way SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
253-459-6060
(Greater Tacoma Area)
Dr. Dawson is an amazingly sensitive doctor. She does not
admonish me about my weight. The harshest thing she has ever
said to me was that sometimes if a woman of size loses some
weight it can help make her periods more regular and that she
would like to see me at a lower weight. She doesn't make any
issues about how much I weigh and she treats me like I am valid.
She doesn't push diets on me, she listens to what I say and is
very conscious of what she says so as not to hurt my feelings.
I've seen her off and on since I was 12 and I just love her.
They have large gowns and large blood pressure cuffs. -- CH
LONGVIEW
Gretchen Potschka, MD, Family Medicine
PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center
1615 Delaware Street, Longview WA
http://www.peacehealth.org/st-john/
She's been great with me and my kids, which is saying something
as my oldest has multiple disabilities.
MARYSVILLE
Alka Atal-Barrio, M.D., Pediatrics
Everett Clinic, Marysville Office
Marysville, Washington
Dr. Atal-Barrio treats all three of my children, two of whom are
relatively large in size-- and the other has some minor mental
health issues. She deals sensitively with them and is
completely unflappable. She has mentioned when appropriate that
additional weight gain might be nice to avoid, but treats my
kids as individuals and always provides superb medical care.
She is a small woman but very empathetic and is a mother
herself.
Kit Blue, Physical Therapy
Summit Physical Therapy
3719 88th St NE, Marysville, WA 98270
(360) 659-9621
I have seen Kit several times since about 2000. He is always
respectful, courteous, and has helped me recover from injury and
surgery. I have not experienced any hint of weight shaming from
him or any of the staff at Summit. In addition, they have a good
reputation for quality with the local doctors.
Toshiko Magnus, M.D., Internal Medicine
Everett Clinic, Marysville Office
Marysville, Washington
Dr. Magnus has been my doctor for several years and is
wonderful. Any time I have mentioned that something in the
office is not size-friendly, she does something about it (like
ordering larger exam gowns, a pet peeve of mine). She is a
*tiny* woman but has always been accepting of my size and makes
me feel comfortable. I have several health issues that are not
helped by my weight, but she accepts that they existed before I
became heavy and always deals with the real issue at hand.
REDMOND
Shao Ti Meredith, ARNP
Family Medicine of Redmond
8299 161st Avenue NE, Suite 101
Redmond, Washington 98052
Phone: 425.881.8813
We have not discussed my weight. She has not suggested that
losing weight could "fix" any problems I've brought to her,
including asthma and knee pain. On my first visit the medical
assistant asked if I wanted to be weighed; after I said no that
initial time (because I could tell the scale wouldn't go high
enough!) I haven't been asked again. Shao-Ti assumes I am
healthy and will stay healthy. She encourages me to exercise,
drink water, and take a multivitamin, which I think is what she
tells everyone. -Jen
Katie Stickney, Pastoral Counselor and Psychotherapist
Redmond, WA and Seattle, WA (two offices)
206-312-9581
http://katiestickney.com/
Self-referred.
I provide individuals and couples counseling to adults on a
sliding scale. One of my several specialties is in HAES and Fat
Acceptance. I do not automatically consider weight to be a
pathology; instead I work with clients who have concerns about
their body size and shape to find out what would be most useful.
I also work with clients of all sizes who have no concerns about
their body size. My office is a place of safety for folks of
all sizes and shapes, all cultures, all sexual orientations, and
all faith traditions (including those who do not have a faith
tradition). Whoever you are, wherever you are, and whatever you
believe, you are welcome in my office.
SEATTLE
Carl Basamania, MD, Orthopedic Surgery
Madison Center
904 7th Ave, 4th floor, Seattle WA 98104
206-860-2277
www.polyclinic.com
Dr B is simply a delightful human being. I needed a shoulder
replacement in 2014 and self-referred to him because I knew he
had operated on a woman who weighs in excess of 400lbs with good
outcome. She was very happy with him and so was I. He discussed
my weight and health conditions in terms of how they might
impact surgery and recovery. All very factual and
non-judgmental, and with great concern for improving my quality
of life. He even designed the shoulder prosthesis used in my
surgery!
Stephanie Corpening, midwife
Seattle, WA
(425)348-7899
stephmidwife@hotbot.com
Self referred
I'm a woman of size and color (African American and ~270 pounds)
and would welcome, welcome, welcome any woman of size who is
considering a midwife or homebirth.
Alan Failor, endocrinologist
Diabetes Center
University of Washington medical center
Seattle Washington
He had no problem with my size. The office has a stand on
digital scale with a handrail and they just wrote my weight
down. His exam room did not have a large pt gown but the
connected hospital does. I went in with my list of meds and
goals and he talked to me and listened. He spent over an hour
with me. I have sleep apnea, gastric reflux, abdominal
cellulitis, shortness of breath and weigh over 400 pounds. I
was expecting a battle and was quite surprised. I did go in says
I wanted to feel better so I could swim, which is a form of
exercise i can and like to do. I also brought up diet, I don't
do that, and he was fine with it. No trying to convince me to
have weight loss surgery like another doctor I know did. He
heard my frustration with my high blood sugars and immediately
switched me to a different med which has been very helpful.
