As a physician specially trained in emergency medicine, Dr. Ciara Barclay-Buchanan leads a team of expert health care clinicians who treat people with illnesses or injuries that could be life-threatening or pose an immediate risk to their health and well-being.
She was honored with a 2023 Physician Excellence Award in recognition of the exceptional leadership and collaborative spirit in her former role as Vice Chair of Clinical Operations for Emergency Medicine. These awards are special because the nominations come from peers—clinicians and staff who felt compelled to share how these physicians are creating legacies at UW Health as gifted teachers, visionary leaders and extraordinary clinicians.
Dr. Barclay-Buchanan is the first person to celebrate the accomplishment of a peer, advocate for women in health care and encourage others to take the lead. So, it’s no surprise that when it’s her turn for recognition, she immediately shines the spotlight on her team.
“Emergency medicine is a team sport — it’s an incredibly dedicated and highly skilled group of individuals coming together to care for patients and their families at a time of need. The team is ready for anything and is committed to providing remarkable health care. It’s both humbling and rewarding to be invited into and trusted to help an individual and their family navigate a moment of crisis,” she says.
In October 2023, Dr. Barclay-Buchanan was named Chief Medical Officer for University Hospital. In her new hospital leadership role, Dr. Barclay-Buchanan works collaboratively with other system leaders to improve access, quality, safety, patient experience, productivity and efficiency of physician practice.