Katherine E Debiec, MD
Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Vascular Anomalies, Fertility Preservation Program
On staff since July 2009
Children's Title: Division Chief, Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
Academic Title: Associate Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology; Adjunct Assistant Professor, Pediatrics
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Katherine (Kate) Debiec attended the University of Washington Medical School after graduating from Vassar College. She completed her residency training and her fellowship in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology at the University of Washington. She was appointed as an Assistant Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital on the Clinician-Educator pathway in 2011 and promoted to Associate Professor in 2018. She became the Division Chief of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology in 2020.
Dr. Debiec is the site director for the Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology rotation for Obstetrics and Gynecology residents at Seattle Children’s Hospital. She provides research mentorship to several medical students and residents. She precepts students, resident, fellows and other faculty in her Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology clinics.
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Many years ago, I saw Dr. Debiec because I hadn't begun menstruating at the age of 17. At the time, I had a uterus and ovaries, was within the "normal/healthy" BMI range (which is an arbitrary tool to assess health anyways), did not "appear" underweight (although I was for my body), had normal lab values, and had no other clinical "reasons" for not having had my period. Dr. Debiec was the first provider to identify that I was likely over-exercising and not eating enough energy daily to support a period. Sounds like a simple identification to make, but many doctors do not if you are within a "normal/healthy" BMI or above, do not appear emaciated, and are a person of color. The care I received from Dr. Debiec required me to confront my disordered eating behaviors and compulsive exercise. This was a very distressing time of my life, and Dr. Debiec was extremely comforting, compassionate, and intellectually intuitive. For the past 4 years, I have been getting my period every month without fail and no medication was required.
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My daughter was dealing with very heavy menstrual cycles (two ER visits because of it) before we were referred to Children’s. I really cannot say enough good things about Dr. Debiec. She is very kind and caring. She provided a multitude of options for my daughter to try and gave thorough explanations regarding each; as well as literature to read (if desired). She partners with the patient—ensured my daughter was informed and then let my daughter make some decisions about what she wanted to try. The results have made such a difference in her life!
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My daughter saw Dr. Debiec for a birth control consult. I can't say enough good things about this visit. She was respectful, informative, reassuring and patient. I recommend her highly!
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Award Name Award Description Awarded By Award Date Seattles Top Doctor 2016 Seattle Met Magazine 2016 -
Other Publications
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Debiec KE, Todd NGynecologic Care for Pediatric and Adolescent Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.
33338627 Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology, 2021 April : 34(2)112-116 -
Debiec KE, Amies Oelschlager AEUterovaginal Anomalies: A Guide for the Generalist Obstetrician-Gynecologist.
32452844 Clinical obstetrics and gynecology, 2020 Sept. : 63(3)512-527 -
Amies Oelschlager AM, Debiec KVaginal Dilator Therapy: A Guide for Providers for Assessing Readiness and Supporting Patients Through the Process Successfully.
31091469 Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology, 2019 Aug. : 32(4)354-358 -
Ekram S, Debiec KE, Pumper MA, Moreno MAContent and Commentary: HPV Vaccine and YouTube.
30445163 Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology, 2019 April : 32(2)153-157 -
Sobhani NC, Fay EE, Schiff MA, Stephenson-Famy A, Debiec KERandomized Trial of Smartphone-Based Evaluation for an Obstetrics and Gynecology Clerkship.
29273337 Journal of surgical education, 2018 July : 75(4)1006-1013 -
Crouthamel BC, Schiff MA, Amies Oelschlager AE, Prager SW, Debiec KEBits and Pieces: A Crowd-Sourced Series of 54 Cases of Fractured Hormonal Implants.
29030157 Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology, 2018 April : 31(2)128-131 -
Debiec KE, Lee SD, Wahbeh GT, Amies Oelschlager AMOutcomes of Therapy for Vulvar Manifestation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Adolescents.
28919145 Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology, 2018 April : 31(2)149-152 -
Oelschlager AM, Debiec K, Appelbaum HPrimary vaginal dilation for vaginal agenesis: strategies to anticipate challenges and optimize outcomes.
27454852 Current opinion in obstetrics & gynecology, 2016 Oct. : 28(5)345-9 -
Torvie AJ, Callegari LS, Schiff MA, Debiec KELabor and delivery outcomes among young adolescents.
25935776 American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 2015 July : 213(1)95.e1-95.e8 -
Amies Oelschlager AM, Micks EA, Debiec KE, Nizamic T, Mantrala MD, Prager SWLong acting reversible contraception in adolescents with cardiovascular conditions.
25256877 Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology, 2014 Dec. : 27(6)353-5 -
Debiec KE, Paul KJ, Mitchell CM, Hitti JEInadequate prenatal care and risk of preterm delivery among adolescents: a retrospective study over 10 years.
20471628 American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 2010 Aug. : 203(2)122.e1-6
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Overview
- Board Certification(s)
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Obstetrics and Gynecology
Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology
- Medical/Professional School
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University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
- Residency
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University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Clinical Interests
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Dr. Debiec has two main clinical sites of practice with focused specialization. She cares for patients with adolescent pregnancies and gynecologic issues as well as Müllerian anomalies at Women's Health Care Center at UWMC-Roosevelt. At Seattle Children's Hospital, she sees pediatric and adolescents patients with complex medical and surgical gynecologic concerns. She is the liaison for the Vascular Anomalies Clinic, the Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect team as well as they Hematology and Oncology service. With the Cancer and Blood Disorder Center at Seattle Children’s Hospital, she focuses on the complicated gynecologic needs of young women with benign hematologic conditions, such as bleeding and clotting disorders as well as addressing gynecologic issues that arise during and after cancer treatment, including hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
- Research Description
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My research and educational scholarship falls into two categories: clinically relevant and education focused. I have published about prenatal care and obstetrics outcomes for adolescent mothers, vaginal dilation, long acting reversible contraceptives and young women with inflammatory bowel disease, HPV vaccine portrayal on YouTube and gynecologic issues after hematopoietic stem cell transplant. My education research has focused on grading and evaluation of medical students and residents.
