Dr. Nathan Parker is an OB/GYN physician and surgeon at Women's Healthcare Associates in Portland, Oregon.
“My approach to medicine is one grounded by the understanding that health is more than merely the absence of disease. I thrive in a setting where we can create a safe space for patients to articulate their needs shame free and support the body's natural processes whenever possible. And, when medical interventions are necessary, it's a privilege to sit down and provide patient education not only on the paths forward but the rationale behind these options.”
Recognizing he had the capacity to help people in broader and different ways, Dr. Parker found his way to medicine after completing his undergraduate degree in jazz studies. Strong female role models and advocates for women’s health abound in his family, which is one of the reasons he is drawn to the field of OB/GYN. He is a robotics-trained minimally invasive surgeon and enjoys using his skills in gynecologic surgery to treat a variety of issues, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, fibroids, gynecologic tumors, pelvic pain, precancerous lesions and ovarian cysts.
In addition to surgery, Dr. Parker really enjoys the continuity of care that can span a lifetime in this profession. He loves the full spectrum of obstetrics and gynecology and enjoys working with people across their lives—from adolescents to geriatric patients—on topics ranging from safe sex and STI prevention, to preconception and pregnancy options counseling, to managing menopausal changes. He also approaches helping people with chronic pelvic pain in a unique way using his osteopathic training to consider muscular, skeletal, and fascial causes and treatments. Wellness and preventative care are personal passions, and Dr. Parker brings his own experience with movement and nutrition as therapy in working with his patients to help them achieve their wellness goals.
In addition to advocating for his patients and their decisions every day, Dr. Parker has also participated in broader advocacy on issues related to reproductive healthcare access and women’s health. When he’s not working, he enjoys all things outdoors—hiking, biking, kayaking, soccer, rock climbing—as well as the food, wine and music offerings of the Pacific Northwest.
Residency:
Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, 2021
Medical School:
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2017
Undergraduate Degree:
Bachelor of Music, Trumpet Performance - Jazz Studies, Elmhurst College, 2011
Post-Baccalaureate:
Pre-medicine, Elmhurst College, 2012
Dr Parker was amazing! I just wish I had found him sooner
I am blown away by how kind and caring my care team was. Thank you so much!
Dr. Parker is very friendly and approachable which makes it easy to ask him questions. I feel heard when visiting with him.
I switched because my previous doctor and midwife made me feel unimportant and I’m just another patient having a baby. My first appointment my midwife and doctor made me feel important and that they were going to be with me every step of the way. This is my first pregnancy and I’m so happy I switched. Loved everyone I met from the receptionist, nurses, midwife and doctor.
My provider went above and beyond. I had an IUD put in the year prior and it became imbedded in my uterus. At this visit he took a few extra minutes to do an transvaginal ultrasound to make sure this one was in correctly. It showed that he genuinely care about me and the placement. I didn?t realize in the moment what that simple act meant, but it helped to rebuild a strained relationship I have with obgyns (nothing your clinic did caused this strain). I really appreciated him in that moment and I would trust him with all of my future care.
Everyone was really sweet and made me feel cared for!
Dr Parker was thoughtful and incredibly empathic. I feel much less stressed or fear in attending appointments
Attentive
Dr. Parker gives very compassionate care. Every step of the way, he always included me in the decision making process of my healthcare. He was thoughtful, responsive, and empathetic. In the unfortunate circumstance of a post-op complication, I felt that he made himself available for advice and an appointment when I needed it. The advice RNs were also very helpful and quick with triage and response.
Both Dr. Parker and Katharine, the nurse, are kind, considerate, and professional. I appreciate how they share information and respond to questions and care about my comfort and health.
Dr. Nathan Parker is the best and I love working with him. He makes me feel like he really cares about me and my health.
My doctor remembered (or at least had checked his notes) that my dad had been put in hospice before my last appointment (over a year ago) and checked in with me about it. I really appreciate that he noted that big event at my last visit and reviewed his notes prior to this one. It showed care about me as a human and a nice attention to detail.
My first encounter with Dr Parker-I would like to have him be my gynecologist since Dr Hamilton is working less.He was easy to talk to and careful and gentle...
The staff and doctor made sure I was comfortable. Gave me adequate information on how to take care of myself and when I should come in. I was very happy with my choice choosing this clinic as I haven’t made it a habit to have check-ups and felt like now is the time to start.
He was extremely nice and made me feel very comfortable
I absolutely LOVE Dr. Parker. He was so incredibly attentive and kind.
I appreciated the thoroughness and care from Dr. Parker and all the assisting staff throughout the procedure. I would recommend this facility and provider to my friends and family.
Very professional and made me feel comfortable during visit.
It has been a long time since I have had a doctor that was so pleasant and informative and thoughtful.
He is a very gracious and wonderful provider, although he is not my gynecologist, I feel comfortable seeing him as needed when my gynecologist is not available. Thank you!
Dr. Parker was warm, kind and caring. Much appreciated.
I was blown away by how incredibly kind and empathetic the nurse and doctor were during my visit. It was a very delicate matter and they handled wonderfully.
Dr. Parker was kind and attentive. I appreciated that he allowed plenty of space for me to ask questions and he explained things clearly and thoroughly. He made the check up a very positive experience. The nurse was great, too.
He was really great—very kind and thorough
In each visit with Dr. Parker he has always taken the time to thoroughly answer any questions or respond to any concerns. Visits have never felt rushed and he seems to genuinely want to help patients with any issues they may be having.
Dr. Parker was incredibly nice and his bedside manner creates ease and a comfortable environment.