Daniel Dunbar, DO, is a dedicated Internal Medicine physician who has been serving the Yakima Valley through Yakima Neighborhood Health Services (YNHS) for nearly four years. Dr. Dunbar’s journey into healthcare is deeply personal, rooted in his upbringing in Central Washington.
“Having grown up here in the Yakima Valley gave me an appreciation for the care that was given to me and my family,” says Dr. Dunbar. “I have been able to care for patients that I grew up with or patients that knew my parents and grandparents. Serving in the community I grew up in has been a fun experience.”
Dr. Dunbar grew up in Zillah, Washington, just south of Yakima. He says he always wanted to pursue a healthcare career, but his interest in becoming a doctor took shape during his senior year at BYU-Idaho when he learned about osteopathic medicine. Osteopathic medicine's holistic approach to healthcare—combining traditional medical practices with a focus on the body’s ability to heal itself—resonated with him. This led him to pursue a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from Pacific Northwest University (PNWU).
Growing up in this rural, agricultural community, Dr. Dunbar says he also saw the challenges patients encountered accessing health care, and this fostered his desire to work with underserved populations. His commitment to giving back was further solidified when he received a grant through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), a program that supports medical providers working in underserved areas. For Dr. Dunbar, this was an opportunity to combine his personal mission with his professional goals.
“I wanted to give back to my community,” says Dr. Dunbar.
Dr. Dunbar’s decision to join YNHS was shaped by both his NHSC grant and the organization’s dedication to the underserved. He had interviewed at several other community health centers, but none resonated with him as strongly as YNHS.
“I was impressed that YNHS truly walked the walk when it came to serving those most vulnerable and in need,” he shares. “My goals and mission as a primary care provider seemed to align with those of YNHS, which made it a perfect fit for me.”
Dr. Dunbar says one of the most rewarding aspects of working at YNHS is the relationships he’s been able to build with both his patients and his medical team.
“So many of my patients express heartfelt gratitude for the care they are receiving,” says Dunbar. “That is very rewarding to me.”
Dr. Dunbar says he also appreciates that YNHS offers comprehensive services to patients.
“I have rarely had a service requested by a patient that we can’t provide or find access to quickly,” he explains. “This level of care ensures that patients can receive the treatment they need without delay.”
Dr. Dunbar’s philosophy of care is simple: treat patients the way you would want your own family members treated. This guiding principle allows him to provide compassionate, high-quality care.
When it comes to staying healthy, his advice is straightforward: “Exercise 30-45 minutes every day and treat food as your primary medicine.”
Dr. Dunbar’s connection to the Yakima Valley runs deep. Not only is this the area he grew up in, but it’s also where he’s chosen to settle down and raise his family. He says the area offers a unique combination of outdoor activities, from hiking and fishing to skiing in the winter.
“The proximity to the mountains and a lot of great outdoor experiences make Yakima an ideal place to live,” he shares. “Whether it’s running in the fall or enjoying the region’s four distinct seasons, we truly appreciate the lifestyle that comes with living in Central Washington.”
When he’s not working, Dr. Dunbar enjoys spending time with his wife and three boys, hiking, fishing, running, and playing pickleball. His personal and professional life reflects the deep love he has for his community, and the impact of his work will be felt for years to come.
For new residents considering career opportunities, Dr. Dunbar offers this advice, “Find a place where the mission aligns with your values and a community where you can envision yourself settling down long-term.”
Dr. Daniel Dunbar’s journey is a testament to the power of giving back to one’s community. Whether it’s through his work with patients or his connection to the Yakima Valley, he’s making a difference every day. At YNHS, he’s not only fulfilling his commitment to the National Health Service Corps, but he’s also ensuring that the underserved communities of Central Washington have access to quality healthcare.
