WHY I FOUNDED GENERATIONS HEALTH ADVOCACY LLC
Beth Garr MD
In 2013 my dad suffered a catastrophic stroke which required ongoing complex care for over a decade. The situation got more complicated when my mother was diagnosed with aplastic anemia. Managing these illnesses affected our family and daily lives. However, It became apparent that I was able to connect the dots quickly and line up the next care point or treatment far more efficiently than someone without medical training. I also became very savvy regarding social issues and access to resources, transportation, housing, and caregivers.
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.
The challenges that medical providers face are significant as well. I know from my medical practice that time spent on social and logistical issues is time taken away from medical care. A resource like GHA would have helped me as a physician. My colleagues agree.
As a physician, I am a powerful 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 in both surgical and nonsurgical fields and a vast network of resources. I love problem solving and this is a real-world application. I would be honored to help you and your family.
Originally from Portland, Oregon, 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 also moonlighted at a prison and a rural ER and volunteered in Costa Rica and with the Sioux and Assiniboine tribes in Montana. Consequently, my medical breadth of knowledge is diverse. This all preceded my 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 in the Harborview Emergency Department and now our three kids are figuring out college and 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.