At a time when many islanders are expressing concerns about health care on Vashon, two clinics have hired new health care providers, helping to alleviate staffing needs at both clinics.

Marnie Devlin, ARNP, joined Fulton Family Medicine this month, and at the Franciscan Medical Clinic, Dr. Scott Chaffin began in October, after having filled in there for a few weeks this summer. Representatives from both clinics say they are continuing to look to hire additional providers.

Scott Chaffin, D.O.

Chaffin, an osteopathic physician, lives on the island and joined the clinic after leaving a position at a Franciscan clinic in West Seattle to do so.

Scott Thompson, a spokesman for the Franciscan health system, said Franciscan officials had reviewed their clinic resources and asked him if he would like to make the switch — and he gladly accepted.

“They needed help here,” Chaffin said. “I live on the island and have been interested in working here, but there was no availability when I had started. … It is a better commute, too.”

Chaffin, a graduate of the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, is board certified in family medicine and in integrative holistic medicine. The focus of his practice, he said, is preventive medicine, integrative medicine, musculoskeletal medicine and osteopathic treatment, all in the context of family medicine.

From the beginning, he said, he was drawn to osteopathic medicine for its holistic philosophy and its training in hands-on treatment. Family medicine also drew him, he noted, because of its broad scope and the chance to work with people of all ages.

“I also really value the importance of continuity of care,” he added, noting that such continuity is often overlooked in what he called “our disease-care system,” which too rarely focuses on health instead of disease.

Outside of his professional life, Chaffin said he moved to Vashon two years ago from coastal Maine, and has an affinity for outdoor activities, including hiking, canoeing and skiing. His family includes a partner on the island and two daughters now in college.

“I have enjoyed my time here so far,” Chaffin said about his work at the clinic. “Everyone has been welcoming, and I think it is a good fit.”

Marnie Devlin, ARNP

Devlin, who graduated from Seattle University’s master of nursing program in August, specialized in family practice and says she appreciates the diversity of the field and the wide range of ages, health conditions and life transitions it includes.

“I like everything, but I have a special place in my heart for pediatrics,” she said, adding that following patients over time is important to her. “I enjoy working with people through the whole lifespan and the heath issues they encounter.”

While many medical graduates are not interested in working in rural areas, Devlin, who is a West Seattle native, said she does not consider Vashon all that rural and that she appreciates the traditional, personal feel of the clinic, where patients and staff know one another.

“It’s really wonderful that these clinics still exist,” she said.

Part of Seattle University’s mission is to serve the vulnerable and underserved, she added, saying that it feels good to be serving where she knows she is needed.

While this is her first job after graduation, she said she feels comfortable at the clinic and well supported by fellow nurse practitioner Julie McPhearson and owner and physician Gail Fulton.

Outside of work, Devlin said she is a soccer player and is looking to join a team; she is engaged to be married and after completing school is appreciating this transition time.

“I am enjoying breathing room and working and seeing what it was all for,” she said.