LGBTQ+ Council spotlight: Amy Baernstein

Background & education

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Amy Baernstein completed both her undergraduate and medical degrees at Cornell University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in human evolution with highest honors, followed by her medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College.

She arrived at UW in 1993 to begin her internal medicine residency and has never looked back. “I surprised myself by coming out within one month of arriving at UW—during my intern year!” she recalled.

As a faculty member, she has had multiple roles over the years in the Harborview Emergency Department, UWMC Women’s Health Care Center and various community clinics. “I’ve proudly never held a position outside UW,” she added.

Patient care & teaching

As a professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine, Baernstein brings decades of clinical and teaching experience to her current practice sites at Roosevelt Ob-Gyn & Primary Care (formerly the Women's Clinic) and the 3rd Avenue Center at Harborview. Her clinical focus includes women's health, primary care for underserved populations, and integrated care for patients navigating complex social and medical needs.

Her teaching portfolio is equally expansive. Over the years, she has mentored dozens of medical students and residents, taught in emergency and primary care settings, and helped design electives such as “Housing First!,” which gives trainees hands-on experience in shelter-based and outreach medicine. She also chairs the Student Progress Committee for the UW School of Medicine, a role through which she champions academic equity and supports learners from diverse backgrounds.

LGBTQ+ Council & interests

Baernstein is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and is a proud member of the Department of Medicine’s LGBTQ+ Council. “I hope to participate in and contribute to a community that provides support, networking, and fun for all,” she says.

Her favorite topic is family-building in queer relationships. As a queer physician and parent, she’s passionate about creating open, supportive conversations around parenting and identity. “My partner Melanie and I have two kids in high school. I love talking to queer folks about raising kids—hit me up if that's something you're exploring!”

Personal life

Outside the clinic and classroom, Baernstein’s world revolves around family, the outdoors, and travel. She and her partner are avid adventurers, always eager to explore new places with their two teenagers. “We love getting outside together, whether it's hiking, biking, or just being in nature,” she said.