EvergreenHealth hand surgeon Joseph Woodward, MD, came to the Puget Sound region in 2017 to start a hand surgery program at the hospital. He soon realized EvergreenHealth is a different kind of hospital where physicians and advanced practice providers are represented throughout hospital leadership, and patient outcomes and community care needs are the top priority.
“The hospital gives us a lot of freedom to make the right decision for our patients,” Dr. Woodward said. “EvergreenHealth is a special place, and it’s a culture that worth protecting.”
Since starting at EvergreenHealth, Dr. Woodward and his wife, Kyla Woodward, RN, PhD, have supported the community-owned hospital through philanthropy and volunteer work.
In 2024, Dr. Woodward partnered with EvergreenHealth Foundation to establish the Physician’s and Advanced Practice Provider’s Circle: a workplace giving program that keeps clinicians engaged in philanthropy. Kyla Woodward joined the Evergreen Gala Committee in 2026 and was instrumental in the success of the 25th anniversary fundraiser.
“That ethos of taking care of the community around you were transmitted to both of us,” Kyla Woodward said. In her family, community service was closely tied to religion while Dr. Woodward’s mom and stepdad were always engaged in local causes.
The Woodward family truly believes in the mission of EvergreenHealth and sees workplace giving as a natural extension of their commitment to their community.
“For those who feel ‘I don’t need to give more to work,’ it helps to look at it another way,” Dr. Woodward said. “You’re investing in your future and you’re investing in where you work by keeping it a great place.”
Learn more about the distinctive Physician’s and Advanced Practice Providers Circle at EvergreenHealth.