Island Primary Care – Orcas Pediatrician Evan Buxbaum, MD, MPH, provides care to the island’s children, ages birth to 21. No stranger to island living, Dr. Buxbaum has practiced pediatrics in Alaska—including Anchorage and at fly-in clinics in remote villages—and Hawaii. However, as you’ll learn in this interview, after living in multiple states, Orcas Island is the place he chooses to call home.

What do you want patients to know about you?

I’ve been a pediatrician for over 20 years and truly love the practice of helping young people stay well, heal and live their fullest lives.

What interests you in your field?

I have a special interest in the effect of developmental trauma on children’s health and well-being. I’m also very interested in the impact of diet, sleep and social connectivity on pediatric health and development.

Why Island Health?

After 10 years living in Northern California, my partner Valerie and I decided to return to Orcas Island, and we are so excited to be back. Island Health has made tremendous improvements to the Orcas clinic and to providing a medical home to our island residents.

What is your favorite health tip for kids?

Get enough sleep! I work a lot with families to ensure that children and adolescents are getting enough good quality sleep, eating healthy, whole-food diets, and getting plenty of exercise and time outdoors. We work a lot on creating a good sleep environment and developing a healthy relationship with electronics.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Buxbaum, call 360.376.2561.