About me

Dr. Walker is currently Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Health Systems & Population Health at the University of Washington, Seattle. He is nationally recognized for his expertise in leadership development and coaching of physicians and other senior healthcare leaders, improving quality measures, and leading change in medical institutions. 

A seasoned physician executive and clinician, he brings together expertise in clinical systems improvement and a clinically-informed coaching style that has allowed him to assist physicians and senior executives in their journey of leadership self-improvement and professional growth.

After completing a Masters Degree in Health Administration at the UW, Dr. Walker served as Chief Medical Officer for the UW Medical Center and as a core faculty member of the UW Master of Health Administration program. His principal community outreach continues as Senior Physician Advisor for the Washington State Medical Association’s Center for Leadership Development, where he has created evidence-based leadership development programs and governance education for senior healthcare executives and physicians.

As a clinician, Dr. Walker spent 20 years as the psychiatric consultant for the UW Family Medicine Clinic and was Chief of Psychiatry at UW Med Center. His academic research career focus has been integration of mental health into primary and specialty care medical settings and the association of childhood maltreatment with medically unexplained physical symptoms in adulthood.