On behalf of our agency, I am delighted to welcome you to the Secretary’s Corner! I hope you will find this corner helpful in providing perspective on health in our great state.
As background, I have been a strong advocate for patients as an emergency department physician caring for our nation’s veterans in Texas for well over twenty years. It has been an honor of a lifetime.
In caring for patients, I realized health is not only about what happens within the four walls of a hospital or clinic but what occurs in the community. In neighborhoods. In families. In people’s lives.
My story is like that of many of our team members. No matter our background or expertise, we are united in promoting the health and well-being for our communities.
As Washington state’s Secretary of Health, I am fortunate to work alongside so many dedicated people who work tirelessly to advance health for everyone across Washington. Infused by our cornerstone values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement (EIE), and guided by our Transformational Plan, there is no limit to what we can achieve together.
In my personal life, you can find me spending time with family. My wonderful wife – a dedicated health care professional and mother – and our three amazing children serve as daily reminders of the importance of health. Together, we enjoy different cultures, getting outdoors, and rooting for our favorite sports teams.
I hope your digital visit here serves as an opportunity to learn and connect. In the process, I hope you will get to know our field better and join us in working toward a better and healthier tomorrow.
We cannot do it alone!
Best,
Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH
Secretary of Health, Washington
Secretary of Health