Obstetricians & Gynecologists in Washington

Care Philosophy: Kim Horvath, PA-C, CM, specializes in caring for women of all ages, from the teen years through menopause. Certified as a physician assistant, Kim provides traditional gynecological services and well women health care, including annual exams, menopause management and more. As a certified midwife, she also provides full scope obstetrical care for low and moderate risk women. Kim approaches women's care holistically, believing wellness lies in the delicate balance of mind, body and spirit. She actively listens to her patients and is dedicated to empowering women to feel their best at any age.

Care Philosophy: My interest in women's health is lifelong and I find building relationships with my patients very fulfilling! I enjoy teaching my patients about their bodies and helping them make informed decisions to improve their health and quality of life. Women are quick to put themselves last; I feel it is my role to help take care of them so they are better able to care for their families and enjoy their lives to the fullest.

Biography: Cristina Palmer, DO, is a board-certified urologic surgeon with particular emphasis on urogynecology. Dr. Palmer is passionate about pelvic floor disorders and has dedicated her life to providing the highest level of care for these issues. She focuses on treating the patient as a whole person and discovering the root cause of the disease process. Her approach is collaborative, looking at the patient's goals of care and lifestyle in order to achieve the best quality of life possible.Dr. Palmer is a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. She is a member of the Washington State Urology Society, Society of Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgeons, American Urogynecologic Society, Society of Urodynamics and Female Urology, International Continence Society, Society of Women in Urology, American Urological Association and American Osteopathic Association. Away from work, Dr. Palmer enjoys running and has completed 23 half marathons. She also enjoys downhill skiing and competitive jigsaw puzzling.

Biography: Megan Loring, MD, is a board-certified gynecologist with a focused practice designation in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS). Additionally, she specializes in operative hysteroscopy; endometriosis and pelvic pain; and fibroids and abnormal uterine bleeding. _x000D_ Dr. Loring strives to involve her patients in their medical decisions by educating them about their conditions and empowering them to advocate for themselves. She enjoys problem-solving and sees surgery as an excellent tool to improve her patients' lives. _x000D_ Dr. Loring is a Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She is a member of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists and American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. She is certified by Intuitive Surgical as a Robotic Console Surgeon. _x000D_ Away from work, Dr. Loring enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest with her family and friends, hiking, cooking, running and travel.

Biography: Alvaro Lucioni, MD, is a board-certified urologist with subspecialty certification in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. His areas of expertise include urinary incontinence (female and male), pelvic organ prolapse, voiding dysfunction, pelvic floor reconstruction, neurourology, urodynamics, erectile dysfunction, sexual health, kidney stones and urinary diversion.Dr. Lucioni enjoys interacting with his patients and assisting them through shared decision-making. He feels on top of the world when he can help a patient to get their life back.Dr. Lucioni is a member of the American Medical Association, American Urological Association, Northwest Urological Society, Washington State Medical Association and Washington State Urological Society. He holds committee memberships with the National Association for Continence and Society of Urodynamics and Female Urology.Away from work, Dr. Lucioni enjoys spending time with his family, along with swimming, playing tennis and listening to music.

Biography: Elaine Y. Chang, MD, is a board-certified gynecologist offering care for women across their lifetime. She specializes in advanced surgical treatments, including robotic-assisted hysterectomy. Dr. Chang works in partnership with each patient to tailor care to each woman's specific needs.

Care Philosophy: Bahman Saffari, MD, PhD, is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and fellowship trained in gynecologic oncology. Dr. Saffari is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for his patients by providing nurturing, compassionate care using the most effective, innovative surgical and medical treatments possible. Dr. Saffari is a diplomat of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, an affiliate investigator for the Gynecologic Oncology Group and a member of the Pierce County Medical Society. Dr. Saffari is fluent in Farsi and can speak medical Spanish. In his spare time, Dr. Saffari enjoys outdoor activities such as biking, hiking and kayaking.

Care Philosophy: Board Certified in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Froelich practice is limitted to gynecology with an emphasis on laporoscopic surgery (minimally invasive) and women's health issues. Dr. Froelich's medical interests include women's health, gynecologic surgery, menopause, periomenopause and infertility. She enjoys seeing patients of all ages, including teens. Dr. Froelich completed a fellowship in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona, where she worked with Andrew Weil, MD, the pioneer of integrative medicine. A native of the Pacific Northwest, Dr. Froelich enjoys traveling, skiing and spending time with her husband and son.

Biography: Dr. Adam Nickel, DO is an Obstetrics /amp Gynecology Specialist who practices in Tacoma, WA. He is 46 years old. Dr. Adam Nickel, DO is affiliated with St. Joseph Medical Center.

Care Philosophy: Through open and honest communication, I hope to help women overcome a gynecologic cancer diagnosis.

Biography: Stephanie Batalao, ARNP, is an advanced registered nurse practitioner specializing in gynecological care. Stephanie believes in establishing a partnership with the patient and her entire team to achieve one common goal - optimal health for the patient.

