Dr. Peter Valenzuela, medical director for PeaceHealth Medical Group, has been appointed to the new Robert Bree Collaborative by Gov. Christine Gregoire. The 20-member group will examine healthcare procedures to increase the use of evidence-based practices and improve quality health outcomes and cost-effectiveness of care. The group represents both public and private healthcare perspectives.

Valenzuela is the only member from north of King County. He was nominated by the Washington State Hospital Association.

Valenzuela joined PeaceHealth in February 2010. He previously chaired the department of family medicine and was assistant dean for clinical affairs at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center after spending five years as a rural family practice physician in his hometown of Fort Stockton, Texas.

For more information on the group and its role in helping the state prepare for federally directed healthcare reform, please visit the WSHA website.