Explained my sliding scale use of insulin--I make it up--and he
was fine with that too. I am an RN. He was quite calm and
non-threatening even tho I was feisty. I told him at the end
that I had expected a battle, and he was surprised as he deals
with fat diabetics all the time, as it is the nature of the
disease. I recently was in the ER of the Univ of WA medical
center for several nights and admitted to the hospital for 2
days. They have large and extra large wheelchairs which will
accommodate up to 600 pounds and large patient gowns. A special
bed was ordered for me if I needed surgery. I had a private
bathroom which was big enough for me and the shower had seats.
The nurse were all nice. They were busy, but I felt well cared
for and safe. Also they had good cable tv. -- Deni* Gereighty RN
Seattle WA
Lindy Sue Griffin, DO (Doctor of Osteopathy), General Practice
1664 Medical-Dental Building
509 Olive Way
Seattle, Washington 98101
(206)623-7940
(A large woman herself) She doesn't discuss my weight unless I
bring it up. She's only weighed me once in nine years (the first
time). She actually listens to you and discusses with you
anything you don't understand. A warm, friendly, caring woman.
-- Martha
Also reported: when a patient had trouble getting on the exam
table, the doctor purchased one that raises and lowers, and
"she also called the building management and told them to order
two large-size wheelchairs for the building." She has a Nurse
Practitioner who is also fat.
*** Dissenting View ***
She seems to be one of those people who think it's okay to be
fat as long as you don't actually have any problems. Without
warning, she told me bluntly that I was diabetic and on the
verge of death, and immediately started telling me about the
demanding exercise regimen she EXPECTED me to do ("no
excuses!"), and the diet she wanted me to start on -- she took
the American Heart Association diet, and then marked more things
off of it to make it even more restrictive! I was in shock,
because I expected an ally; she terrified me, and I never
returned. Thank goodness I had fat diabetic friends to tell me
that her approach was unnecessary and outmoded. -- Marty
James McAnnaly, DDS
206/284-6705
Seattle, WA
=== This doctor is reported to have retired. ===
My dentist has new chairs with arms which lower flush to the
chair, allowing patients of nearly any size to be comfortable. I
told him, "how can I send all my really large friends to you, if
you don't have chairs which are comfortable for them?" He told
me, "When you leave today, look in the next room. I've started
installing special chairs, which will hold my patients, of any
size." Sure enough... I am comfortable, and there are no arms
to dig into my hips! He is the best, most caring dentist I've
ever been to, and his staff is incredible.
SECOND RECOMMENDATION
I have been going to Dr. Mac for over 10 years. In fact, I fly
up from Los Angeles to have all of my dental work done by him.
His staff is wonderful and he really is the most caring doctor i
have ever had. Dr. McAnnaly is more concerned with his patient's
comfort than the speed at which he can get you out of the
office. I once was there for a long time, before he was even
able to start, because the numbing shots were just not working.
(I'm sure I was being sensitive, as it was a root canal i was
totally nervous!) He never indicated that he was impatient or
irritated. Instead, he would keep coming in and checking, then
go to another patient, until my mouth was ready. His assistant
gave me a blanket and just sat and talked calmly to me to help
me relax. I have no idea how he does it, but I never feel his
shots! His lobby chairs are a little tight, but i am never
really waiting for more then a few minutes (if you wait more
than 10 minutes, you get a Starbuck gift card) -- They usually
have me in the back as soon as a walk in. I have NEVER felt
uncomfortable, awkward or large in his chairs. The flat arm
chairs he uses are GENIUS, you can lift them up if you want
them, otherwise they lay flush with the seat! I think that
makes the chairs a bit wider too! There really is no reason why
he and i would discuss my weight issues. I know he is an intense
athlete, but i have never felt he judges me. I highly recommend
Dr. McAnally!
Albert Sheldon, psychiatrist
Seattle, WA
Dr. Sheldon is a very talented and caring therapist who I have
been seeing for almost two years now. When I explained to him
where I was on my fat acceptance journey, his comment boiled
down to, "How wonderful for you to be seeking this place of
acceptance of yourself." He has never said one word about fat
being unhealthy, but he does encourage me to exercise within the
limits of my ability and to practice other healthy behaviors,
without worrying about whether they result in weight loss. I
never feel that he is judgmental about how much I am able to do
- on the contrary, he mostly gets on my case for being too
judgmental of myself! I don't (currently) have an eating
disorder, so I can't speak to how he would deal with someone in
the active phase of one, but he has been absolutely
compassionate and understanding when we discussed my food
restriction habits in my teen years. His waiting room has
armless chairs. The chair I usually sit in during sessions has
arms, but I think there is also an armless chair available.
There is no doubt in my mind that he would find something
appropriate immediately for any patient that had an issue with
his chairs. One of his areas of interest is short-term intensive
psychotherapy. Despite the fact that I have been seeing him for
quite a while, I think he also would be very good for someone
who is looking to resolve a particular issue in a reasonable
amount of time.
