Lester M. Baskin, MD
Doctoring is in my DNA — literally. My father is an orthopedic surgeon here in town and my grandfather was a general surgeon in Tacoma. I grew up making rounds with my dad at Good Sam, and remember wanting to be a doctor from a very early age. Watching my dad talk with his patients made me realize that “high-touch” medicine was as important as anything “high-tech.”
“When a patient needs your help, they need it now, not later,” my dad and grandfather always said. Helping people understand their medical problems and address them at the highest level — without time constraints — gets to the core of why I started the Baskin Clinic. I want my patients to feel that their doctor is first and foremost a partner and friend, as well as an expert in what ails them.
I’m a native of the Northwest and grew up in Portland, so the outdoors also runs in my blood. I love to hike, bike, camp, and garden. I recently succumbed to the local chicken craze, and our daughters and I are eagerly awaiting our first eggs.
Education:
B.A., Stanford University, 1990
M.D., OHSU, 1995
Residency:
Internal Medicine, Legacy Portland Hospitals, 1998
Board Certification:
American Board of Internal Medicine, 1998 (re-certified 2008)
Heather Baskin, MD
Seeing the impact that my father (also an orthopedic surgeon like Lester’s dad) had on his patients always filled me with pride and awe. Hearing someone tell him that their knee felt “good as new,” and seeing the appreciation on their face, made me want to be a doctor too. Every patient — and every diagnosis — is a story. My work is a partnership with my patients, and that includes being open to different treatment options, whether they occupy the realm of traditional or alternative medicine. And I never underestimate the value of humor in my clinic. Patients can expect an upbeat, enthusiastic and relaxed environment, where seeing the doctor is actually an enjoyable experience.
I am a relative newcomer to the Northwest, but like to think I have a bit of the pioneer spirit in me. I moved here in 1998 from the Midwest, knowing only that I wanted an environment that embraced nature and the outdoors better than Chicago did. I love to hike, bike, camp, and read.
Education:
B.A., University of Michigan (Honors Program), 1991 (Phi Beta Kappa)
M.D., University of Michigan, 1995 (Alpha Omega Alpha)
Residency:
Internal Medicine, University of Chicago, 1998
Board Certification:
American Board of Internal Medicine, 1998 (re-certified 2009)