Biography: Katie Conkling, ARNP, offers general gynecology services, including annual examinations, family planning, menopause management, preventive care, vaginitis treatment and LGBTQ care. Katie stays up-to-date with evidence-based practices and new research._x000D_ Katie strives to listen first and to take a collaborative approach to patient care. She believes the individual should always be at the center of their reproductive health care decision-making. She wants to build trusting, compassionate relationships with patients where she can work together with them to create treatment and wellness plans that meet their personal health goals._x000D_ Katie is a member of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health, and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology._x000D_ Away from work, Katie enjoys hiking, camping, landscaping and vintage store shopping.

Care Philosophy: Patricia Sanchez, ARNP, provides continuous, comprehensive care for the whole family, from school physicals and immunizations in children, to disease prevention and health promotion in adults. Her medical interests include preventive medicine, health maintenance and women's health. Patricia meets each patient where he or she is in life. Starting from there, she works with each patient to develop a plan of care that is rooted in preventive medicine, driven by each patient's specific needs and designed to promote optimal health and wellbeing. As a former registered nurse, Patricia has extensive experience providing compassionate care to individuals, which she draws upon in her clinical practice. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Biography: Dr. Allison Barrie, MD is an Obstetrics /amp Gynecology Specialist who practices in Seattle, WA. She is 40 years old and has been practicing for 13 years. Dr. Allison Barrie, MD is affiliated with Virginia Mason Medical Center.

Care Philosophy: Dr. Yamaki has been meeting the unique health needs of women for more than 25 years. She is recognized for her concern for the individual, outstanding quality of care and the highest practice standards.

Biography: Una Lee, MD, is a board-certified urologist with subspecialty board certification in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS)/urogynecology. She specializes in female urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse (hysterectomy for prolapse, vaginal native tissue prolapse repair and robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery), overactive bladder, fistula repair, urethral diverticulum, and complications related to vaginal mesh or prior sling. Dr. Lee is passionate about delivering compassionate patient-centered care._x000D_ Dr. Lee is the Head of the Section of Urology and Renal Transplantation at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. She is an Associate Clinical Professor of Urology at the University of Washington and serves as Associate Program Director of the FPMRS fellowship at Virginia Mason. Dr. Lee is President-Elect and Women's Health Chair of the Washington State Urology Society. She is a member-at-large of the Society for Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine, and Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU), and serves on an American Urological Association guidelines committee._x000D_ Dr. Lee serves as lead investigator in collaborative patient engagement work on amplifying women's voices in stress urinary incontinence surgery research prioritization. She volunteers to provide obstetric fistula and childbirth injury care and medical education in Uganda. She served as Guest Editor of a special edition of Urology focused on Women's Health. She hopes to raise awareness of urologic issues related to advancing women's health, lead positive change within health care, and continue to improve the quality of life of women through clinical care, teaching, advocacy and research. _x000D_ Curriculum Vitae

Care Philosophy: Lara Kim, ARNP, provides compassionate care for women of all ages, including annual screenings, evaluation of menstrual and menopausal concerns, and treatment for acute illness. Whether it is a woman's first exam or her fiftieth, Lara strives to provide patient-focused, holistic care with an emphasis on prevention.

Care Philosophy: Tania Tiburcio, ARNP, is an advanced care nurse practitioner with more than 10 years of experience in women's health, over six years of experience in obstetrics care, and over 10 years of experience as a registered nurse in labor and delivery. Tania provides general gynecology care and family planning, and especially enjoys performing in-office, non-surgical procedures. Her approach is compassionate and non-judgmental.

Biography: Irene Grias, DO, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist who is fellowship-trained in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS). She enjoys getting to know her patients as individuals and tailoring treatment to each woman?s unique needs. Dr. Grias offers world-class minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, including robotic-assisted surgery. She is dedicated to caring for women with pelvic pain.Dr. Grias is a Fellow American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Biography: Dr. Johnny Erkins, MD is an Obstetrics /amp Gynecology Specialist who practices in Tacoma, WA. He is 77 years old and has been practicing for 49 years. Dr. Johnny Erkins, MD is affiliated with St. Joseph Medical Center.

Care Philosophy: Scott Poehlmann, MD is a board-certified urogynecologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating all gynecologic and pelvic floor issues from painful periods and heavy bleeding to leaky bladder or prolapsed (falling out) organs. Dr. Poehlmann seeks to provide the widest choice of treatment options, including state-of-the-art robotic and laparoscopic surgery, along with neuromodulation, sling procedures and urethral bulking. He takes the time to help each woman assess her best options for treatment, and offers expert care and follow-up.

Biography: Dr. Gillian Esser, MD is an Obstetrics /amp Gynecology Specialist who practices in Silverdale, WA. She is 58 years old and has been practicing for 37 years. Dr. Gillian Esser, MD is affiliated with St. Michael Medical Center-Silverdale.