Steve

Mitchell

MD, FACEP

biography

Steve Mitchell, MD, FACEP, is Interim Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Washington. His work focuses on healthcare system operations, disaster management, and emergency airway management. Known for bridging clinical expertise with strategic systems thinking, Dr. Mitchell has advanced emergency care delivery through collaboration across hospitals, agencies, and emergency medical services. He served as Medical Director of the Harborview Medical Center Emergency Department from 2012 to 2023, leading a high-acuity Level I trauma center and regional safety-net ED that serves patients from across Washington and the WWAMI region. 

In 2020, he founded and began directing the Washington Medical Coordination Center (WMCC), which oversaw the coordination of patient movement statewide to ensure timely access to specialty care—especially for smaller and rural hospitals. Under his leadership through 2025, the WMCC became a nationally recognized model for coordinating large-scale healthcare systems during disasters.

Dr. Mitchell now brings this collaborative approach to leading the department, building on its strong foundation in clinical care, research, and education. He is committed to fostering innovation, supporting teamwork, and ensuring every member feels connected to the mission of advancing emergency medicine for patients, learners, and communities.

Education & Training: 

• MD, University of Washington School of Medicine (2002)
• Internship and Residency: Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine (2005)

research & clinical interests

Research 

• ED & Disaster Management Operations
• Emergency Airway Management
• Geriatrics

Clinical

• Emergency Airway Management
• ED Operations

publications