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Facilities » UW Medicine Neighborhood Clinics » Kent/Des Moines Clinic » Care Providers
Neighborhood Clinics Facility
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UW Medicine Kent/Des Moines Clinic

Care Providers


Matthew Blessing, MD
Pediatrics

Originally from Michigan, I moved to Seattle in 2005, where I met my fiance, Rebecca.  In my spare time, I enjoy playing soccer, tennis, and baseball.  I also follow my favorite team, the Detroit Tigers, closely.  Above all, I enjoy spending time outdoors with Rebecca.

Patient Care Philosophy:
I strive to empower parents and older patients to be active decision-makers in all care plans.  I try to provide guidance rather than be overly directive regarding long-term health issues.  My biggest passions in medicine are adolescent medicine, injury prevention, prevention of child abuse, and sickle cell anemia. 

  • Medical Degree:  Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine
  • Residency:  University of Washington 
  • Board Certification: American Board of Pediatrics

   
Michele Despreaux, MD
Internal Medicine

I chose internal medicine as a field because it gives me the opportunity to provide comprehensive care to many different types of patients. I am particularly interested in women's health and preventive medicine. In my free time, I enjoy reading, hiking, scuba diving and pottery.

Patient Care Philosophy:
I believe in listening to my patients and working with them to meet their health needs. I try to give each of my patients personal and individualized care.

  • Medical Degree: University of Pennsylvania
  • Residency: Yale University
  • Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine



Edward Dy, MD

Internal Medicine


I was born in the Philippines and moved to the U.S. more than 15 years ago.  I am Board Certified in Internal Medicine and have been in practice for more than 10 years. 

Besides English, I can also speak Filipino and Chinese.  I enjoy spending time with my family, writing computer programs and playing basketball.

Patient Care Philosophy:
I believe that health care is a team effort and that communication between physicians, patients, and their families is very important.  I enjoy educating patients about things they can do to prevent future health problems.

  • Medical Degree: University of Santo Tomas, Philippines
  • Residency: St. Francis Hospital, Evanston, Illinois
  • Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine 


Kim Emery, PA-C
Physician Assistant

I moved to the Pacific Northwest almost twenty-five years ago and fell in love with this area. I have found it to be a great place to raise my two children and continue to enjoy taking day-trips and exploring the countryside with my husband.

Patient Care Philosophy:
Partners in medicine. I take this statement very seriously and believe that the best approach to health care is working as a team with patients to make the best choices for each person in each circumstance.

  • P.A. Certificate: University of Washington (MEDEX Northwest)
  • Certification: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants 

  
Deborah Katz, MNS, RD, CDE, CD
Nutrition

As I Registered Dietician, I enjoy working with people of all ages and at all stages of life, from pregnancy to the unique needs of older patients. I am especially interested in how the foods we eat reflect who we are.

Patient Care Philosophy:
I believe that patients can play an active role in regaining and maintaining their health by making food choices that are compatible with both their lifestyle and specific nutritional needs.

  • Undergraduate Degree: University of Washington (Food Science and Nutrition)
  • Graduate Degree: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (Clinical Nutrition)
  • Certifications: Registered, American Dietetics Association; Certified, Washington State Department of Health



Doreen Kiss, MD (Pronounced Kish)
Pediatrics


I was born in the Midwest but moved to the beautiful Pacific Northwest in 1995.  I am married with two children.  Traveling to foreign lands will always be my passion.  Closer to home, I enjoy hiking, horseback and riding, and tennis.  I also enjoy aviation and received my private pilot's license. 

Patient Care Philosophy:
I believe that good communication between doctor and patient is essential.  As a pediatrician, I have the privilege of watching children and families grow.  I believe all children have amazing potential if given a safe and nurturing environment in which to thrive.  My primary medical interest include: asthma, infectious disease, and preventative care.  I enjoy serving all ages of patients from newborn to adolescent.

  • Medical Degree: University of Minnesota
  • Residency: Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
  • Board Certification: American Board of Pediatrics



Michael Lauinger, MD

Internal Medicine

I enjoy exploring preventive health issues and cardiology in addition to keeping up to date with medical advances. I enjoy spending time with my wife while not working, as well as playing basketball, running and hiking, and keeping up with family and friends.

Patient Care Philosophy:
Encouraging a healthy lifestyle and screening to detect medical conditions early are the cornerstones of primary care. Once a condition is diagnosed, empowering patients with knowledge of their condition and its treatment and forging a cooperative relationship are essential to preventing long term complications and allowing patients to remain able to do the things they enjoy.

  • Medical Degree: Georgetown University
  • Residency: Loyola
  • Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine

 
Brenda Lee Stavish, RN, MSN, ARNP
Family Nurse Practitioner

I love to spend time with my husband and daughter.  I have a passion for theater performance and singing.  Other hobbies that I enjoy are gardening and Hawaiian quilting.

Patient Care Philosophy:
I believe that the art of healing is both a privilege and a gift.  Creating a harmony of the physical, the emotional and the spiritual capacities are the main goals of my practice.  I chose family practice because it allows me to help people of all ages.  I have a particular interest in obstetrics, women's health, and pediatric care.

  • Medical Degree:  BSN, University of British Columbia and MSN & FNP, Seattle Pacific University.
  • Certification: American Nurses Credentialing Center