UW Medicine Names Chief of Orcas-Lopez Island Clinics

— from Brian Donohue, UW Medicine Public Information —

UW Medicine is pleased to announce that Dr. Michael D. Alperin has accepted the position of chief of the UW Medicine Orcas Island and Lopez Island Clinics effective November 1, 2017.

Alperin is currently chief and clinical director of primary care at the Veterans Administration healthcare system in Portland, Oregon. A graduate of Harvard Medical School, Alperin’s clinical training and experience include family medicine, emergency medicine, obstetrics, surgery and pathology. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine and a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

“My wife and I are delighted to be in the San Juans,” Alperin said. “We have long wanted to move here. It is a stunning place to live and a diverse community of wonderful people.”

From the late 1990s to 2010, he practiced in rural clinics in the Oregon towns of Sweet Home and Pendleton. While advancing into positions of leadership within healthcare, he returned to school to obtain an MBA from Columbia Business School in New York City.

Alperin also has served since 2002 in the United States Army Reserves; his deployments have included three tours of Afghanistan and Kuwait. In parallel with his civilian career, as he assumed greater leadership duties, he completed his masters in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.

Alperin and his wife Liz have three children, Emma, Sam, and Tess. His wife is beginning her second year as a science teacher at Orcas Island High School.

“A crucial aspect of delivering top-notch healthcare services is in developing deep and trusting relationships,” he said. “It takes time, commitment, and a genuine interest in people to do so. Our UW Medicine teams on the islands will be committed to just that: cohesive team-based care over the long haul.”

Alperin said he will divide his time between Orcas and Lopez Islands, to better understand the distinct needs and wants of both communities.

From September 11 until November 1, physicians from UW Neighborhood Clinics will provide coverage at the Orcas Clinic. UW Medicine will publish more information about the clinic opening, hours of operation, and other details as they are finalized.