Eastern State Hospital Receives Distinguished Service Award from Washington State University
April marked a significant achievement for DSHS’ Eastern State Hospital, which was honored with a Distinguished Service Award from Washington State University’s College of Medicine. This recognition, based on medical student nominations, highlights the hospital’s exceptional contributions to supporting the education and training of future healthcare professionals.
On Wednesday, April 16, WSU hosted its third annual Clinic Awards Banquet, where about half a dozen Eastern State Hospital’s clinical staff members gathered to accept the award. Dr. Matt Layton, WSU’s Interim Vice Chair of Psychiatry, introduced the hospital to an audience of around 40 attendees, underscoring Eastern State Hospital’s vital role in medical students’ clinical education.
Dr. Carl Heine, WSU’s Regional Dean for the Spokane campus, emphasized the importance of community partnerships in training student clinicians. “We rely on our community partners to train our student clinicians,” he remarked. “We absolutely need our community partners like Eastern State Hospital.” This award serves as a testament to the positive impact the hospital has had on shaping the experiences of its students.
In expressing his pride for the institution, Dr. Heine stated, “The reason for Eastern State Hospital to be proud is that this is an endorsement from students who found their clinical time with you to be informative, positive, and ultimately an enjoyable experience.” The Distinguished Service Award is WSU’s way of saying, “thank you” to the dedicated professionals at Eastern State Hospital.
Dr. Layton, who has built a relationship with Eastern State Hospital over the past 26 years, shared insights into its enduring partnership with WSU and the challenges faced in mental health care. He noted the importance of providing training opportunities for medical, nursing, pharmacy, and social work students, ensuring that the next generation of healthcare professionals is equipped to address the complex needs within the mental health landscape.
Living in Medical Lake, where Eastern State Hospital is located, Dr. Layton highlighted the community connections he has formed over the years, stating, “When you talk about community relationships that make medical education work, I cannot think of a better example than Eastern State Hospital.”
He also acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the hospital staff, expressing appreciation for their continuous support to WSU students despite challenges. He recognized Laurel Brink, a clinical nurse specialist at Eastern State Hospital, for her coordination efforts and the attending physicians who mentor the students. Dr. Layton looks forward to a long and prosperous future together, especially with the successful placement of 14 medical students in the psychology and medicine program.
This award is a symbol of recognition and a celebration of collaboration. The partnership between Eastern State Hospital and WSU enriches students’ educational experiences, empowering them to make meaningful contributions to the mental health field. As these budding professionals continue their journeys, they carry the lessons learned and the experiences shared at Eastern State Hospital, paving the way for a healthier future for our communities.
We can look forward to a new era of compassionate and informed healthcare. Congratulations to Eastern State Hospital on this well-deserved honor.
