Harbor Regional Health OB/GYN in Hoquiam

By Kathryn Millhorn

Originally Published on Grays Harbor Talk

Some globetrotters decide to settle down when they find just the right place. For Grays Harbor Community Hospital’s Dr. John Eiland, that place is Grays Harbor. A lifetime of travel and experience brought him to the Hoquiam Clinic and he’s putting down roots in his chosen community.

Adopted into a military family, Dr. Eiland spent time at nearby Ft. Lewis while growing up. After medical school, he began his practice at Providence Centralia Hospital before being recruited to Grays Harbor Community Hospital in 2009.

Trained as an OB/GYN with experience in clinical medicine, Dr. Eiland has lately been expanding into administration and leadership thanks to GHCH’s smaller size and willingness to let him peer behind the management curtain, Dr. Eiland earned an MBA in 2014, which he hopes to use in an expanded role down the line. But until then, administrators have gladly let him be involved and have a voice in decision making, something he says has been eye-opening.

But for now, Dr. Eiland shares that his passion is with people. From the Hoquiam Clinic, he and Dr. Nicholas Hallak see between 80 and 110 patients weekly with just under half being obstetric and another 40% being gynecological, including many surgical options. “Open spots are scarce with only two doctors,” Dr. Eiland admits.

Eventually, the clinic plans to add more OB/GYN’s and especially a female doctor to the team. “We’re only open so many days and can only see so many patients, but the hospital is actively recruiting.” October is Breast Cancer Awareness month so their office has been advising patients of the new medical guidelines. Unless you have a family history of breast cancer, they suggest women start screening at age 40 and be seen every 12 to 24 months. From age 50 through 75, annual screenings are recommended. “Our radiology department is focused on getting people seen in a timely basis,” says Dr. Eiland, “and most insurance companies don’t require a referral first. Grays Harbor Imaging offers 3D Mammography right here in Aberdeen.”

Seeking any kind of medical treatment during COVID-19 can bring up extra concerns, especially for pregnant or newly delivered mothers. “It’s a tough time for all who are involved,” agrees Dr. Eiland. “Parents are under constant fear of the unknown. They keep asking if their baby’s going to be okay. Ultimately, I provide as much reassurance as possible but also admit we just do not have enough data yet. So we suggest they take every precaution they can, masks, social distancing, avoiding crowded places and good hygiene, to keep them and their baby safe from the virus.”

Poet Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. once said that “Where we love is home—home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.” Dr. Eiland’s active feet are always in motion, but he’s enjoying the Grays Harbor life with his family. Outside of work, Dr. Eiland loves to run and is an active marathoner and triathlete. “People comment they always see me running around town,” he says. He regularly runs between 30 and 35 miles each week and increases that to 80 miles a week when training for an event or race.

And with a growing family, he and his wife are starting to establish roots here. “I love the area and get recognized everywhere, it’s nice,” Dr. Eiland shares. “Working here as a provider is a service. True, there may be higher pay for fewer hours elsewhere, but my motto is that even small towns deserve good providers.”

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) reports that “while 20% of the U.S. population lives in rural communities, only 11% of physicians practice in such areas. The lack of physicians is deeply worrisome. That’s in part because rural residents are more likely to die from health issues like cardiovascular disease, unintentional injury, and chronic lung disease than city-dwellers. Rural residents also tend to be diagnosed with cancer at later stages and have worse outcomes.”

These numbers are even more dire when it comes to OB/GYN care. AAMC research shows that “By 2020, there will be up to 8,000 fewer OB-GYNs than needed…The shortage hits rural women hardest, with over half living more than 30 minutes away from a hospital with perinatal services, a trek that can be life-threatening in an emergency.” Home doesn’t have to be a birthplace, where your parents chose to settle, or tied to a milestone in your life. Home is where you’re surrounded by those you love, respect and have a passion for helping. And for Dr. John Eiland, home is the misty morning jogs and hectic late-night births in Grays Harbor. Call the Hoquiam Clinic at 360-537-6430 with questions or to set up an appointment and, if you see him running by (before, during or after work), give a big wave of thanks for all he does.

By Kathryn Millhorn
Originally Published on Grays Harbor Talk

Each year Americans welcome nearly 4 million new babies into the world. And the majority of those arrive with the help of a skilled OB/GYN physician. If you’re lucky enough to belong to the Grays Harbor Community Hospital family, it’s likely that your new addition was delivered by the capable hands of Dr. Nicholas Hallak.

If his last name sounds familiar, it’s because there are FOUR Hallaks on staff and yes, they’re related (two brothers and their wives). “When somebody says ‘Dr. Hallak’ everybody looks and asks ‘which one?’” he laughs.

Dr. Nicholas Hallak started with the hospital in 2008 after completing his residency program and working in large university hospitals. He and his wife, also on the hospital staff, “decided to work in an underserved area and chose to come fill a really desperate need. We love it so much,” he admits, “And we feel we’re helping so many people. A rural area is, to me, the best place to practice.” This small-town atmosphere is reflected in the life-long friendships which spring from dedicated continuity of care. “You see patients for every single visit and if someone has two or three babies—that’s a lot of visits,” Hallak says. Added to that is the benefit of coming to know so many people. Whether from treating them directly or introductions made at pre- and post-natal visits, Hallak meets many moms, husbands, sisters and friends. “Knowing everyone and their parents makes it easy to establish trust,” he admits. “And there’s a 50 percent chance I delivered any child under the age of 12 around here!”

