Group Health Doctor Named Physician of the Year

SPOKANE — Bill Sayres, MD, clinical director at the Group Health Riverfront Medical Center was honored as the Washington Family Physician of the Year by the Washington Academy of Family Physicians (WAFP) at an awards banquet held in Spokane on May 1. WAFP is the largest medical specialty organization in the state.

"I've known Bill for 18 years and find myself amazed on a regular basis by his commitment, skill, and compassion as both a family physician and a physician leader in my medical group," said nominator Tom Schaaf, MD, Group Health's associate medical director for Spokane.

Dr. Sayres has a long list of credentials and accomplishments on his resume, but it's his caring approach to patients that stands out among friends and colleagues.

"I've seen Bill in the ER, sitting with a patient awaiting admission. The orders were done, the meds were given, and the patient was still pretty miserable. There wasn't anything that Bill could do for him at that point other than sit with him, so that's what he did," said Dr. Schaaf. "Another patient was recovering from botulism and was still using a walker but wanted to participate in Bloomsday. Bill gave up his usual competitive run to walk with this patient."

Dr. Sayres explains that his problem-solving nature drew him to medicine. "That's what makes me tick. I like to fix things," he says. "When I was looking at a career, it seemed like fixing people was most important and meaningful."

Many of the same patients have been with Dr. Sayres since he began practicing with Group Health in 1991. He is a general practice physician in every sense of the word: delivering babies, performing surgical procedures, and participating in the whole spectrum of care. Former pediatric patients seek his services for their own children.

"I'm not exactly sure how he does it, but his compassion and care translates into comfort for even the most significantly ill patients," said Brooks Ohlson, a medical resident who has been mentored by Dr. Sayres.

Dr. Sayres is cited as a role model for patients and colleagues alike for his commitment to living a healthy lifestyle. He is a bicycle commuter and whitewater kayaker and is an accomplished competitive athlete in running and hill climb events on skis.

He is active on the clinical faculty at the University of Washington and represents family medicine on the Sacred Heart Medical Center Medical Executive Committee. Dr. Sayres is also a published author.