About
Dr. Payton Skawinski grew up in Montana with a lifelong goal of becoming a physician. He completed the primary care track at the University of Washington School of Medicine. His internal medicine residency followed at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. He holds board certification in internal medicine and founded Bridge Primary Care in 2022.
Dr. Skawinski is passionate about lifestyle medicine, nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and preventive care. He takes a root-cause approach to chronic health concerns rather than defaulting to pharmaceutical fixes. Personal experiences watching family members navigate inadequate care shaped his deep commitment to patient advocacy. He serves as a liaison and second opinion when members see specialists or require hospitalization. Outside the clinic, he prioritizes his growing family and community connections on Bainbridge Island. His mission: improve healthcare one patient at a time.
Education & Training
Medical School
University of Washington School of Medicine (primary care track)
Residency
Internal Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center
Certifications
Who is Dr. Skawinski right for?
Dr. Skawinski works well with adults who want a proactive, prevention-focused approach to their health. Patients managing chronic conditions benefit from his root-cause mindset and extended appointment time. He is a strong fit for anyone who values a long-term relationship with a single physician. Patients who want an advocate during specialist visits or hospitalizations will find his liaison role particularly valuable. Bridge Primary Care also welcomes patients who have felt dismissed or underserved in other healthcare settings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Skawinski handles the full range of adult primary care, including chronic disease management, preventive medicine, and lifestyle-related conditions. He focuses on root-cause medicine rather than quick fixes, addressing issues like metabolic health, cardiovascular risk, and chronic illness through nutrition, exercise, and habit change.
Yes. Dr. Skawinski holds board certification in internal medicine. He completed his training at the University of Washington School of Medicine and his residency at Virginia Mason Medical Center.
Dr. Skawinski emphasizes lifestyle medicine over reflexive prescribing. He focuses on nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and sustainable habits as primary tools for improving health. When medications are appropriate, he incorporates them thoughtfully alongside lifestyle guidance.
Dr. Skawinski actively serves as a liaison when members visit specialists or enter the hospital. He reviews recommendations, offers a second opinion, and coordinates care between providers. This advocacy role is a core part of his practice, inspired by personal family experiences.
Dr. Skawinski attended the University of Washington School of Medicine on the primary care track. He then completed his internal medicine residency at Virginia Mason Medical Center.
Yes. Dr. Skawinski makes home visits for members who need care at home. Home visits, video visits, and phone consultations are all included in the membership at no additional cost.
Dr. Skawinski sees adults of all ages starting at 14. He works with patients focused on prevention, those managing ongoing chronic conditions, and individuals who want a lasting relationship with a single physician. He welcomes patients of all backgrounds, identities, and socioeconomic situations.
Appointments with Dr. Skawinski typically run 30 minutes to an hour. He structures his schedule to give each visit the time it requires, without rushing patients through.
Doctor profile last updated April 10, 2026