Meet the Top Doctors: Dr. Kristin Conn, M.D.

Every year, we ask a few of Seattle’s Top Doctors what led them to medicine, what they wish patients knew, and how healthcare is changing. These interviews are part of Seattle magazine’s annual Top Doctors feature, created with Castle Connolly. None of the doctors paid to be included—all are nominated by their peers.

What led you into a career in medicine?

My first jobs out of college were in advertising. (I was a film major at Northwestern.) These were great experiences, and like any good job, I learned a lot about myself. I come from a family of excellent cooks and have a keen interest in nutrition. Several advertising accounts I worked on were food-related. I found myself searching for ways to infuse more study and learning about nutrition and health into my professional journey. When I learned about primary care, it seemed like a great fit for my skills and interests. My grandfather was a  general practitioner in Philadelphia at a time when there weren’t many doctors serving the Black community. His legacy inspired me to be aware of and responsive to the community where I work.

What is the most difficult part of your job?

There are many obstacles to good health that have little to do with the care provided by a health system. When these social and behavioral factors create barriers to good health, it can be frustrating for patients and difficult for the clinicians caring for them. We’re fortunate at Kaiser Permanente to have staff who work to address social needs.

What is one piece of advice you wish every patient would follow?

Stay on top of all your preventive care recommendations. These are age-specific, evidence-based actions to keep all of us healthy through avoiding preventable conditions (think vaccines!) and detecting illnesses early (cancer screening) when they can be more easily treated. If you have questions about these recommendations or personally feel you’re not at risk for health problems, that’s a great topic to bring up with a primary care physician, the subject matter experts in preventive care.

What is your advice for people interested in longevity?

Longevity is great. Quality of life is just as important as longevity. This is why I recommend focusing on lifestyle: get sufficient quality sleep, eat a nutrient-rich, plant-based diet, engage in regular exercise or joyful movement, maintain social connections, and pursue healthy practices that enhance your emotional health and sense of well-being.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

There are too many people who have felt shut out and not well cared for by health care systems in the past. I’m especially pleased when I’m able to connect meaningfully with patients and rebuild trust so they can experience the best of what we have to offer. These connections can also influence how we do our work and show up. When this occurs, patients are empowered and often have more clarity about their health and how to care for themselves.

What is your (personal) most important healthy habit?

There’s a lot I could do better (exercise, sleep), but one thing I’m very consistent with is eating vegetables and fruits every day. The day doesn’t feel complete if  haven’t hit my number of fruits and vegetables. We are so fortunate to have incredibly delicious, diverse, local, organic produce in the Pacific Northwest. The micronutrients, fiber, beauty, and flavors of these foods enrich our lives in a multitude of ways.