Elaraja

Elaraja, M.D., a dedicated and compassionate physician with dual board certification in Addiction Medicine and Internal Medicine, has made a significant impact at the Coastal Health and Wellness Center in Newport, Oregon. Since joining the practice in the spring of 2022, Elaraja has been an integral part of the team, offering integrated primary care services and specialized treatment for substance use disorders. Additionally, Elaraja contributes to the educational initiatives of the Pacific Northwest Medical Association and serves as an advisor for the Portland Recovery Outreach Program.

Elaraja's medical journey began with earning degrees from the University of Oregon School of Medicine, where they focused on both clinical medicine and community health. This was followed by a residency in Internal Medicine at the Seattle Integrated Care Program and a fellowship in Addiction Medicine at the University of Washington.

Passionate about advocating for equitable healthcare, Elaraja is committed to breaking down barriers that prevent individuals from accessing the care they need. They have been vocal about the importance of harm reduction strategies, such as supervised injection facilities, and have worked tirelessly to address the issue of burnout among healthcare professionals. In their academic work, Elaraja has explored the role of empathetic communication in patient care, emphasizing how the words we choose can either heal or harm. They believe in empowering future physicians with the knowledge that language is a powerful tool in the fight against stigma and in the promotion of recovery and wellness.