Meet John Finch, DO Board Chair

I am pleased to accept the position of chair for the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery. I have been with the board for nine years, of which the last several were serving as vice chair. The responsibilities a position on the board entails are multifaceted, including the very difficult function of reviewing complaints against our colleagues and, as appropriate, disciplining them in a constructive manner. The relationship of the board and its actions to our state legislators is both rewarding, to see the progress that can be made with our goal of protecting the public, and at the same time can be frustrating. Our board represents a group of physicians and lay people who dedicate their time to accomplish that goal.

I look forward to working with the board and associated staff members on continued issues with the opiate rules, on the qualifications for the authorization for cannabis, and on other items that work toward keeping our practitioners informed of the constant changes in the medical field.

Professionally I have practiced as a general practitioner for more than 47 years, but recently transitioned my practice to focus on prevention and wellness. This has been very rewarding to be able to spend the time and work with my patients to achieve the best level of health while being proactive with prevention.

From a personal perspective, my wife of 39 years and I enjoy boating in this amazing Pacific Northwest, and traveling both through the US and abroad.

I am hoping for this next year to continue to be productive in achieving these goals and am confident with our members’ dedication we will see some wonderful progress.

John G. Finch DO