Jessica Bircher, MD, MPHS
Provider Bio
Jessica Bircher (formerly Holttum), MD is an obstetrician/gynecologist with Women's Healthcare Associates, LLC in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Bircher's primary hospital location is Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center in Northwest Portland.
From the Provider
“I came into medicine wanting to advocate for the needs of people who identify as LGBTQ+; to create safe spaces that are not just tolerant and accepting—but welcoming and affirming. My goal in working with all people is connect on a human level and to make a difference. Regardless of whether we are able to find a solution in that moment—they leave with a better understanding and assurance that I am on their side.”
About the Provider
Dr. Bircher was considering a career in mental health when her undergraduate peer health group set her on a path to obstetrics and gynecology. There, she recognized the scarcity of accurate sexual health information and the role of reproductive healthcare providers in advocacy, public health and healthcare policy. In medical school, she was drawn to the varied nature of gynecologic care over the lifespan and the ability to make a huge difference in how people experience their sexual and reproductive health through education, medicine and surgery. She is passionate about creating a safe space for people who identify as LGBTQ+. In addition to complete wellness, gynecology and obstetric care, Dr. Bircher has a special interest in caring for people who identify as transgender or non-binary and performs some types of gender-affirming treatments, including hysterectomy and oophorectomy. She also enjoys contraceptive counseling, helping people address abnormal bleeding, partnering with patients in reaching their wellness goals and minimally invasive surgery.
Outside of the exam room, Dr. Bircher enjoys advocating for patient access, reproductive choice and women in medicine. Born and raised in the Seattle area, she is happy to be back in the Pacific Northwest after medical school and residency. She loves all things food and beverage—cooking, baking, food festivals, wine and beer tasting—and balances these pursuits with hiking and backpacking. She and her spouse have two cats and are enjoying establishing their home in Portland.
Hospitals
Education
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Residency:
Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Minnesota, 2022
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Medical School:
Doctor of Medicine/Master of Population Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, 2018
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Undergraduate Degree:
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology with honors, University of Washington, 2013
Jessica was amazing. Even though she was running late, I never felt rushed during the exam or when talking to her medical concerns.
She was fantastic!
Dr. Bircher and her staff are the kindest, most knowledgeable, and helpful of any OBGYN I've seen. They are truly world-class!
Dr. Bircher really is a brilliant provider and creates a safe, warm, relaxed and understanding environment for what otherwise can be a subfuscous experience.
great listener and friendly
I cannot express how good of an experience i had with Dr Holttum as well as her nurse (i think that would be the correct term), Fallon. Both of them made me feel listened to, comfortable and validated. Both of them took actual time to listen to me and hear me out. I NEVER felt rushed. I have never had such a positive experience with any doctor before. I felt like a person and not just another patient on the list.
Dr. Holtum is awesome!
I adore the surgeon. She has burgundy in her hair that matches her shoes (which instantly made me autistically happy), and she wears rainbow and pronoun pins. Her manner is calm, patient, very kind, and approachable. She also patiently listened to and answered all my questions. She even Googled images to show me and drew diagrams to make sure I understood everything. I have a difficult time trusting healthcare providers, because as a trans and autistic person, I've had numerous traumatic experiences in the healthcare system. However, I trust Dr. Holttum.
Very attentive, gave good advice/guidance.
Dr. Holttum has been patient, kind, communicative and compassionate during a very difficult time. My family and I greatly appreciate her care.
I was thoroughly impressed with Dr Holttum's care. She was early to the appt., made me feel very comfortable, listened carefully with eye contact - withOUT multi-tasking, asked relevant questions and offered great information. She spent a good deal of time with me and it was so appreciated.
Dr. Holttum was my care provider and made me feel comfortable when I was in extreme pain. She was attentive to my needs and helped me with a care plan and was always available when I needed her.
Dr. Jessica Holttum is wonderful!!! I originally wanted to go to Dr. Rangel so I was hesitant to go to Dr. Holttum but I am soooo glad I got her. I will see her again next year for my check up.
Thorough, knowledgeable, patient,
I hope I can continue to work with Dr. Holttum. She is honest and reassuring at the same time. I have total confidence in her knowledge and choices. She also treated me with respect and validated my experiences in a way I'm not 100% used to, without being fancy about it, but like it's her normal. Just the best. Thank you for hiring her.