WHY I FOUNDED GENERATIONS HEALTH ADVOCACY LLC
Beth Garr MD
Both personal and professional experiences motivated the formation of GHA. In 2013 my dad suffered a catastrophic stroke which required years of ongoing complex care. The situation got more complicated when my mother was diagnosed with aplastic anemia. The physical and emotional demands of their care and treatment exacted a toll on the daily lives of our family and careers. It was challenging, exhausting, and heartbreaking. However, I was able to manage the action and decision making far more efficiently than someone without medical training.
I caught mistakes (as an MD) and saw needs get overlooked which I was able to correct. I also became very savvy regarding social issues, access to resources, housing, and caregivers.
There were many times when I wished I was able to just wear my “daughter” hat and not be so absorbed in the medical side.
I identified multiple issues with which I could have used assistance. They are all included in the services offered by Generations Health Advocacy. As a mother, a spouse, a daughter, and a physician I have perspective. I’m a card-carrying member of the sandwich generation and want to help others in the same boat.
As a retired MD, I am a powerful strategic ally. I can communicate with your providers efficiently, extract and synthesize information immediately, and recognize when something needs to be addressed or changed. Although I will not be dispensing medical advice, I have the benefit of years of medical expertise and a vast network of resources. I love problem solving. I would be honored to help you and your family.
The Pacific Northwest is my home. I returned here after studying and training around the country, including Pomona College (BA History), Tulane University School of Medicine (MD, AOA), the University of Washington and Stanford University. My residency included surgical and anesthesiology training followed by a fellowship. I’ve also practiced medicine at a state prison, rural emergency rooms, remote Costa Rica and with the Sioux and Assiniboine tribes. Consequently, my medical breadth of knowledge is diverse. This all preceded two decades in spinal pain management at Orthopedic Physician Associates in Seattle. At OPA I found my stride, connecting with patients and helping them return to the activities and life pursuits that they love.
Mirror Lake, Washington
On a personal note, I love nature and the awe that it inspires. I’m a student of bushcraft and survival. I’m deeply supportive of STEM in youth and have directed many science fairs over the years. My husband and I met as surgical interns at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and our three kids are now figuring out career trajectories. Most of all, I enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories. Every year I appreciate more and more how our humanity is interwoven.