Dr. Kelly Paulson wins first Jeff Ward Award
Award memorializes Edmonds oncologist devoted to patients, community.
Congratulations to Kelly Paulson, M.D., the first-ever winner of the Jeff Ward Award.
The award is named after Dr. Jeff Ward, who gave generously of his time and energy – first to Stevens Hospital and later to Swedish Edmonds. He served as an oncologist in Edmonds for decades and was known for rapport with patients and his patient-centered approach to care. The award was established to memorialize him and recognizes medical staff members who make positive contributions to the Edmonds community through leadership, mentorship or improving patient care.
Words of praise from Dr. Paulson’s award nomination
Dr. Kelly Paulson exemplifies the heart of being a caring practitioner (knowing patients deeply and caring for them empathetically) and bringing the next generation of great practitioners into bloom. Dr. Paulson has committed to supporting the Swedish First Hill hematology-oncology team by extending herself to provide clinical support weekly from Edmonds. Additionally, Dr. Paulson is committed to supporting medical students at the Washington State University Elson E. Floyd Medical School in Everett to advance understanding of newly emerging immunotherapies.
Dr. Paulson has a great humble impact in the clinic in her daily demeanor with staff and being highly visible and approachable to all. Being a patient or staff member to Dr. Paulson is knowing you are in good hands and treated with respect.
Dr. Paulson was Dr. Ward's oncologist. She treated him in the very clinic in which he practiced himself. Dr. Paulson is internationally recognized for her expertise in immuno-oncology and Dr. Ward recognized the gift he received in her care for him.
It is always hard to care for our colleagues, but to care for a partner – more than 20 years one's senior, in his own clinic – brought a host of challenges. Dr. Paulson handled each with grace and poise.
She provided medical care to him while preserving his privacy and protecting his dignity. She demonstrated endless empathy and compassion with Dr. Ward, his loved ones, and with his colleagues and coworkers.
She continues to have a close relationship with his family. She was integral in supporting the grieving staff at Edmonds SCI after Dr. Ward's passing. We all knew no one could have done it better.
Dr. Paulson is generous of self. She makes herself and her immuno-oncology knowledge available to any who need her help. She has been providing a series of educational sessions to oncologists, hospitalists and specialists across the region involved in caring for those receiving immune therapies. This is a rapidly evolving field, and the complications of immune therapy can touch all specialties of medicine. Dr. Paulson is working arduously to support those who support our patients. She always provides education and feedback in a thorough and direct, but nonthreatening manner.
Dr. Paulson is a talented clinical researcher and functions as PI for a number of clinical trials designed to bring the latest in cancer care to our community-based clinic. This has required the shredding of more than a little red tape.
Dr. Paulson is involved in the mentorship of medical students and is often seen in clinic being tailed by a wide eyed, enthusiastic student.
In summary, Dr. Paulson is a model physician, one we should all emulate. She is brilliant, kind, industrious and collegial. She is committed to Swedish Edmonds. She is the best of us, and I know Dr. Ward would want to see her recognized with this award.
About Dr. Ward
Dr. Jeff Ward gave generously of his time and energy – first to Stevens Hospital and later to Swedish Edmonds. He served as an oncologist in Edmonds for decades and was known for rapport with patients and his patient-centered approach to care.
His efforts to improve patient lives and the medical community didn’t stop there. He served as medical director for Providence Hospice and Home Care of Snohomish County for 28 years, helping patients meet their end-of-life goals. Additionally, he was an advocate for the larger medical system, serving as the Washington State Medicare Carrier Advisory Committee oncology representative and he regularly attended the ASCO/American Society of Hematology Annual CAC Meetings.
He wasn’t afraid to help in leadership roles either, serving as both president of the Washington State Medical Oncology Society and as chief of staff in Edmonds.
Jeff mentored younger physicians, always willing to offer advice when asked. To those who knew him, he’s remembered for his dedication, warmth, wisdom, leadership and commitment to his patients and their care.
About the award
The Jeff Ward Award recognizes individuals making positive contributions to the Edmonds community through leadership, mentorship or improving patient care. This award is given annually to a member of the medical staff whose primary campus is Swedish Edmonds.
The Swedish Edmonds caregiver community can nominate members of the medical staff who’ve made significant contributions to Swedish Edmonds during the year. The honoree is selected from nominees by the Campus Executive Committee.
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