Roberta Sherman, Family Practice, OB/GYN
Polyclinic
509 Olive Way, Seattle, WA
(206)624-5026.
I *heartily* recommend Robbie Sherman. Example of her
unflappableness: first time I saw her for a GYN visit....she
calmly acknowledged the presence of gold in my nether region and
asked, "How shall I proceed?". To which I replied, as though
the rings aren't even there...and she did.... Great, empathetic
lady, about forty...and a HOOT of a sense of humor! -- name
withheld
She supports you in your goals and supports health, wellness and
fitness - not thinness. -- name withheld
Michael Siem, PA-C, Orthopedic Surgery
Madison Center, 904 7th Ave
Seattle WA 98104
also
11011 Meridian Ave North, Suite 200, Seattle WA 98133
206-860-4563
www.polyclinic.com
Michael is a physician assistance in a large orthopedic
practice. He's the guy you see first to determine if you need
the surgeon, and for some post-op visits. We had a discussion
about HAES during one visit and he was actually familiar with
the concept! I feel that I have gotten the exact same quality of
care from him as thinner patient would.
Katie Stickney, Pastoral Counselor and Psychotherapist
Redmond, WA and Seattle, WA (two offices)
See entry under Redmond.
Angela Waco MS, RD, LMHCA, registered dietitian and therapist
Seattle, WA
206-245-9543
Self-referred.
I provide nutritional counseling and mental health therapy using
a Health At Every Size philosophy. I specialize in disordered
eating and body acceptance in both my nutrition and therapy
sessions. I teach clients using an intuitive eating model, which
is a non-diet, weight neutral approach. I also co-facilitate
HAES support groups in my private practice in Wallingford. My
favorite part of my job is empowering clients and watching them
advocate for their health! I take premera and regence insurance
for nutrition and cash pay for therapy.
University of Washington medical center
Seattle, WA
I was in the emergency room and admitted to the hospital for 2
days for possible appendicitis. They have large and extra large
wheelchairs that will accomadate up to 600 pounds and large
patient gowns. A special bed was ordered for me in case I needed
surgery. I had a private bathroom which was big enough for me
and the shower had seats. The nurse were all nice. They were
busy but I felt well cared and safe. -- Deni* Gereighty, RN
SPOKANE
Jeffrey E. Hartman, MD
Address: 104 W 5th Ave, #140 W, Spokane, WA 99204
Phone: (509) 747-2147
Dr Hartman and his office assistant (Tom) run a two-man show.
Don't be surprised if you call the office and the doctor picks
up (it happens to me about half the time). Dr Hartman
specializes in diabetes care, but I went in for thyroid
problems, and at my first visit I was VERY impressed. The doctor
came and got me from the waiting room. First he took me to his
office and we sat and talked for 10 minutes or so. Then he took
my blood pressure (after I was very comfortable with him), and
only then did he weigh me. He commented that I didn't look my
weight and generally made me feel that weight wasn't that big a
deal. He treated my problems objectively, without assuming that
my weight was the source of the problem, and took a very
thorough history. He always uses the correct size blood pressure
cuff, and helped me to understand how my body signalled my
thyroid function even without a test. The doctor does not always
remember the details of my history, which can be frustrating,
but he is so good in every other way that I consider this to be
trivial. If people wish to contact me, they may use this email.
-- Alice Williams, alicelizabeth.w@gmail.com
TACOMA
Richard Schroeder, OB-Gyn, higher-risk pregnancy
Multi Care Obstetrical Group Association (MOGA)
near Tacoma General Hospital
Tacoma, WA
253-403-4747
Dr. Schroeder and most of his office staff have not commented on
my weight other than to tell me what it is, have never made me
feel awkward as they scramble to look for "plus sized"
equipment, as at least the room I use is set up to comfortably
service me, and never issued any threats over diet or weight
gain. Their offices include armless chairs, their weight limit
must be over 300 lbs, because I am, and I feel very secure about
my pregnancy. He has a great sense of humor and is very caring.
His office staff is also very welcoming to small children, and
my three year old has never been removed from a visit. - M
Lindblom, koifish at comcast.net
St. Joseph Women's Clinic
1812 S. J. St. , Suite 120
Tacoma, WA 98405
Phone: 253-207-4890
Fax: 253-207-4871
The clinic I go to is very fat friendly; they even helped me
conceive. It is a group of all women midwives and Obs. They do
their own ultrasounds and lab draws. My midwife is Natalie
Frazier, but I say Ann Wheatley for conception. Overall they are
all great providers that are compassionate and respectful and do
not see the number on the scale as defining the individual or
the pregnancy.
VANCOUVER
Jasmine Cejna, LMHC, LPC - Professional Counselor
801 W. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98606
(971)208-5853
www.vancouvercounselingandwellness.com
Self-referred.
Vancouver Counseling & Wellness was created as a safe and
supportive space for individuals wanting to improve their lives.
I am dedicated to working from a compassionate and
non-judgmental approach, and specialize in the treatment of
eating disorders/disordered eating, addiction, co-occurring
disorders, and relational issues. My personal and professional
passion for promoting Health At Every Size contributes to the
support I provide my clients, and the education I provide to the
professional community.
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