Rachel Wixson, ANP, Palliative Care Director (AROC, MROC, PROC, SROC)
Rachel joined AIOF nearly four years ago, bringing with her a passion for palliative care and a deep commitment to putting patients first. Her journey in palliative care began in 2016 in Oregon. In 2020, she moved to Alaska, where she joined Providence Hospital. When John Halligan approached her about developing a palliative care program for the clinics, she was immediately drawn to his patient-centered values.
Rachel has long had a connection to Alaska. During college, she spent time in the state and even worked one summer on a road construction crew in Haines alongside her father, who traveled to Alaska every summer. What drew Rachel to palliative care was its emphasis on quality of life. She believes that in modern medicine, conversations often focus first on treatment plans rather than the person receiving care.
“Who are you as a person? What is important to you? What treatments will help you live the life you want to live?”
These are the questions that guide her work. Rather than focusing solely on symptom management, palliative care seeks to understand the whole person and tailor care to their goals and values. Rachel finds tremendous fulfillment in helping patients navigate difficult diagnoses, making life a little easier, and supporting them through treatment. While the work can be challenging, she knows her patients need her.
Today, Rachel serves patients across four clinics, each with its own unique culture and community. One of her favorite aspects of the job is learning about the diverse ways people live throughout Alaska. From remote villages to larger communities, she gains insight into the realities of life across the state and the barriers many patients face in accessing care. She often describes her role as part medicine and part problem-solving.
As one of the few palliative care providers serving these areas, Rachel builds lasting relationships with her patients. She often sees them for years, accompanying them through their entire cancer journey. That continuity of care is something she feels is often missing in hospital settings.
Rachel says she frequently learns as much from her patients as they do from her. They share their stories, their struggles, and their triumphs. Many have expressed their gratitude through thoughtful gifts and heartfelt words. Knowing she has made a meaningful difference in someone’s life is what keeps her motivated.
One patient, now cancer-free, told Rachel she was grateful for her cancer diagnosis because it transformed her perspective on life. Her priorities shifted, she spent more time with family and friends, and she found greater happiness than she had before. For Rachel, moments like these are powerful reminders of the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of compassionate care.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys baking, reading, biking, and playing disc golf with her partner J. She is currently building her dream home library, one book at a time. She also shares her life with Sepp, her beloved Saint Bernard. At 150 pounds of fluffy affection, Sepp has been part of the family since he was just eight weeks old. Now five years old, he still starts each day the same way—jumping onto the bed for his morning snuggles with Rachel.
Whether she is helping patients navigate complex medical decisions, solving challenges unique to remote communities, or sharing stories with those in her care, Rachel brings compassion, dedication, and humanity to everything she does.
