Ed Lopez
Kennewick,USA
Summary
Results-driven healthcare leader specializing in occupational medicine and clinical management. Led initiatives in policy writing and compliance assessment, driving process improvements. Developed innovative healthcare programs that enhanced patient care and operational efficiency through effective team collaboration.
Overview
44
44
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Co-Founder/Co-owner
ProCare Occupational Health Clinic
Kennewick, WA
08.2023 - Current
- Executed comprehensive occupational medicine services.
Governor Appointed Commissioner
Washington Medical Commission
09.2022 - Current
- Assessed and adjudicated complaints and concerns involving MDs and PAs to ensure health and safety of Washington state's citizens.
- Collaborated with physicians, attorneys, public members, and physician assistants as one of 21 State Medical Commissioners to address regulatory issues and enhance public trust.
- Led discussions on medical practice standards and regulations.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to develop health policies and initiatives.
- Reviewed licensing applications for compliance with state laws.
Clinical and Management Consultant (1099)
05.2017 - Current
- Provided clinical and management support for occupational medicine, inpatient internal medicine, and healthcare programs in county correctional facilities, enhancing healthcare delivery and operational effectiveness.
- Analyzed client needs to develop tailored consulting strategies.
- Facilitated workshops to enhance team collaboration and communication.
- Conducted market research to identify industry trends and insights.
Founding member and senior staff Physician Assistant
The Franciscan Healthcare Network
Tacoma, WA
01.1996 - Current
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance patient care quality and operational efficiency.
- Provided comprehensive hospitalization services to patients in five-hospital healthcare system, ensuring quality care delivery.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to create tailored service plans, enhancing patient outcomes.
- Conducted training sessions for new staff on best practices and organizational values, fostering a culture of excellence.
Facility Medical Director, In-Patient Hospitalist Services
Franciscan Health System
Enumclaw, WA
01.2008 - 05.2017
- Founded and directed Hospitalist Program at new acquisition Critical Access Hospital in King County within Franciscan Health System.
- Led development and management of clinical and administrative operations, overseeing personnel matters and local, regional, and national healthcare initiatives, including Electronic Medical Record journey to 'Meaningful Use' stage 2, resulting in sustained top 10% HCAHP scores for 10 consecutive quarters.
- Designed and implemented integrated full-time Hospitalist program to enhance patient care.
Regional Asst. Medical Director, In-Patient Hospitalist Services
Franciscan Health System
Tacoma, Washington
01.2008 - 08.2013
- Managed administrative and clinical duties of inpatient hospitalist program, overseeing operations of one of largest programs in West.
- Co-founded a six hospital system and held the position of senior mid-level provider and regional assistant medical director for a 162-member, $50 million hospitalist program established in 1995 as the first program in the Pacific Northwest.
- Coordinated communication between departments to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
- Assisted in scheduling meetings and managing calendars for senior staff members.
- Prepared reports and presentations for leadership review and strategic planning sessions.
Board of Directors
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Atlanta, GA
01.2002 - 12.2008
- Contributed as content expert on Board of Directors, developing systems and plans for national Specialty Certification process across all Physician Assistant specialties.
- Represented 90,000 medical professionals as National Commission Board member of non-profit organization, serving as sole Board Certification body.
- Chaired Technology Task Force, developing and implementing nationwide paperless communication process connecting 80,000 certification applicants with all 50 state boards, universities, and agencies.
National Accreditation and Quality Improvement Healthcare Program Project Mngr.
Washington State Dept. of Corrections
01.2006 - 09.2008
- Successful achievement of national safety accreditation in 11 of the 11 state facilities attempted.
- Conducted the statewide assessment, process improvement, and compliance of new national certification for each facility by passing 95% of national accreditation standards within established timelines for a $1.9 billion budget.
- Developed educational processes for each facility to ensure compliance with national safety and performance standards.
- Achieved efficiencies and implemented economies of scale to save state resources while enhancing quality.
- Applied Lean and Six Sigma process improvement across all aspects of development and preparation.
- Developed first ever state prisoner electronic medical communications process resulting in a 90% improvement in efficiency of delivery and improved access to care with decrease in grievances and lawsuits all for $ 0 development and start-up costs.
- Project Director for all 13 state prisons with health service facilities and staff serving 25,000 offenders.
