Among the many qualified candidates for health commissioner positions, I believe Dr. Diane Boteler to be especially suited to be a public health commissioner. She has an extensive medical career focused on both family and rural health care and as such will bring a unique perspective to the position. She is the only candidate who has actually worked as a rural family care physician on Orcas Island. Diane, a 21-year resident of Orcas Island, has experience in all facets of the health care system on our island, including clinic-based primary care, after-hours care and emergency care. Previously, Diane worked for a number of years as a family care physician at the Orcas Medical Center. Diane has held the position of Medical Control Physician here on Orcas Island, working with EMTs and paramedics. She also served as the Medical Director at the Orcas Medical Center for two years. In addition to practicing medicine on Orcas, she has served as a fill-in family physician on San Juan and Lopez Island.

As a doctor, Diane is well respected in our community by patients, EMTs, paramedics, nurses and physicians alike. I personally have worked with Diane for the last two years at Peace Health Hospital in Bellingham, where we both work as hospitalists. I can personally attest to Dr. Boteler’s depth of medical knowledge, her sound judgment and her consistent practice of quality medicine. She is diligent in remaining current with medical care standards and understands and appreciates the practical aspects of practicing medicine and managing patient care both in rural and small-town settings.

If elected commissioner, Diane would not only be a great asset to our community and the public hospital district, but also a great advocate for those of us who live on Orcas Island. With her knowledge of the current health care system on Orcas Island and the many connections she has made throughout the years, Dr. Boteler’s input will be key in developing strategic improvements in clinic-based primary care, after-hours care and emergency care here on Orcas. I believe Diane’s focus will be on improving the efficiency, quality, communication and collaboration between health commissioners, health care providers and the residents of Orcas Island. I know Diane will work with the other Commissioners to move toward an efficient, economical health care system on Orcas Island on the behalf of our community.

Please join me in voting for Diane Boteler for public health commissioner position No. 4.

Kathy, Ken and Rachel Weisenburger

Orcas Island