WHY I FOUNDED GENERATIONS HEALTH ADVOCACY
As an MD who has recently retired after years of a rewarding clinical practice, I appreciate the spectacular advances in technology and healthcare over the course of my lifetime. At the same time, I am acutely aware of the pitfalls and gaps present in healthcare delivery.
I saw the need for something like Generations Health Advocacy from my viewpoint as a caring adult daughter, as a physician, and as a patient. I’ve now reached a juncture in my life where I can offer the services that I know are needed.
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 severe aplastic anemia. Speaking frankly, even though I’m a physician these diagnoses and their repercussions upended our family. It affected our daily lives. It’s hard to imagine how anybody without a medical background could manage.
My journey (while raising children and pursuing my career) revolved around constant medical decision-making, care planning, and careful attention to family dynamics. 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 card-carrying member of the sandwich generation, I know I can help others in the same boat.
I also know the challenges that doctors face. I spent a significant amount of time as a physician trying to sort out social details with the families of patients. This ultimately detracted time 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. Although I will not be dispensing medical advice, I have the benefit of my medical expertise, years of experience in both surgical and nonsurgical fields, and a vast network of resources. In my role as an independent healthcare consultant and advocate I can help smooth your family’s health journey. I can also make your treating physician’s role more efficient so that they can focus on your medical needs. I take pride in making a difference in the quality of care and the quality of life for the people around me.
GETTING TO KNOW DR. BETH GARR
Originally from Portland, Oregon, the Pacific Northwest is my home. I returned here after having studied and trained around the country, including Pomona College (BA History), Tulane University School of Medicine (MD, AOA), the University of Washington, the University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford University. My residency included several years of general surgery training before getting board certified in anesthesiology and then again in pain management. Along the way I’ve had some interesting and enriching professional experiences. I ran the small surgery clinic at the State Correctional Facility in Monroe, WA, worked weekends at the emergency department in Omak, WA, did medical outreach in rural Costa Rica, and worked on the Sioux and Assiniboine reservation in Wolf Point, Montana. 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.
On a personal note, I love nature and the awe that it inspires. I’ve always had a keen interest in bushcraft. I am deeply supportive of encouraging STEM in the middle schools and have directed many science fairs over the years. Tennis and travel spark joy. I met my physician husband while we were surgical interns in the Harborview Emergency Department. Our three kids are figuring out college and career trajectories which is interesting and exciting. Most of all, I enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories. Every year I appreciate more and more how our humanity is interwoven.
Manzanita Beach, Oregon
I strongly believe that caregivers need to take care of themselves, too, in order to be present and available when it matters.