MEDICAL LAKE, Wash. – Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake was honored with a Distinguished Service Award from Washington State University’s College of Medicine for its exceptional contributions to the education of future healthcare professionals, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) said in a release.
On Wednesday, April 16, DSHS said the award was presented at WSU’s third annual Clinic Awards Banquet. Dr. Matt Layton, WSU’s Interim Vice Chair of Psychiatry, introduced Eastern State Hospital to attendees, emphasizing its vital role in medical students’ clinical education.
Dr. Carl Heine, WSU’s Regional Dean for the Spokane campus, highlighted the importance of community partnerships. “We rely on our community partners to train our student clinicians,” he said. “We absolutely need our community partners like Eastern State Hospital.”
Dr. Heine expressed pride in the institution, noting, “The reason for Eastern State Hospital to be proud is that this is an endorsement from students who found their clinical time with you to be informative, positive, and ultimately an enjoyable experience.”
Dr. Layton, who has worked with Eastern State Hospital for 26 years, acknowledged the hospital’s enduring partnership with WSU and its impact on mental health care training. He praised the staff, including clinical nurse specialist Laurel Brink, for their dedication to students.
