Meet your MEC: Christina Meier, MD

‘I have never had such confidence in my staff’

In this series, we’ll meet members of the Medical Executive Committees (MECs) at Salem and West Valley hospitals so you can get to know the people behind these leadership roles. Next up, Christina Meier, MD, Medical Specialty Department Chair for West Valley Hospital. Dr. Meier specializes in emergency medicine.

What does it mean to you to be Medical Specialty Department Chair for West Valley Hospital?

I care about West Valley Hospital and the population we serve. I enjoy working with the rural population as well as those who commute to see us and our patients are truly grateful for the care we provide. Working here as an emergency physician is very gratifying and being a part of improving the system has just added to the meaning of the work I do. 

What made you want to specialize in emergency medicine?

I enjoy caring for people when they need it the most, on their worst day, which is often the day they come into the Emergency Department. The variety of patients and never knowing what you are going to see that shift is also appealing.

Why are you a doctor?

I wanted to be a doctor because my father was an anesthesiologist, and I always went to work with him when I was little for Take Your Daughter to Work Day. He truly loved his career, was a wonderful mentor and I always wanted to follow in his footsteps. 

What do you want most for your patients?

I want my patients to leave the Emergency Department with knowledge. Hopefully, we can identify the problem and the solution, but even when we cannot, I want them to leave knowing the best next steps and that nothing “scary” is going on.

What’s a fun fact about you we’d never guess?

I was a medic in the Army right out of high school. Some people are surprised by that. 

What are you watching or reading right now?

We are watching the Apple series, “Your Friends & Neighbors” and we just watched “The Roast of Kevin Hart.” Hilarious. I am also reading a thriller novel, which is typical for me. 

What do you do in your free time? Hobbies?

I enjoy playing piano, hiking, going to breweries, watching Raiders football and I spend a lot of time running after my toddler! 

What’s a favorite local landmark you enjoy and why?

I love Multnomah Falls, but also the Columbia River Gorge as a whole for hiking. I grew up hiking to the top of Larch Mountain with my family, so that place has special memories for me. 

Best local restaurant (and your order)?

Our family really enjoys PDX Sliders. Burgers are amazing and mini burgers mean you can eat two or three! Their loaded fries are also bomb.

What do you like most about West Valley Hospital?

I love our nurses, techs and staff. They are the best. I've worked in a number of rural hospitals and have never had such confidence in my staff in all ED situations. And they are fun to be around. 

What’s the best advice you ever heard?

Look how our pets live, always in the present moment. They don't dwell on the past or worry about the future. Try to live like they do as much as possible. 

Thank you for sharing with us, Dr. Meier! We look forward to speaking with our next MEC member, Salem Hospital Primary Care Department Chair Sarah Webber, MD, in our next issue.