Island Hospital announced today that Frank James, MD will serve as Medical Director for the primary care clinic opening April 1, 2021 on Orcas Island. In this role, Dr. James will oversee all aspects of patient treatment while ensuring the clinic meets the quality measures appropriate for a rural health clinic.

Dr. James has superior clinical, academic and public health experience, serving as a staff physician, medical director and clinical professor for the University of Washington, School of Public Health. Dr. James has also been the Health Officer for San Juan County Public Health since 1994 and will continue in his role as he transitions to the Island Primary Care – Orcas clinic. Throughout his career, Dr. James has also been highly involved in community service, rooting himself in the communities he serves and traveling globally to provide medical services to vulnerable populations.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. James to the Island Hospital team,” stated Island Hospital CEO, Charles Hall, MSN, MBA. “He is committed to serving the Orcas Island community and strengthening the primary and after-hours care services.”

“I have twice before provided leadership in building the clinical core for similar clinics and look forward to working with everyone on Orcas to bring the best possible care to the entire community. In partnership with Island Hospital and Orcas Island Healthcare District, we will bring quality clinical services to the Orcas community. I could not be more excited about this opportunity,” stated Dr. James.

Physician Assistants Jennifer Utter, PA-C and Karen Caley-Orr, PA-C will also be providers on the Island Hospital team. Both bring multiple years of experience in primary care, having served as physician assistants at the Orcas clinics. Dr. Camille Fleming has decided to pursue other opportunities outside of the Island Primary Care – Orcas clinic.

“I want to personally thank Dr. Fleming for spending the past several months exploring Island Hospital and our opportunity at our future clinic in Eastsound. We wish her well as she considers her next professional steps,” said Hall.

“I support the Island Hospital clinic on Orcas Island. It will allow for centralized services for our community. Having nearby support for EMS, after-hours care and providing access to specialists on Orcas have long been on the wish lists for Orcas Island and this is our opportunity,” said Fleming, MD, MBA.

The next community briefing for Orcas Island residents will be Thursday, March 18 at 5 p.m. Island Hospital and the Orcas Island Health Care District will cover the after-hours care model and share more about the providers joining Island Primary Care-Orcas. Visit isldev.wpengine.com/orcas for details.