Omega Chapters: Michelle

Omega Chapters is a Blog series from your Alum sisters at Sigma Psi Sigma. There are countless chapters we experience throughout our lives and sharing our experiences is a great way to relate to each other. To be clear: No toxic positivity allowed and no humble brags. Shameless brags are perfectly fine! The goal is to connect and inspire.

Got a story to share? Got a sister who I should chat with? Email us at wsu.axo.alumnae@gmail.com

When a Cougar is Chosen Over a Duck

Michelle Sanderson Drobny, MC 2008, grew up in Oregon, where the local school spirit revolved around an aquatic bird and a sea of green and yellow. So naturally, when it came time for college, Michelle left the state and found her home in Pullman, WA.

It was in Pullman that she joined Alpha Chi Omega and fell in love with Eastern Washington—and with her future husband. Michelle managed to study hard and have fun along the way.

After earning her Bachelor of Science, she set off to medical school at Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, and after she became a board-certified Family Medicine Physician. 

A Proud Alumna

Michelle didn’t just become a doctor—she became a doctor’s educator. Just last year, she was interviewed by WesternU News, where she shared why she ultimately chose academic medicine alongside clinical care.

“Initially after residency I was providing direct patient care in an outpatient setting. What I realized was that I wanted to have a broader reach on both the health care system as a whole and patient care, so I decided to transition to academic medicine by becoming a faculty family physician,” Drobny said. “I still do direct patient care while also having time to work on curriculum development, program improvements, and leadership development. One of the curriculums I oversee is Health Systems Management, so I can work with residents to explore different models of care.”

Teaching the Next Generation of Docs

In June, Providence and the Spokane Teaching Health Clinic announced that Dr. Drobny was appointed Program Director of STHC’s Family Medicine Residency Program.

Also, Michelle recently published an article Creating a Supportive Environment for Breastfeeding Residents and in 2024 was recognized as a 2024 AMWA Inspire Award winner. Also, you can find Michelle on the What's Right with Healthcare podcast.

Congratulations, Sister!

Balance

And as if her day job didn’t keep her busy enough, Michelle walks the talk.

She’s a proud wife and mama to two girls, and serves as Omega Advisor for the VP of Membership Programming.

Maybe that’s her secret—she draws energy not just from work or family, but also from giving back. One way or another, we’re in awe of the goodness Michelle is putting out into the world!