The Alaska Academy of Family Physicians (AKAFP) recently honored Kristen Lee, MD, as the Family Physician of the Year, recognizing her exceptional dedication to patient care and outstanding contributions to family medicine in Alaska.
“I am grateful and humbled by the honor of being selected as the Alaska Family Physician of the Year,” said Dr. Lee. “I am amazed at the energetic work and dedication shown by my colleagues, and I am astonished that they would consider me. Family physicians in Alaska serve every member of the population throughout the state, and to receive recognition from this group of incredible people is a truly special gift.”
Dr. Lee grew up in Eagle River before pursuing her medical education at the University of Washington School of Medicine’s Alaska WWAMI program. After completing her Family Medicine Residency in South Carolina, she returned to her roots in Alaska. Her journey back to the Kenai Peninsula began with a six-month stint as a *WRITE student in Soldotna, under the mentorship of Dr. Katy Sheridan (also an Alaska WWAMI graduate) and Dr. Kristin Mitchell, an experience that shaped her deep commitment to rural family medicine. She then practiced in Wasilla, before settling back in Soldotna.
“She has become a beloved and respected physician,” said AKAFP board member Dr. Shawn Vainio during the announcement at the Winter Update, a continuing medical education event held in Anchorage earlier this month. “Dr. Lee is known for her dedication to cradle-to-grave care, treating her patients with the same kindness and generosity she extends to her friends and colleagues. She serves with a big heart, always willing to go above and beyond to support those around her.”
As the preceptor at Upstream Family Medicine in Soldotna, Dr. Lee plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of physicians. She oversees clinical training for Alaska WWAMI students, ensuring they receive hands-on experience in a range of fields. At her clinic, patients benefit from both acute and chronic care, preventative services, OB and family planning, pediatrics, and minor procedures. Her students also gain invaluable experience through additional training at Central Peninsula Hospital, a key healthcare provider for the Central Kenai Peninsula.
Dr. Lee’s passion for her community and commitment to training future doctors reflects her unwavering dedication to providing high-quality, compassionate care.
* WRITE: The WWAMI Rural Integrated Training Experience, is an 18 to 22-week rural clinical medical training experience for third year students. The education program, developed by the University of Washington School of Medicine, was designed to help meet the need for rural physicians in the WWAMI region.