SPOKANE, Wash. — Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital welcomes a new pediatric surgeon to Spokane.
Rachael Galvin, DO, MPH joined the pediatric surgery team in fall 2026. She says she already feels at home. She spent time at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center during her residency learning from the same surgeons and caregivers she now works alongside.
Specialized Pediatric Surgical Care Close to Home
Dr. Galvin completed years of advanced training in pediatric surgery and surgical critical care, preparing her to care for children with both common and complex surgical needs.
Having that level of care available in Spokane means more children can receive specialized surgical care close to home, surrounded by the people who matter most.
For Dr. Galvin, providing that care also means recognizing how much trust families place in her.
“Trusting someone with your child is the biggest thing you could do,” she said. “We recognize that and take that very seriously.”
As a mother to a young son herself, Dr. Galvin understands those feelings from a parent’s perspective.
Caring For Kids and Their Families
Dr. Galvin says one of the things she loves most about pediatric surgery is caring for children and supporting families.
“Kids are so resilient, and they make going to work super fun every day,” she said.
She also values the teamwork that goes into caring for a child. At Providence, pediatric surgeons work closely with other specialists and care teams to make sure children get the care they need.
“The way that the different services work together is really impressive at Providence,” Dr. Galvin said. “I think that makes taking care of patients better and easier.”
Helping Kids Feel at Ease
Dr. Galvin also looks for small ways to make the surgical experience more welcoming for young patients.
When a child is nervous, she can sometimes create a special bandage just for them, using markers to draw superheroes, unicorns, or whatever the child chooses.
It is a tradition she started during her fellowship.
“We’re going to treat your kid like they are one of our own,” she said.
Getting to Know Dr. Galvin
Outside the hospital, Dr. Galvin and her family are settling into life in Spokane alongside three dogs, two cats and 17 chickens.
For Dr. Galvin, joining Providence brings together the things she values most: caring for children, supporting families and working alongside a team committed to providing excellent care.
About the Author
More Content by Providence News Team
