Dr. Carrie A. Horwitch, MD, MPH is a distinguished board-certified internal medicine physician whose long career in clinical care, medical education, and global volunteerism has made a meaningful impact on communities both in the United States and abroad. In 2025, she was honored with the Jack B. McConnell, MD Award for Excellence in Volunteerism by the AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards, a prestigious recognition celebrating physicians who demonstrate extraordinary dedication to service and community engagement.
Dr. Horwitch earned her medical degree from the University of Arizona College of Medicine and went on to complete a Master of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley. With over three decades of experience in primary and HIV care, she has been a tireless advocate for evidence-based public health, health equity, and compassionate clinical practice.For many years, Dr. Horwitch served as a physician educator at Virginia Mason Medical Center, where she helped train and mentor residents and early-career doctors. Her passion for teaching extended beyond traditional classrooms: she leads workshops on communication, medical improv, and the health benefits of humor, bringing joy and resilience into clinical environments — a testament to her belief that medicine is both a science and a deeply human endeavor.
Dr. Horwitch’s global impact is equally profound. She has dedicated significant portions of her career to international volunteer work, including as a mentor and educator with Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO) and the Medical Alumni Volunteer Expert Network Project, where she has helped clinicians in resource-limited settings build capacity, improve patient care, and develop sustainable clinical programs. Her work in Uganda and other countries underscores her commitment to extending high-quality care and medical education across borders.
In addition to her clinical and volunteer work, Dr. Horwitch holds leadership roles within professional organizations. She serves as vice president of the Washington State Medical Association Foundation, is a trustee of the Washington State Medical Association, and is president-elect of the Washington State Public Health Association — roles that illustrate her broad influence in public health policy, physician wellness, and community health initiatives.
Her unique focus on humor and healing — including certification as a laughter leader — has helped shift conversations about physician-patient communication, burnout, and team dynamics. Through workshops, public speaking, and her published work, she champions a culture where empathy and well-being are central to medical practice.
Dr. Horwitch’s life work exemplifies what it means to be a healer, teacher, and advocate: blending clinical excellence with deep commitment to service, mentorship, and global health equity. Her story offers a powerful narrative about the enduring impact of compassion and leadership in medicine — making her an inspiring “mover and shaker” for Movers and Shakers .io readers.
