Kari Paulson, MS, PA-C

Kari is a board-certified Physician Assistant with a passion for early skin cancer detection and advanced surgical procedures, as well as helping patients find relief from chronic conditions like psoriasis and acne. She blends a high level of clinical expertise with a warm, "neighbor-next-door" approach that puts patients at ease.

Kari grew up in Bellevue and graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Biology. After college, she worked in a neurosurgery lab at Harborview and volunteered in the Emergency Department. There, Kari quickly realized that her heart belonged at the bedside rather than the bench. She then went to the University of New England for PA school, returning back to Seattle to practice medicine. After years of caring for patients with complex medical issues in the Harborview Emergency Department and as a Hospitalist at Swedish First Hill, Kari followed her long-held dream to practice dermatology.

Kari’s extensive background in hospital medicine gives her a unique, comprehensive perspective on skin health. Having seen firsthand the impact of serious conditions like malignant melanoma, she is deeply committed to the surgical and diagnostic side of dermatology. Kari believes that medicine is an evolving art. She is dedicated to the early detection of skin cancer and mastering the latest surgical techniques and life-changing treatments for psoriasis, eczema, and acne. Kari is passionate about patient education. For her, "prevention is key"—she’s a firm believer that the best way to care for your skin is to protect it today, a message she loves to share with her patients.

In seeking the most up to date information in medical and cosmetic dermatology, she enjoys combining education with travel. Whether she’s attending the International Congress of Dermatology in Rome or clinical conferences in Las Vegas, she’s always looking for better ways to serve her patients back home.

When she’s not in the office, you might spot her at a local Barre class, hiking along the coast, or skiing our local slopes. She loves fashion and design and live music and has a passport that stays ready for her next international adventure—or just a quick trip to LA to cheer on her favorite soccer player: her nephew!