Dr. Casey Kernan is the latest physician to join the Suquamish Tribe’s Healing House, a clinic serving Suquamish families, other American Indians and Alaska natives, and families across Kitsap County.

“I’ve known Casey since his residency days and have been impressed by his ability to really listen to patients and motivate them on their health journeys,” said Dr. Kristine Ewing, medical director at Healing House and a colleague of Kernan since his days in training as a medical resident. “His patient-centered, compassionate approach is an excellent fit for our integrated care model.”

Kernan completed his undergraduate studies at Oregon State University and earned his medical degree at Kansas City University, a Suquamish news release states. After completing his residency at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, he launched a small clinic in East Bremerton during the COVID pandemic, where he cared for people at all stages of life, with a special focus on LGBTQIA patients.

Kernan joins Ewing, a board-certified family physician, and Dr. Alex Kraft, a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist at the clinic. The tribe says his addition will help expand access to comprehensive family medicine services for Healing House’s diverse patient population, which includes:

• 43% Medicaid patients who have historically faced barriers to care.
• 59% Suquamish tribal members and 13% from other tribes.
• 27% pediatric patients and 13% over age 65.

The Healing House focuses on providing high-quality, culturally appropriate care to underserved communities, per the release. Patients can access conventional treatment along with nutritional guidance and herbal medicine.

The staff collaborates closely with the tribe’s community health team and with the Suquamish Wellness Center, which offers mental health counseling and treatment for substance use disorders.

“The team-based approach at Healing House is how healthcare should be, rather than operating in silos,” Kernan said.