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San Juan County meets candidate for local health officer; Dr. Amy Harley discusses regional model and clinical work
Summary
The county met Dr. Amy Harley, a candidate for the local health officer role, who described plans to serve in a part-time regional arrangement while continuing clinical hospitalist work and her co–health-officer role in Whatcom County.
Mark (county staff) introduced Dr. Amy Harley to the Board of Health in a meet-and-greet session intended to allow board members, council representatives and staff to ask questions before the county advances a hiring decision.
Dr. Harley summarized her background: she trained at UC Davis, completed a pediatric residency at Seattle Children—s Hospital, earned a master of public health during medical school and has served as a health officer in Whatcom County since 2021. She told board members she grew up in rural Northern California and described public-health and pediatric clinical experience that she said informs her approach.
Board members asked about workload and role conflicts. Dr. Harley said she currently serves as a co–health officer in Whatcom County at roughly 60 percent time, and she intends to continue that role. She also plans to keep clinical work as a pediatric hospitalist — she said she works about four shifts per month at Saint Joe's (PeaceHealth facility) to stay clinically current. Mark and board members discussed structuring schedules so those clinical shifts are predictable.
Board members emphasized the county's pediatric-care gaps and cross-jurisdictional ties. Councilperson Fuller noted the shortage of pediatric services on Lopez Island and welcomed Harley—s pediatric experience. Several board members highlighted the benefits of regional collaboration with nearby counties and health systems on behavioral health and specialty services.
Outgoing Health Officer Dr. Duber addressed the board and endorsed Dr. Harley: he thanked county staff and community members and said Harley would be an excellent replacement.
No formal appointment or vote occurred at the meeting; the session served as an introduction and Q&A. Board members said they planned additional conversations with Dr. Harley and staff about a regional model and next steps for a formal hiring decision.
