Katy Kwan, DMSc, PA-C
Location: Clackamas Clinic
Credentials: DMSc - Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, UT, PA-C - NCCPA, MMS - Arcadia University, Christiana, DE BA - Willamette University Salem, OR
Certified ✓ National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
“My care philosophy is to listen to each patient and parent carefully to try to understand their needs. I’m not at home with them so I won’t be able to understand their condition fully without hearing everything that is going on. I give each patient the time they deserve and dedicate the time needed to care for that individual.”
About Katy
Katy has always been drawn to medicine and loves kids. Working in pediatrics is the best of both worlds. During high school through the suggestion of her advisor, she decided to pursue this dream. Born in Hong Kong but immigrating to the U.S. at the age of 5, Katy feels like a native Oregonian. Katy earned her undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry from Willamette University in Salem, OR. She worked as a research assistant at OHSU, as a certified nursing assistant in an Alzheimer’s long-term care facility, and as a volunteer at Providence Portland Medical Center in cardiology. It was these experiences that led her to pursue a degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Arcadia University in Newark, DE/Glenside, PA. With a passion for continuing education, Katy recently completed her Doctor of Medical Science in Psychiatry through Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, UT.
As part of her PA training, she spent a month in Guatemala at the regional hospital in Zacapa and appreciated the expansive resources we have in the U.S. Katy joined Oregon Pediatrics in 2009, and with the guidance of Dr. Rupa Shah, has become a confident medical provider. She finds satisfaction in helping her patients become strong, healthy, and happy individuals, and being a part of the journey for patients and parents to make informed decisions about their care. Katy loves traveling, working out, and spending time with family and friends. She is fluent in Cantonese and enjoys learning new languages.
Fun Facts
I don't really have a favorite food. I love all food for the most part, and am willing to give everything a chance and will try it at least once.
I love to travel
I like to workout
Favorite childhood memory…
My favorite childhood memory is walking down the street with my grandmother in Hong Kong. I was only 3 or 4 years old at the time and remember walking up to the street vendor to ask for street food and then eating as we walked down the street, hand-in-hand. I left for the U.S. shortly after so I didn't get much time with her before she passed away.
About my family
I am married to a very gracious man who allows me to focus on my career and work late hours. We have no children or pets but I spend as much as I can with my nieces and my nephew. I care for my elderly mother the remainder of the time.
In my spare time…
In the little spare time that I have, I love spending time with my family, especially my nieces and nephews. It is amazing to watch them grow and develop their unique personalities. I enjoy working out at the gym and meeting new people. I try to get together with my friends for coffee to catch up, and explore new restaurants in Portland as there are so many types of cuisine available. I love traveling and exploring new places around the world. I'll watch my TV shows when I have a minute to myself.
A question I wish I was asked more…
I wish they would ask when they don't understand. Many times you see them nod and act like they understand but then they call back when they get home because they realize that they didn't fully comprehend the treatment plan. I love explaining how the body works and why a certain medication or a certain exercise would be beneficial.