Founder & President
La Palma Medicine & Surgical Associates, LLC
01.1996 - 01.2008
- Assisted as surgical first assistant in surgeries, facilitated daily rounds in critical and cardiac care unit, dictated discharge summaries, and conducted hospital consultations and office follow-ups to ensure comprehensive patient care.
- Served as surgical first assistant in operating room for cardio-thoracic surgery, supporting surgical team in executing complex procedures.
Board Officer
Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiovascular Surgery
Denver, Colo.
01.1999 - 01.2007
- Vice President then President of national professional association responsible for executive leadership, fiscal responsibility, corporate growth, innovation and the development and maintenance of professional and political alliances.
- Founded national 'Leadership Fellows Program' with Guidant Corporation to prepare PAs from cardiovascular backgrounds for political and management leadership roles.
- Developed national Cardiovascular 'Think Tank' group to evaluate and propose innovative ideas and plans for future professional developments.
- Led all surgical device companies in the early development, implementation, clinical application, and widespread adoption of all generations of Endoscopic Saphenous Vein harvesting devices and equipment.
- Established first National Cardio-Vascular Professional Industry Council to enhance business communication between pharmaceutical and biotech device companies and clinical end users.
- National professional association representing the educational & political interests of all Cardio-Vascular Physician Assistants in America.
Staff Physician Assistant
Cardiothoracic Surgeons, P.S.
01.1988 - 01.1996
- Managed annual case-load of 1200 surgeries, encompassing CABG, valves, vascular, pediatric, adult, and trauma cases, utilizing minimally invasive and off-pump techniques.
- Performed saphenous vein and radial artery harvesting, assisted in surgical cases as first assistant, and coordinated post-operative care in ICU, CCU, and step-down units.
- Served as physician assistant in private cardiac surgery group, supporting surgical teams.
Co-Founder & Member Staff P.A.
Hurley Hospital and Medical Center
Flint, Michigan
01.1986 - 01.1988
- Co-founded MD/PA's first formal Level II trauma fellowship, addressing the educational needs of a city with 400,000 residents and 40,000 ER visits annually.
- Developed first formal training program for PA’s in trauma surgery, establishing a foundation for ongoing professional development.
- Facilitated successful experiment that led to similar programs in multiple medical/surgical specialties across the hospital system.
- After 25 years, program still operating successfully.
Staff Physician Assistant – Family Practice
Walla Walla Community Health Clinic
Walla Walla, WA
01.1982 - 01.1984
- Acted as primary healthcare provider at a federally funded migrant farm workers’ clinic, offering essential medical services to underserved populations.
- Managed comprehensive adult and pediatric healthcare, including OB/GYN services, addressing a wide range of health issues.
- Cared for 300 patients monthly from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, including college students and local working families.
Education
Executive Education Certificate -
The Physician Leadership Institute
Denver, Colo.12-2013
Executive Education Certificate - Creativity & Innovation in the Organization
UCLA, John E. Anderson Graduate School of Management
Los Angeles, CA01-2007
Executive Education Certificate - Healthcare Policy & Innovation
Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government
Cambridge, Mass.01-2003
Certificate in Professional Medical Management - Healthcare Management & Administration
University of Washington School of Medicine
Seattle, WA01-2002
Internship & Residency in General & Specialty Surgery -
The Albert Einstein College of Medicine & Yeshiva University
New York, New York01-1987
Physician Assistant - Family Medicine
University of Washington School of Medicine
Seattle, WA01-1982
B.A. - Religion
Eden Valley Institute
Loveland, Colo.01-1977
Skills
- Healthcare program development
- Health strategy
- Business development
- Business development
- Business development
- Compliance assessment
- Process improvement
Office Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Outlook
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Other software
Appointments
- Governor Appointed Commissioner, Washington Medical Commission, 09/22-Present
- Alumni Leadership Council Member, University of Washington School of Medicine, 2013-Present
Phone
Mobile, 2534687988
Languages
- Spanish
- English, Speak, Read, Write (Native born)
- Spanish, Speak, Read, Write, Translate
Awards
- Alumni Outstanding Leadership Award, University of Washington School of Medicine, MEDEX Northwest Physician Assistant Program, 03/2008
- Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award, University of Washington School of Medicine, MEDEX Northwest Physician Assistant Program, 03/2014
Publications
- You Are Not Alone: Is There a Risk of Isolation in Medical Practice?, The Washington Medical Commission Newsletter, Fall 2025
- Medice, Cura Te Ipsum, The Washington Medical Commission Newsletter, Spring 2025
- What’s In a Name?, The Washington Medical Commission Newsletter, Fall 2024
- Primum Non Nocere, The Washington Medical Commission Newsletter, Spring 2024
- Communication Is Connection, The Washington Medical Commission Newsletter, Fall 2023
- I Got Burned for Helping, The Washington Medical Commission Newsletter, Spring 2023
- Wait Till Your Father Gets Home, The Washington Medical Commission Newsletter, Fall 2022
- 30th Annual Cardiothoracic Surgery Symposium, 03/2010, Laguna Beach, Calif.
