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DSHS names Dr. Brian Waiblinger agency medical
director
Read the July 13 Press Release online.
Department of Social and Health Services Secretary Cheryl Strange
announced that Dr. Brian Waiblinger is the agency’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO)
beginning Monday, July 16.
Waiblinger will provide support to the agency’s chief medical
officers at facilities like Western and Eastern State hospitals, the Child
Study and Treatment Center, residential habilitation centers, juvenile rehabilitation facilities and
the Special Commitment Center. He will also lead
the development and revision of DSHS policy regarding the care of clients
living in and supported by our state-owned and -operated facilities. This is
the first time DSHS has had an agency-level CMO.
“We are so fortunate to have Dr. Waiblinger in this position,”
said Strange. “His work here will help lead us toward the governor’s vision for
behavioral health integration. He has dedicated his career to serving
Washington residents who are in need of mental health treatment.”
“This is an exciting and invigorating time at DSHS and I am
honored to, once again, be part of the team,” said Waiblinger, who began his
medical practice in 2000 at Western State Hospital’s Center for Forensic
Services. “I look forward to the opportunities this new position brings to
helping support not only providers in state facilities but those in the
community as well. Together, we will be better able to serve our clients who
are in our care.”
Dr. Waiblinger is a graduate of the University of Washington’s
School of Medicine, where he trained and emphasized in community and forensic
psychiatry. He has served as the Director of Psychiatric Services at the King
County Correctional Facility and Maleng Regional Justice Center and was Medical
Director for Western State Hospital from June 2011 to February 2015. Most
recently, he has been co-Medical Director and attending psychiatrist at Skagit
Valley Hospital’s Mental Health Center.
DSHS, whose mission is transforming lives, provides some type
of shelter, care, protection and/or support to approximately one in three
Washingtonians and is the state’s largest agency. For more information,
visit dshs.wa.gov.
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