Suzy Funkhouser, MD

“Being able to take care of women through such meaningful moments of their life is a privilege,” says Suzy Funkhouser, M.D.

Developing a trusting relationship with each patient is important to Dr. Funkhouser.

“I want to ensure patients feel heard and that the issues they need to talk about are discussed. I try to meet patients where they are at, and I listen to understand. I really enjoy that face-to-face interaction with patients and being a partner in their care to establish a longstanding relationship based on trust.”

She enjoys caring for women through a lifetime of their gynecologic and obstetric issues.

“It is such a privilege to care for women during pregnancy and walk that path with them,” she shares. “And there are also many other issues that can be harder to talk about – discharge, abnormal bleeding, menstrual disorders, pelvic pain, well-woman exams. The gynecologist’s office can feel like a vulnerable place for people and they want to be taken care of and not judged. I hope to create a space for patients to talk; there are a variety of issues that pop-up that people can let go for a long time that then become a problem for them.”

Prior to becoming a doctor, Dr. Funkhouser worked as a health care lobbyist. She focused on population-based health and public health issues. Advocating for patients on a variety of health issues and working closely with physicians ignited her desire to become a doctor. She is passionate about women’s issues, including postpartum care and paid leave, and believes women’s health care still needs to be supported at a policy level.

Dr. Funkhouser is also passionate about caring for the underserved and most vulnerable.

“That was a huge draw that brought me to Providence,” she says. “I’ve been so impressed with the level of service at Providence. It’s a privilege to be able to take care of all patients. I really love taking care of women. I also want our non-CIS gender and transgender patients to know they are welcome. I hope to be a safe place to talk, advocate for them and ensure they get appropriate care based on some of the unique health issues they face.”

Originally from California, Dr. Funkhouser moved to Oregon for college. She has lived in Oregon since 2000 and has lived in Portland since 2005. She also lived in Italy for a few years where she learned to speak Italian. Dr. Funkhouser lives with her partner and elderly rescue cat. She loves to travel, run, hike, and has practiced yoga for more than a decade. She especially enjoys spending time with family and friends.