When Mariana A. Frias Garcia was 12, her grandpa had a heart attack. He needed quadruple bypass surgery, but thankfully made a full recovery.
“That was a big moment for me,” she says. “I decided I wanted to pursue a career that would help other people. I enjoyed the sciences a lot, so I chose to study medicine.”
Dr. Frias Garcia’s grandpa lived to see her graduate from Technológico de Monterrey, one of the best medical schools in Mexico, and also attended her wedding before he passed away. He lives on in her continued public service, helping families stay healthy in her primary care practice at Pacific Medical Centers (PacMed) Canyon Park in Bothell.
From Mexico to West Virginia
After graduating from medical school Dr. Frias Garcia moved to West Virginia to complete her residency in family medicine, where she developed a passion for preventive medicine.
“I love taking care of diabetes! I find the management really fascinating,” she says. “There’s not enough emphasis on prevention of chronic diseases in our healthcare system in general, and I hope to change that.”
While in West Virginia Dr. Frias Garcia helped to implement the American Academy of Pediatrics childhood obesity program, called ‘5210’:
- 5 or more fruits and vegetables
- 2 hours or less of recreational screen time
- 1 hour or more of physical activity
- 0 sugary drinks (water is best)
Accepting new patients at PacMed Canyon Park
Since moving to Bothell, Dr. Frias Garcia has developed a few specialties within the PacMed clinic. She’s become one of Canyon Park’s go-to for women’s health matters like contraception and cancer screening. Also, she has a growing children’s practice, and is meeting more and more patients from Bothell’s Latin American community.
“There aren’t many Latinos in West Virginia! There’s a much bigger community here,” she says. “Many of my patients are super grateful that I can talk to them in Spanish, and they’re starting to spread the word.”
As part of her passion for preventive care, Dr. Frias Garcia encourages patients to schedule a well visit to stay ahead of chronic illnesses.
“Check in with your doctor,” she says. “Make sure your weight is within a healthy range, that you’re eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise. Have your doctor monitor your biochemical profile including lipids and sugars to get ahead of the game.”
Dr. Frias Garcia’s family practice is open to people of all ages, from newborns to geriatrics, and she really enjoys working with the very young and very old. Make an appointment with Dr. Frias Garcia online or by calling 425-412-7200. Find Dr. Frias Garcia at Pacific Medical Centers (PacMed) Canyon Park, 1909 214th St. SE, in Bothell.
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