The Washington Physicians Health Program (WPHP) recently attended the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) House of Delegates from September 26-27 in Spokane, Wash. As WSMA’s premier policymaking event, this meeting was a valuable opportunity for Chris Bundy, MD, MPH, WPHP Executive Medical Director, and Laura Moss, MD, WPHP Associate Medical Director, to advocate for physician wellness and address issues that matter most to Washington’s physicians.

This year’s keynote presentation on AI and physician leadership was delivered by renowned physician and healthcare innovator Vinay Gupta, MD. Dr. Gupta’s presentation explored how AI, remote monitoring, and other emerging technologies can fundamentally change patient care, how technology can give clinicians time back to listen, think, and care, and how to help patients distinguish credible medical information from noise.

Bridget Bush, MD, completed her 2025-2026 term as WSMA President at the meeting. Dr. Bush has seen several of her anesthesiologist colleagues have positive experiences with WPHP and was a strong advocate for WPHP throughout her presidential term. WPHP is thankful for Dr. Bush’s leadership and support.

Dr. Bush inaugurated incoming WSMA President Matt Hollon, MD, MPH, MACP, for the 2026-2027 term. In his inaugural address, Dr. Hollon called on physicians to embrace hope, trust, humility, curiosity, community, and joy while shaping the future of medicine. Dr. Hollon has been a valued supporter and collaborator of WPHP. Most recently, he facilitated WPHP educational sessions on physician well-being and the role of WPHP with students and residents at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Rod Trytko, MD, WSMA American Medical Association (AMA) Delegation Chair, was honored for his 20 years of service in the AMA Delegation. Throughout his career as an anesthesiologist, Dr. Trytko witnessed numerous peers and colleagues benefit from participation in WPHP and has been a champion for WPHP within organized medicine. WPHP is deeply grateful for Dr. Trytko’s years of support and service to the Washington medical community.

This event provided a valuable opportunity for WPHP to connect with healthcare leaders. During the WSMA Board of Trustees Meeting, Dr. Bundy met Toluwalasé “Lasé” Ajayi, MD, AMA Board of Trustees Chair-elect, who presented “Physician Advocacy in Action: Lead. Transform. Innovate.” Dr. Bundy and Dr. Ajayi discussed the role of physician health programs (PHPs), and she expressed appreciation for the important work done by WPHP and PHPs nationally.

WPHP also had the chance to meet with several colleagues from across the state, including:

• Shannon Boustead, MD, Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine at Sea Mar Community Health Centers, Washington Society of Addiction Medicine Secretary
• Nancy Connolly, MD, MPH, Internal Medicine at UW Medicine, King County Medical Society Delegate
• Karen Domino, MD, Washington Medical Commission Member, Professor of Anesthesiology & Pain at UW Medicine
• Teresa Girolami, MD, Bel-Red Internal Medicine Founder, WSMA AMA Delegate, King County Medical Society Trustee
• Sean Graham, WSMA Government Affairs & Policy Senior Director
• Ray Hsiao, MD, Chief of Psychiatry and Mental Behavioral Health Services at Seattle Children’s, WSMA Vice Speaker
• Elizabeth Peterson, MD, Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at MultiCare, WSMA AMA Delegate
• Jeb Shepard, WSMA Policy Director

WPHP returns from the 2026 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates inspired by the ideas exchanged and grateful for the ongoing support of our colleagues. We look forward to implementing what we have learned as we strive to advance the health and well-being of Washington’s medical community.

Featured photo (from left to right): Ray Hsiao, MD; Chris Bundy, MD, MPH; Matt Hollon, MD, MPH, MACP

Photo (from left to right): Bridget Bush, MD; Karen Domino, MD; Chris Bundy, MD, MPH

Photo (from left to right): Teresa Girolami, MD; Rod Trytko, MD; Chris Bundy, MD, MPH; Elizabeth Peterson, MD

Photo (from left to right): Chris Bundy, MD, MPH; Nancy Connolly, MD, MPH; Shannon Boustead, MD

Photo (from left to right): Sean Graham; Chris Bundy, MD, MPH; Jeb Shepard