Compass Health’s Own Dr. M. Leslie Cotter Wins 2024 Health Care Heroes Award

The Puget Sound Business Journal names Dr. M. Leslie Cotter as one of
2024’s Health Care Heroes Awards Recipients – below is the article in full,
along with a paywall-free link to read the article on the Puget Sound Business
Journal.

Health Care Heroes: Leslie Cotter

Co-lead psychiatrist for Snohomish County Program of Assertive Community Treatment, Compass Health

July 16, 2024

Dr. M. Leslie Cotter often works with patients at the intersection of mental health, substance use and other health crises.

That means her work as co-lead of the Snohomish County Program for Assertive Community Treatment, or PACT, takes place as often out in community spaces, prisons, at addiction treatment centers or in her patients’ homes as it does in a state or local hospital.

“The most important thing we do as a team is caring personally about the people we serve, who are often neglected and rejected by society,” Cotter said. “Our team prides itself on treating each client with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

What do you wish more people understood about your job?

I really wish more people better understood psychiatric illnesses and substance use disorders and the realities of these illnesses. As a society, we need to challenge our perspective of blaming people who struggle with the symptoms of their disorder and try to empathize and have compassion for those in our community struggling with their mental health.

Where do you see opportunity to improve equity for patients?

In my years with the PACT team, I’ve witnessed an erosion of the infrastructure that supports these services, especially following the closing of Western State Hospital. We must prioritize behavioral health care and back it up with proper funding. Having more teams dedicated to intensive wrap-around services and dual diagnosis programs is necessary to meet patients’ needs, to give them a chance to live a life that’s meaningful to them with optimum wellness.

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About Leslie

• Years in the industry: 33
• Years in current role: 14
• Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia
• One surprising fact about you: I drove in a Volkswagen minivan from England to India and back in my youth, with friends.

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Tell us about the moment you decided to pursue a career in the medical field.

I knew I wanted to help people and make a difference in the lives of those who were suffering. Medicine became the obvious choice for me, as I always thrived on forming relationships with people, which naturally transitioned into working with patients who are severely psychiatrically ill and need the most help.

Why do you continue in your job, despite the stress?

Supporting people who suffer from, in my opinion, the worst possible illnesses is a very humbling and inspiring experience. My clients have taught me so much about resilience and fortitude and what it means to be compassionate.

What’s the best part of your workday?

The best part of my day is working with my team to improve the lives of our clients. When we have success with a client we’re working with, such as getting them to stay on their medications, into housing or a substance treatment program, or if we lose them and then find them again, we’re overjoyed and we share in these celebrations together. We meet daily to discuss our clients, which helps us stay connected to each other and those we serve, and together we come up with the most creative solutions to unique problems.

What do you want your legacy to be?

I would like my legacy to show people how fulfilling it can be to do this work. I don’t think there’s anything better than having the chance to cross that divide with someone, ease them of their suffering, show them they matter and we’re going to work together to try and make things better. One of my former clients suffered from schizophrenia and opioid addiction. Together with my colleagues across Compass Health’s spectrum of services, we supported him in overcoming his addiction, finding him housing, keeping him connected to mental health services and helping him pursue a life that’s meaningful to him. He is one of the bravest people I know. I cannot think of greater satisfaction in life than to have worked with (him) and many other incredibly strong individuals like him.

Who is YOUR health care hero and why?

Firstly, my PACT team. They have heart, soul and drive for this work. Make no mistake – I could never do this without them. Second is our chief medical officer, Dr. Katie Gilligan, who is committed to improving the behavioral health care system and puts in the work to make it happen. My third hero is Compass Health. I’ve worked for Compass Health for 25 years and have been able to create a solid work life balance between raising a family and developing into the kind of doctor I always wanted to be. I’m very grateful for their support in my vocation.

What is your most random impulse buy?

My most random impulse buy was a pair of very unaffordable cowboy boots I couldn’t resist just as I was finishing medical school and was in big debt. What was I thinking?

What is the coolest thing you ever made?

The coolest thing I ever made was my daughter.

What’s your top tip for reducing stress?

My top tip is to have the capacity to laugh, particularly at your own foibles, and a regular meditation practice.

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This interview was edited for length and clarity.

To read this article on the PSBJ website click here.