Amelia Gallaher, M.D.

"Born and raised in Seattle, I went over the Cascades to Eastern Washington to study Biology and Spanish at Whitman College. After graduation, curiosity about east-coast living and biomedical research led me to Washington DC to work at the National Institutes of Health, where I investigated HIV-associated viral cancers. Although medical science fascinated me, I came to realize that I wanted more direct human impact in my work. I began volunteering as a hotline counselor with a peer-run outreach organization supporting underserved communities in DC. This work first introduced me to the concept of harm reduction, and piqued my interest in preventative and community health care. The natural beauty of the PNW eventually drew me back to Seattle where I worked at Seattle Children’s Hospital in clinical research before starting medical school at the University of Washington. During medical school, I continued to volunteer with the LGBTQ community and individuals affected by homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. My decision to specialize in family medicine was inspired by these experiences and by observing the important role that family doctors play in reducing health inequities. I am thrilled to stay in my home town and serve the Seattle community through my residency at Swedish First Hill. I’m especially interested in reproductive health, LGBTQ+ health, and addiction medicine. Outside of work, I enjoy Ultimate Frisbee, hot coffee, a good book, and a funny story "