Doctor's Day Recognition 2025
In recognition of Doctor’s Day, we’re featuring some Valley physicians across different specialties. They reflect on what led them to medicine, what they value most about their specialty, and how they maintain balance outside of work. Their insights provide a look into the experiences and motivations that shape their careers. We appreciate the dedication of all our physicians and the care they provide to our community every day.
To learn more about each featured provider, click on their name below to jump to their story:
- Judy Li, DO | Pediatric Neurology
- Adam Stephenson, DO | Newcastle Primary Care
- Marcie Solondz, MD | Hospitalist Group
- Wendy Anan, MD | Nephrology Clinic
- Stanley Leung, MD | InCyte Diagnostics
- Philip Lund, MD | Vantage Radiology & Diagnostic Services
- Seema Rai, MD | Cascade Primary Care
- Stephen Eulau, MD | Radiology Oncology
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Judy Li, DO
Pediatric Neurology
What inspired you to become a doctor?
I knew I wanted to work with children for a long time, but by the time I got to high school, I became really interested in the STEM fields, especially medical sciences. I was inspired to become a pediatric neurologist when working with a neurologist during my pediatrics training. We saw the most interesting and complex patients and that’s when I switched gears from just pediatrics to pediatric neurology.
What do you love most about your specialty?
Pediatric neurology is a great specialty, you get to see how a young person develops and changes over the years. The brain is brilliant and can adopt to even challenging medical conditions that children may face. You also get to develop partnerships with parents to find the optimal solutions to help their child, everyone’s situation is very individual and unique. I think that’s where the art of medicine plays a big role.
Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career?
My program director, but my residency training during pediatric neurology as a whole, plays the biggest influence in how I practice medicine today. I often keep those same pearls I learned over a decade ago and apply them to my patient care every day. Neurology as a field is always changing, there’s exciting research coming out all of the time, so we have to be humble and keep learning. Also, there’s a saying that “patients don’t read the textbook”, meaning patients don’t always present with the classic symptoms you would expect, this keeps me on my toes.
Outside of practicing medicine, how do you prioritize self-care?
I have a couple of hobbies, but I love to just relax on the weekends with my two huskies and my husband. I love to play guitar, listen to vinyl records, and go to concerts especially jazz. Recently, I started to learn how to crochet and it’s been sometimes frustrating, but also really fun to make a unique item that no one else has!
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Adam Stephenson, DO
Newcastle Primary Care
What inspired you to become a doctor?
The chance to interact with people and help them help themselves. Originally, I'd wanted to go into biochemistry to help people from that front. However, I soon realized that working in a lab was not for me, that despite identifying as an introvert, I found I craved directly interacting with people and making a difference.
What do you love most about your specialty?
I really enjoy the longitudinal relationship I can build with my patients. Being able to see the impact I am making on their quality of life over the years is very rewarding.
Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career?
I'd love to say that it was my various faculty and professors (VFM!), but in terms of shaping my career, it would again have to go back to the patients. That's because the daily interactions with patients make me adjust my practice, constantly- learning more about subjects they request assistance in that caused me to stretch my learning or flex my practice.
Outside of practicing medicine, how do you prioritize self-care?
Taking care of yourself helps you take better care of your patients and family but sometimes it's hard to recognize you need to take the time to do that. I think it's important to find something you are passionate about that helps you relieve stress or otherwise take care of yourself. I like to play basketball. I'm not very good, but I enjoy it and it gives me a drive to stay active.
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Marcie Solondz, MD
Hospitalist Group
What inspired you to become a doctor?
I wanted to become a doctor because I’ve always had a deep love for the sciences—the way the human body works, how every system is interconnected, and how small changes can lead to significant outcomes. The human element in medicine is what truly drew me in. I wanted a career where I could merge my passion for science with the opportunity to connect with people, build relationships, and make a tangible impact on their well-being. For me, being a doctor isn’t just about being the expert; it’s about listening, empathizing, and using that knowledge to help others.
What do you love most about your specialty?
