Power of Providers (POP) Initiative

Last updated May 28, 2026

Welcome Health Care Professionals!

Thank you for joining us and thousands of other health care professionals across the state. We recognize that you are trusted messengers in your communities and are proud to be your partner in building a Washington where all people have access to care and accurate health information.

We are here to support you. To learn more about the Power of Providers (POP) program, our mission and vision, and the benefits of being a member, visit our About POP page. Send questions about the program to powerofproviders@doh.wa.gov. Please use this flyer to share information about POP with your colleagues! (PDF)

Check out POP’s new webpages:

Long COVID information for health care providers: updated monthly.
Well-Being in Health Care

Let us know what you’d like to see on the pages in the future.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

The Power of Providers has a bi-monthly newsletter that provides relevant resources, stories, information and tools to support the work you do. To subscribe sign up here: Washington State Department of Health and enter your email address. The POP newsletter can be found near the end of the list, under the Center for Access to Whole Person Care. The POP newsletter can be found near the end of the list, under the Center for Access to Whole Person Care.

Provider Spotlight

Service spanning decades, intentional care, and sound advice on caring for South Asian communities anchor this Provider Spotlight

Dr. Seema Abbasi has been in the United States for 30 years, moving to Washington about seven years ago, a couple of years before the pandemic. "I'm a pediatrician, and I'm originally from Pakistan. I was born there, attended medical school in Pakistan, and then moved to the United States more than 30 years ago to complete my pediatric residency. After that, I completed a fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases, and I've been a practicing pediatrician for many years now."

Another important role she plays is as the founder and CEO of the Pakistani Health Board. The Pakistani Health Board is a nonprofit registered in Washington State. “Our focus is on the immigrant populations in Washington State, especially those of South and Southeast Asian descent.”

She also served on the PHSKC South Asian Task Force for about 3 years during the pandemic to support education and access to COVID vaccines, which were hard to come by. One realization she had was the disconnection between the Pakistani community and the public health system. "During that time, I realized that our South Asian communities, including the Pakistani community, were not very well connected to public health systems. As a result, they are often overlooked. That's why I decided to start this organization. Our goal is to ensure that people in our communities have accurate information during this era of misinformation and conflicting claims.” She currently serves on the Washington Department of Health Vaccine Advisory Committee.

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Motivation and Vaccine Advocacy

During her medical training in Pakistan, Seema witnessed firsthand diseases we don't see in the US, and have no reason to even think about, like polio and tetanus. She observes that in our world, people focus more on the theoretical risks of vaccines than on the very real risks of disease.

Being an immigrant also gives her a unique perspective on the importance of community for Pakistani immigrants. Connection and support are always what they seek. Navigating systems in a new country can be difficult, even as a physician, she points out. "When I think about immigrants and refugees who come without those advantages, I know the challenges can be overwhelming. If there are ways we can help ease that burden, I think that's incredibly important."

Diversity and Supporting South Asian Communities

Diversity in health care can help create and maintain trust in the patient-provider relationship. Someone with similar life experience, who speaks your native language, and who understands your culture can make a tremendous difference. We know people feel more at ease while describing their problems. Dr. Abbasi explains. "When you're talking in English, sometimes the words aren't the right ones to express your symptoms. So, there's always that element of comfort."

To encourage more of her community to pursue health care professions, one of her priorities is to raise families' awareness of resources for students interested in health care, thereby increasing diversity in the health care landscape.

To her peers, she wants to emphasize that South Asian communities and Pakistani communities specifically are very family-focused and community-oriented. They also have high regard for health care providers and prefer clear, specific recommendations from their physicians, not a 'leave it up to the patient to decide"

Building Trust With Patients

When asked about building trust with patients, Dr. Abbasi leads with the importance of being honest, giving them the right information, and saying you don't know when it is not black-and-white. Also, making them feel heard and trying to understand their point of view.

“I've worked with families who had hesitations around vaccines. My goal was always to understand where those concerns were coming from and then share my perspective respectfully.” She emphasized the need for flexibility, as the ultimate goal is to ensure children are vaccinated and protected. “I also think going the extra mile matters. There were times when patients had my cell phone number so they could reach out if they really needed help. Patients generally respect the boundaries and appreciate knowing their physician cares about them. When patients know their physician is on their side and that they're being treated respectfully, they are much more likely to follow through with the treatment plan.”