Continuity of care also means less medical stress on the mothers during what is an emotional time. “Delivering in a rural community gives very personalized care,” says Hallak. “If a patient comes in in labor, most often they have the same nurse and doctor throughout. It’s quieter and not so much a labor and delivery hub as a birthing center. We want to make it a good experience from beginning to end.” And he knows what he’s talking about. Hallak and his wife had their first child in a university hospital setting but were in Grays Harbor for delivery of the second. “I can speak from experience,” he adds. More than just a familiar face, continuity of care has physical benefits as well. The UK’s National Health Service reports that women who experience it during childbirth often experience shorter labor; reduced use of pain medicine, forceps, and C-sections; and have “a better chance of healthier babies [and] a lower chance of negative feelings about the whole birth experience.”

“Being a community OB/GYN physician, I am taking care of women in our small community from their youth, into their reproductive years, through their change of life and beyond,” says Hallak. “I am privileged to be part of that and to have found my calling that, not only do I want to wake up for in the morning, but I even want to wake up for in the middle of the night. It is a real honor and privilege to be able to serve my community and do what I love. Being able to safely and compassionately care for my patients is my field goal, my touchdown, my home run.”

For seriously ill patients, a new clinic has been opened on the hospital’s East Campus. It is following very strict guidelines and protocols to provide top quality care while avoiding cross-contamination. Dr. Hallak and his fellow medical staffers find it a “very exciting” new step during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Their delivery clinic is running extremely well too, even in these chaotic times. They strive to improve and always look for ways to keep everyone safe and healthy. Though he’s noticed “a wide spectrum of stress in the moms,” Hallak has been very impressed at how many are following CDC guidelines on staying home and staying safe. Though some informational visits are done via telemedicine, many of their patients must be met with regularly in person. But all are called beforehand and walked through a questionnaire to gauge their current health.

Few things change your life as completely as pregnancy and childbirth. Your outlook, goals, hopes, dreams, and waistline will change as your family grows. It’s also a time of worry and anxiety. But having a knowledgeable team to guide you throughout the process provides advice, information, and peace. If you or someone you know is about to welcome a little one, consider letting Dr. Nicholas Hallak take charge.

Contact Grays Harbor Community Hospital by calling 360-532-8330, at www.ghcares.org, or through their Facebook page. Whatever services you need, their mission is simple: to heal, comfort, and serve our community with compassion.

At Harbor Regional Health OB/GYN, women's' health specialist provider Kim Iverson, ARNP is dedicated to providing exceptional care to women across Grays Harbor.

• Infertility evaluation

• Fertility counseling

• Contraceptive management

• Pelvic pain evaluation

• Menopausal symptom management

• Women's health/wellness exams

• And more

Our clinic in Hoquiam offers a wide range of women's health services tailored to meet the unique needs of our patients in Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Montesano, and Ocean Shores.

Why Choose Kim?

Expert Care: Kim Iverson brings years of experience and a compassionate approach to women's health, ensuring every patient receives personalized and comprehensive care.

Convenient Locations: Our clinic is conveniently located in Hoquiam, making it easily accessible for residents of Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Montesano, and Ocean Shores.

Comprehensive Services: From routine gynecological exams to prenatal and postnatal care, we provide a full spectrum of women's health services. Our clinic is ready to handle all your needs with a warm, welcoming environment.

Community Focus: Kim is committed to improving the health and well-being of women in Grays Harbor. Our services are designed to support women at every stage of life, from adolescence to menopause and beyond.

Visit Us Today

At Harbor Regional Health OB/GYN in Hoquiam, we understand the importance of convenient, high-quality care. Whether you live in Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Montesano, or Ocean Shores, our dedicated team is here to support your health journey. Schedule an appointment with Kim Iverson today and experience the difference of personalized, compassionate women's health care.

Kim Iverson is an outstanding nurse practitioner who has dedicated her life to serving her community. She has a passion for women's health and is dedicated to empowering and educating women to take charge of their reproductive health. She is even available for referrals from providers with patients seeking specialized care. Kim offers a range of women's health services, including:

• Infertility evaluation

• Fertility counseling

• Contraceptive management

• Pelvic pain evaluation

• Menopausal symptom management

• Women's health/wellness exams

• And more

Kim's decision to work for Harbor Regional Health (HRH) was driven by her desire to serve her community and her commitment to providing the best care possible. As a nurse practitioner at HRH, Kim is part of a team of healthcare providers who work together to provide multidisciplinary care and improve patient outcomes.

Born Hoquiam, Kim has a deep connection to the people of Grays Harbor County. She is proud to have graduated from Hoquiam High School and the Grays Harbor College Nursing Program, and she went on to earn her MSN as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Frontier Nursing University. With straight A's throughout her academic journey, Kim was not only an honor student but also the class president during her graduate program.

Kim's passion for helping others extends beyond her professional life. She loves spending time with her family, and when she's not working, you can find her beekeeping, hiking, gardening, baking cheesecakes, or biking. However, she values spending quality time with her husband and three children the most.

Kim Iverson is an exceptional nurse practitioner with a heart for helping others. Please contact Harbor Regional Health OB/GYN in Hoquiam to schedule an appointment with Kim. With her dedication, compassion, and expertise, she is the perfect choice for anyone looking for quality women's health care.