I love being an internist/hospitalist because every day brings something new—a fresh set of challenges, a new puzzle to solve. The human body is incredibly complex, and no two cases are the same. I get to work with people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life, which means I’m constantly exposed to a broad spectrum of medical issues. Even after over 10 years of practice I am still exposed to new challenges whether it's a rare condition, an unusual presentation of a common disease, or a patient whose symptoms don’t fit the usual patterns. Every patient brings a unique story, and every diagnosis is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career?
The people who have influenced my career the most are my clinical teachers, peers, and current colleagues. My clinical teachers taught me the importance of being thorough, compassionate, and dedicated to patient care. My peers challenged my thinking and reminded me of the value of collaboration. And my current colleagues—doctors, nurses, and other professionals—continue to shape my practice through teamwork, resilience, and shared learning. Together, they’ve helped me become a better doctor by constantly pushing me to learn, improve, and stay grounded in what truly matters: the patient.
Outside of practicing medicine, how do you prioritize self-care?
I prioritize self-care by making time for activities that help me recharge and maintain balance. Spending quality time with family and friends is at the top of my list, as those connections keep me grounded and provide support. I also enjoy trying new restaurants, which allows me to explore different flavors and cultures in a relaxed, enjoyable way. Traveling helps me reset and gain fresh perspectives, while snowboarding gives me a chance to be active and clear my mind outdoors. These activities all help me stay refreshed and energized for both my personal and professional life.
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Wendy Anan, MD
Nephrology Clinic
What inspired you to become a doctor?
My mother was the first to recognize my natural curiosity and my desire to serve others. She saw qualities in me that aligned with the heart of medicine—compassion, intellectual curiosity, and a deep sense of responsibility toward others. I was always fascinated by the human body and the science behind how it functions, and the idea of making a tangible difference in people’s lives through medicine was incredibly appealing. Choosing to become a doctor felt less like a decision and more like a calling.
What do you love most about your specialty?
Nephrology is a field that requires both dedication and adaptability. What I love most is the deep, long-term relationships I build with my patients. Kidney disease is complex and often chronic, which means I’m not just treating a condition—I’m walking alongside my patients through their journey. It challenges me intellectually while also allowing me to serve as a guide, a problem-solver, and sometimes even a source of comfort. The responsibility is great, but so is the fulfillment.
Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career?
Beyond my mother’s encouragement, my patients have had the greatest influence on my career. They remind me every day why I chose this path. Their resilience, trust, and the relationships we build continually reinforce my commitment. Nephrology doesn’t operate on a strict schedule—my phone rings at all hours, and my work extends far beyond the clinic or hospital. That level of dedication is not just a job requirement but a privilege, and it has shaped me into the physician I am today.
Outside of practicing medicine, how do you prioritize self-care?
I believe that being at my best—physically, mentally, and emotionally—allows me to provide the best care for my patients. I prioritize exercise, sleep, and a healthy diet because a strong body and mind lead to clearer decision-making and better patient outcomes. Mental health is equally important, not just for myself but for those around me. When I take care of myself, I hope to inspire my patients to do the same. Wellness isn’t just personal; it’s a ripple effect.
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Stanley Leung, MD
InCyte Diagnostics
What inspired you to become a doctor?
Ever since I was a kid, I always found what was going on in a hospital to be a fascinating mystery - people go in sick and come out better. And what was even more interesting was that it didn’t seem like it was the work of just one person (although I suppose a lot of TV shows make it out that way), but that it required a complex system of highly trained, smart people to get folks from sick to healthy.
What do you love most about your specialty?
Pathology is like taking an art history class - you get to see pretty pictures (morphology) and interpret not only what you see in the picture, but also interpret the picture in the context of macro events (clinical history, gross and endoscopic findings etc). And just like in art, no two observers will always make the same interpretation with the same picture.
Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career?
I suppose it would be my dad. He never complained about his work, always made the extra effort to do his work well and treat his colleagues with respect, and never sought anything extra for that effort despite a lot of inequities he faced.
Outside of practicing medicine, how do you prioritize self-care?
I’m 20 pounds overweight, never exercise, and I have a standing order of bacon (and corned beef hash every Monday and Friday) every morning at Trendz. So binge watching Netflix and bad movies aren’t probably the best choices for me. But I do take a lot of pleasure in seeing my kids finding an interest they want to pursue with diligence and joy.