Challenges Facing Health Care Providers

Reflecting on her years of service, she considers the different challenges providers face. “As someone who has been practicing for more than 25 years, I've seen physicians gradually lose autonomy. More and more, physicians are being told how to practice rather than having the freedom to make their own decisions.” She continues to reflect on the recent pandemic and the toll it has taken on them. “COVID created enormous stress for health care providers, and with lower vaccination rates, we are now seeing vaccine-preventable diseases like measles that many of us thought we would no longer see.”

Advice to Peers and Those Starting Out

For Dr. Abbasi, a physician's mental and physical health are important. Taking care of each other and building relationships to support one another goes a long way.

“Another way to support staff on a larger scale is through retreats or coaching. Larger systems should invest in their physicians' well-being. One very positive development I've seen recently is the availability of physician coaching and wellness retreats. Physicians should take advantage of these.” She applauds peer-to-peer webinars, such as those Dr. Kira Mauseth facilitates. Dr. Kira Mauseth's webinars during the pandemic were a wonderful example of that kind of support, offering health care providers practical tools and strategies.

Work-life balance, as we have heard in our other spotlight conversations, is important to Dr. Abbasi. “It's important to maintain work-life balance and make decisions based on your own circumstances and priorities rather than other people's expectations.”””

"When my son was young, I worked only two days a week in urgent care because being present for my family was important to me. That balance allowed me to stay in the workforce while also caring for my family". Recognizing she was lucky to have that opportunity, she encourages others to determine what is right for them. Everyone has to decide what is right for them to build a sustainable and fulfilling career.

On the Future of Health Care

Dr. Abbasi sees advantages to using AI in health care and is optimistic about it. Removing some of the administrative burdens physicians face, such as using an AI scribe to document patient encounters. “In the last several years, with the use of computers in the exam room, it has been difficult to make eye contact with patients, who then felt unheard. Using a modality like AI Scribe might help with that. Providers can give undivided attention.” She does note that we have to introduce it safely, so it doesn't cause more complications than simplifying things.

Thoughts on Long COVID

As we wrapped up the conversation, she wanted to add thoughts on Long COVID. She mentions the webinars with Dr. Anita Chopra, which have provided her with new information to educate her community members. In her community, she notes that many members might not seek health care for mild, vague symptoms. making her wonder how well long COVID is captured in some of the South Asian and Pakistani communities. “There is still not enough awareness of long COVID. I've noticed that when people develop unusual symptoms or diagnoses, they often blame the vaccine. Sometimes they aren't even thinking that they recently had the COVID infection, which may have led to their current symptoms.”

Washington Updates, Highlights and Information

Vaccines

A co-branded postcard highlighting Washington's ongoing support for equitable access to childhood vaccines is available for all communities to share through the Childhood Vaccine Program. The postcard reassures families that our state continues to follow the recommended American Academy of Pediatrics child and adolescent immunization schedule, and that vaccine availability and school requirements have not changed. Designed for community outreach, the postcard is available in 19 languages to support equitable access to vaccine information. Providers and partners can download this and other resources from the Immunization Materials page.
DOH launched a new Vaccine Recommendations webpage in response to House Bill 2242 (PDF). The page provides current state immunization recommendations and related guidance for health care providers and local health jurisdictions.
Notice from Office of Immunization: Please remove the phone number 833-VAX-HELP (833-829-4357) from any materials you share. If you see this number being used by one of our partners, please ask them to remove it as well. Although the Office of Immunization previously used this number, it is no longer associated with our agency and is now owned by a different entity. Unfortunately, this entity is attempting to scam or obtain personal information from callers. In at least one instance, a caller was quoted a fee to receive their vaccination record.
Please use the following number instead: 1-866-397-0337.
Importance of Adult Immunizations: Manual for Community Health Workers and Health Promoters (PDF)
Measles Communications Toolkit for Washington State Partners (PDF)
Immunization for pregnant patients
West Coast Health Alliance, WA DOH, and Leading National Medical Organizations Continue to Recommend Hepatitis B Vaccination for Newborns
Eligibility for Publicly Funded Vaccines: A Guide for Providers (PDF)