- The Future Trends of The Physician Assistant Profession, 05/2008, San Antonio, Tx.
- Cardiothoracic Physician Assistants and Their Future In the 21st Century, 01/2008, San Diego, CA.
- Emotional Intelligence & Leadership for an Evolving Profession, 01/2006, Chicago, Ill.
- Leadership Development for Effective Corporate Success, 07/2003, Vail, Colorado
- PA Practice Ownership – So You want to be an Entrepreneur?, 01/2001, New Orleans, LA.
- Survey on Utilization of non-surgeon Practitioners in Cardiothoracic Surgery. (SUNPICS) Data., 11/2000
- Hospital Budget Cuts Replace Physician Assistants, 04/2000
- I’m sorry But We’re Laying You Off., 02/1997
- Pride and Passion- The Substance of Life, 06/1995
Management Experience
- Governor Appointed Commissioner, Washington Medical Commission, 09/22/22, Present, One of 21 State Medical Commissioners to assess and adjudicate complaints and other concerns involving MD’s and PA’s.
- Project Manager, Washington State Dept. of Corrections, 2006, 09/08, Project Director for all 13 state prisons with health service facilities and staff serving 25,000 offenders.
- Board of Directors, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, 2002, 12/08, Atlanta, GA, National Commission Board member representing 90,000 medical professionals.
- Board Officer, Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiovascular Surgery, 1999, 2007, Denver, CO, Vice President then President of national professional association.
Accreditations
- Suboxone Waiver Completion Certificate, 12/18/18, American Society of Addiction Medicine
- DEA License, XL 0104050, ML 0105040
- DOT Examiner Certification, Natl. Registry # 8176892413
- Six Sigma Lean Training & Education, 11/06, Green Belt
- National Board Certification – Medicine, NCCPA #841569
- Licensed in Washington State, # PA10000864
- Licensed in California, # PA 15039
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Certification
- Board Certified -Medicine
- Certified DOT Medical Examiner
- Certified Labor & Industries Medical Examiner
- Certified BCLS, ACLS,PALS
Timeline
Co-Founder/Co-owner
ProCare Occupational Health Clinic
08.2023 - Current
Governor Appointed Commissioner
Washington Medical Commission
09.2022 - Current
Clinical and Management Consultant (1099)
05.2017 - Current
Facility Medical Director, In-Patient Hospitalist Services
Franciscan Health System
01.2008 - 05.2017
Regional Asst. Medical Director, In-Patient Hospitalist Services
Franciscan Health System
01.2008 - 08.2013
National Accreditation and Quality Improvement Healthcare Program Project Mngr.
Washington State Dept. of Corrections
01.2006 - 09.2008
Board of Directors
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
01.2002 - 12.2008
Board Officer
Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiovascular Surgery
01.1999 - 01.2007
Founding member and senior staff Physician Assistant
The Franciscan Healthcare Network
01.1996 - Current
Founder & President
La Palma Medicine & Surgical Associates, LLC
01.1996 - 01.2008
Staff Physician Assistant
Cardiothoracic Surgeons, P.S.
01.1988 - 01.1996
Co-Founder & Member Staff P.A.
Hurley Hospital and Medical Center
01.1986 - 01.1988
Staff Physician Assistant – Family Practice
Walla Walla Community Health Clinic
01.1982 - 01.1984
Executive Education Certificate -
The Physician Leadership Institute
Executive Education Certificate - Creativity & Innovation in the Organization
UCLA, John E. Anderson Graduate School of Management
Executive Education Certificate - Healthcare Policy & Innovation
Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government
Certificate in Professional Medical Management - Healthcare Management & Administration
University of Washington School of Medicine
Internship & Residency in General & Specialty Surgery -
The Albert Einstein College of Medicine & Yeshiva University
Physician Assistant - Family Medicine
University of Washington School of Medicine
B.A. - Religion
Eden Valley Institute