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Philip Lund, MD
Vantage Radiology & Diagnostic Services
What inspired you to become a doctor?
I was inspired to become a doctor by seeing the impact a physician can have in peoples lives.
What do you love most about your specialty?
During medical school and various clinical rotations, it was clear that if you wanted to know about the interesting cases in the hospital go to radiology and talk with the radiologists. At the time I was in medical school there were huge advances in radiology, ultrasound, progression of CT technology and onset of MR imaging. Radiology has continued to have a major impact in the diagnosis and care of our patients.
Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career?
My parents were missionaries, and I grew up in South America. I had the opportunity to work with one of the mission doctors (Dr. Bill Douce) a general surgeon who was the only physician taking care of hundreds of people in a remote region of the Andes mountains in south Ecuador, showing me just how important one person can be in the lives of those around us.
Outside of practicing medicine, how do you prioritize self-care?
Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my wife, traveling and reading.
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Seema Rai, MD
Cascade Primary Care
What inspired you to become a doctor?
My motivation to become a doctor stem from desire to help people in a meaningful way from alleviating suffering to improving health. Growing up in rural in India I saw the encouragement for higher education all around me including my encouraging parents and wonderful community instilling in me the passion for science and problem solving. I see medicine as not my career but my calling.
What do you love most about your specialty?
One of the important things I love about family medicine is that I get to care for the family throughout their lives, getting to know multiple generations at the same time. I cherish the deep bond and trust that I have built with each of my patients and families watching them grow and being part of some of the most important moments in their life. It is very rewarding to see my direct impact on their health whether I am helping them manage their chronic illness effectively or aiding them in making lifestyle changes that improve their physical and emotional wellbeing.
Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career?
Growing up as a child I was always impressed by my family physician whenever I visited the clinic who likely sowed the seed of becoming a doctor in me. Setting up the tough goal of competing to attend medical school among millions of kids also happened very early on. After completing the long process of becoming a doctor and practicing not only in India but also spending part of my training in the UK before moving to US and finishing residency what keeps me going in the field is the ability to connect with my patients to help them every day. I love the community and the diverse demographics that I serve at Valley.
Outside of practicing medicine, how do you prioritize self-care?
Practicing Self-care is priority for me to keep up with my personal wellbeing , along with maintaining professional effectiveness. When I am not working, I love spending time with my husband, who is also my friend of over 30 years. I derive joy in taking care of my 2 lovely daughters. I enjoy reading, knitting, crocheting, and listening to Indian music. Volunteering time my daughter’s high school dance team gives me opportunity to stay engaged and close to her during this busy phase of her life. Despite my busy schedule, maintaining a balance between work and other relaxing activities that are impotent to me is something that I always make sure to do for my own health and to provide my patients with the care that they deserve.
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Stephen Eulau, MD
Radiation Oncology
What inspired you to become a doctor?
I was not one of those individuals who knew from age 8 years old that I wanted to become a doctor. In fact, I graduated from college and thought I wanted to be a schoolteacher. I had an emergency credential and started working as a high school science teacher in Los Angeles in the 80s. I quickly realized that it all revolved around classroom management and very little around actual teaching. At that point, I decided I would become a teacher but at the college level. I started graduate studies in molecular biology. I soon discovered that research was not for me. I found it socially isolating, lonely work, which didn't fit my personality at all. At that point it dawned on me that I could combine my interest in people and science by becoming a doctor. I applied to medical school and here we are!
What do you love most about your specialty?
What I love most about radiation oncology is the ability to sit with our patients and their family, helping them navigate a difficult time. Typically, this is their first experience with a life-threatening diagnosis. It is an absolute privilege to comfort them with knowledge and support as they work through their treatment course.
Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career?
When I was a medical student, I became acquainted with Dr. James Goodnight who was a surgical oncologist. He was hands down the most compassionate and energetic caregiver I have ever met. He encouraged me to pursue a career in cancer care and for that I am forever indebted to him.
Outside of practicing medicine, how do you prioritize self-care?
I am blessed to share life with my wonderful spouse and our children. My wife has a particularly large extended family, and we find ourselves doing activities with them most weekends. When I can, I love to ski with friends at Stevens Pass or go for bike rides all over the Puget Sound.