Lauren Washatka, MD

I was born and raised in the Phoenix area and first became acquainted with Payson during my childhood as part of family vacations. I attended medical school at the University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix and became involved in the rural health program which ultimately led to me falling in love with rural medicine and completing 6+ months of my medical school clinical training in Payson.

I graduated from the University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix/Banner University combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics residency in June 2023 and am in the process of completing my board certification in both Pediatrics and Internal Medicine.

In my free time I love to be outdoors either playing soccer, hiking or paddle boarding.

Dr. Hunt, Dr. Michels, all the Ponderosa Family Care staff and the town of Payson (and beyond!) have been so incredibly influential in my medical training and I am excited to be joining Ponderosa Family Care and continue caring for patients of all ages!