Patrick McLaughlin, MD

I am a Washington native and hail from the small town of Elma, just south of the Olympic Peninsula. I graduated medical school in 2008 from the University of Washington. My wife and I were married just before graduation, and the two of us moved to Greeley, Colo. for my residency training in family medicine. For six years after residency, I practiced full-scope family medicine, including surgical obstetrics, at a safety net clinic in Wenatchee, Washington, caring for a largely migrant and under-served patient population. Though we loved our time in Wenatchee, my family and I are thrilled to be back in western Washington and closer to family.

Family medicine appeals to me because I enjoy caring for patients and families across the entire lifespan. I enjoy the chance to foster trusting relationships with patients and the ability to partner with them in their care. During a time when medical care has become increasingly sub-specialized and fragmented, one of the main roles of family medicine is to look at the big picture and ensure that patients are not subjecting themselves to duplicate testing, doctor’s visits and unnecessary services.

My medical interests include obstetrical care including c-sections, pediatrics, inpatient medicine, musculoskeletal injuries, preventive medicine, and clinical procedures to include vasectomies, minor skin procedures, IUDs, Nexplanon, and joint injections, among others.  As part of the clinical faculty at Washington State University School of Medicine, I also have the pleasure of teaching the next generation of family physicians in the state of Washington.

I also speak conversational Spanish.

Outside of medicine I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids. I love the outdoors and enjoy downhill skiing, mountain biking, hiking and coaching my son’s soccer team.  We love the Bellingham area for the easy access to outdoor activities, not to mention all the great seafood restaurants in town. Additionally, I have spent much of my life singing and, believe it or not, started out as a vocal performance and education major in college. I have sung with the Seattle Symphony, Seattle Opera, and most recently with the Bellingham Chamber Chorale.

Dr. McLaughlin is proud to provide OB care, including c-sections and managing care for women who have had a previous c-section (VBAC). When OB care is provided by a family physician, it is unique in many ways! Learn more.