May 5, 2025
Member Spotlight: Ken Foerster, MD
Works at: Franciscan Urgent Care, Federal Way.
How long in practice: 10 years.
Specialty: Family medicine.
Why WSMA: The WSMA is a community of like-minded, engaged, and compassionate physicians dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of medical practice in Washington state. I'm proud to be a part of this organization and contribute to the collective voice that advocates for our profession, our patients, and the future of medicine.
My top concerns in medicine: Ensuring access to high-quality, appropriate, and timely care remains a top priority. Patients deserve care that is not only effective but also equitable and efficient. In Washington, we are facing a growing crisis of access, and the WSMA is a driving force for meaningful improvement. The organization has been instrumental in advocating for solutions, and it must continue leading the charge. The special report, "Revitalizing Washington State's Health Care Workforce," is a prime example of WSMA's expertise in action-offering concise recommendations to address workforce shortages, reduce administrative burdens, and eliminate disparities. By implementing these strategies, we can strengthen the health care system and ensure every patient receives the care they need when they need it.
What inspires me in medicine: Compassion and meaningful human interaction. In a world that often feels divided, medicine remains one of the last spaces where genuine human connection thrives. Today's social and political climate can be hostile, but in medicine, we witness the best of humanity-people seeking help, placing trust in others, and finding healing through connection. As physicians, we have a unique opportunity to foster these moments of empathy and understanding every day. Our role allows us to be a force for good, reminding us that kindness and trust are at the core of human nature.
Changes challenging our profession: Artificial intelligence is on the horizon, and while its full impact has yet to be realized in medicine, it will be transformative. As physician leaders, we must prepare ourselves and our profession to harness AI as a tool for enhancing-not replacing-our work. The public may struggle to understand the role of AI in health care, but like any technology, its effectiveness depends on those who wield it. Physicians must continue to lead with expertise, empathy, and integrity to ensure AI complements, rather than compromises, patient care.
If I weren't a doctor, I'd be: A teacher. Knowledge is power, and education is empowerment. I have immense respect for teachers and deep gratitude for those who have shaped my life. That same passion for education influences my approach to medicine. I see my most important duty as helping patients understand their health so they can take control of their well- being. Like a teacher, my role is to provide knowledge and guidance, ultimately empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care.
This article was featured in the May/June 2025 issue of WSMA Reports, WSMA's print magazine.