Phanith Touch, MD
[he/him/his]
Contact Me
EXECUTIVE RESIDENT
Hometown
It’s complicated
College
University of Washington ‘14 – Neurobiology
Medical School
University of Washington School of Medicine ‘21
What are your identities?
Koun Khmer, community organizer, child of immigrants, uncle, brother, mentor, first generation, Asian
American
Who are your people?
My family, my mother who is the strongest person I know, my ever-patient and grounded fiancée April and folks
who have become relatives (aunties, uncles, and elders) I’ve had formative relationships with over the years,
as well friends from then and now, and co-residents who I get to learn and grow with every single day.
What are you most proud of?
Knowing that I am grounded in my identities, values, and purpose. My mother would tell me that I’m “Koun
Khmer” – meaning a child of the Khmer diaspora. I’ve carried this identity and connection with me throughout
my formative years and it’s helped me patiently walk alongside so many folks including my family to get to
where we are now. Without that groundedness, I don’t think I would have been able to appreciate the beautiful
changes in hearts and minds of others.
Why UW Pediatrics/Seattle Children’s?
The immediate warmth and comfort that I felt from all of the residents during my sub-internship and interviews.
as well as the opportunity to keep deepening the relationships with community-based organizations here in
Seattle and King County
ON MY DAYS OFF, I LIKE TO…
spend time with April and friends, whether in mundane activities like grocery shopping, making coffee,
bouldering, hiking, road tripping or quick travels. I also enjoy both laid back and intense rounds of board
games, writing, and reading, particularly about history and Asian American literature.
