Dr. Brenda Polite serves as Assistant Dean for Clinical Education at the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine. Since joining the Clinical Education team in 2011, she has transitioned from working with students during their didactic training to her current role as an Assistant Dean. Dr. Polite earned her medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine and completed her family medicine residency at Glendale Adventist Medical Center. She is board-certified in family medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Dr. Polite’s dedication to supporting students from underprivileged and underserved communities led her to pursue a career in Student Health at Los Angeles Community Colleges and Los Angeles School District. This career allowed her to provide essential school-based medical care to college and elementary students in the inner city. She actively volunteers with organizations such as Expanding Your Horizons to encourage higher education and promote interest in medical careers.
In recognition of her work with medical students, Dr. Polite was honored as an American Medical Association-WPS Inspirational Physician in 2016 for guiding and mentoring students to achieve their full potential.
Residing in southwest Washington with her family, two rescue cats, and a miniature American Eskimo dog, Dr. Polite enjoys spending her free time baking, traveling, and tackling puzzles, particularly escape rooms.