Highlights

Maternal Mental Health Month: Maternal Mental Health Month is recognized every May and includes several campaigns to bring awareness about maternal mental health. The blue dot is the national symbol for mental health survivorship, support, and solidarity. In Washington, behavioral health conditions—including suicide and overdose—remain leading causes of maternal mortality (PDF).
- Moms’ Access Project ECHO: CME Series for Providers: MAP ECHO is a free, CME program connecting providers with experts in perinatal mental health and substance use care. Contact mcmh@uw.edu
- Perinatal Mental Health Technical Assistance: The PERC Center offers technical assistance for clinics and health care systems seeking to integrate perinatal mental health care into their services. Email mcmh@uw.edu to learn more.
- Perinatal Psychiatry Consultation Line for Providers (Perinatal PCL): The Perinatal PCL is a free program that connects providers in Washington to perinatal psychiatrists.
- Perinatal Support Washington: Perinatal Support Washington (PS-WA) is a statewide nonprofit offering peer support, therapy, support groups, provider training, and a resource directory.
- Free Perinatal Mental Health (Perinatal Support Washington): We’re recruiting 30 mental health providers to earn their PMH-C and begin seeing Medicaid patients. We’re seeking licensed mental health providers in WA State who want to specialize in perinatal care and expand access for Medicaid patients. Once PMH-C certified, the cohort will possess the skills needed to help families experiencing mental health conditions in the perinatal period. We especially encourage applications from providers of color and those working with underserved or hard- to-reach communities.
Youth-serving medical and behavioral health providers and professionals are invited to join the DOH Youth Friendly Care Network. The network is a statewide initiative for providers and professionals who want to deepen their understanding of youth-friendly care principles and establish or enhance youth-friendly care in their practice. To learn more or express interest, visit: Youth Friendly Care Network | Healthier Washington Collaboration Portal.

Additional Information

Care-a-Van services have been updated! Visit the Care-a-Van Mobile Health Services webpage for a list of services and additional details about the March locations. All services are not offered at every event.
Measles Cases in Washington State
DOH Launches Measles Exposure Map to Help Keep Washingtonians Safe
Respiratory Immunization Dashboard: Explore influenza, COVID-19, and RSV immunization data for pediatric and adult populations
A Monthly Bulletin on Epidemiology and Public Health Practice in Washington - EpiTRENDS (PDF)

News

In the News

May 27: Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee May 28, 2026 Meeting Announcement (Food and Drug Administration)
May 27: Seattle Hospitalists Vote to Unionize (MedPage Today)
May 27: Better prepandemic heart health may help prevent severe COVID (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy)
May 22: CDC confirms 59 new measles cases, 1,952 total (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy)
May 22: Minority children have higher odds of severe post-COVID complications, study suggests (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy)
May 18: Early antiviral use may lower risk of long COVID in mildly ill patients, aid recovery from infection (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy)
May 15: COVID vaccination may protect household members (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy)
May 15: US measles total nears 1,900, with 51 new cases (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy)

Events

Upcoming Events

June 3: Increasing Clarity and Confidence in Childhood Vaccines (Healthier Generation)
June 17: Strengthening Vaccine Confidence in Native Communities: Listening Back and Looking Forward (National Council of Urban Indian Health)
Jun 23: Pediatric Vaccine Conversations: Addressing Common Concerns (Center for Immunization Research and Education)
Ongoing: Free Streaming of "Shot in the Arm" Documentary on PBS
Ongoing: Olsterholm Update Podcast (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of MN)
Monthly: Vaccinate Your Family’s Vaccination Collaborative Meeting
Monthly: 2025 Rural HPV Vaccination Learning Community Series (American Cancer Society)
Monthly: UW Long COVID Focus Group – The American College of Physicians (ACP), in partnership with the UW Post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation and Recovery Clinic, is sponsoring an interest group with the goal of bringing health care providers, who care for Long COVID patients, together to provide education and share resources, experiences and clinical expertise

Resources

The Power of Providers initiative offers peer-to-peer webinars on a variety of topics, including Long COVID, behavioral health support for health care workers, vaccine hesitancy, and more. Vaccine topics are on this page in the Training Videos and Webinar Recordings section below.

Please go to the following pages for these specific topics:

Long COVID: Long COVID Resources for Providers
Behavioral health support: Well-Being in Health Care

Free Printed Patient Materials

Health care providers in Washington can access the POP Shop and order free materials in multiple languages to promote vaccination against COVID-19 and other illnesses. The POP Shop allows you and your staff to order posters, stickers, informational brochures and flyers, discussion guides, and much more.

Get step-by-step instructions (PDF) for ordering here.