Our Providers

Dr. Richard Wei, MD, MPH – Owner & CEO

Dr. Wei received his Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of Illinois. He received his M.D. at Finch University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School. Dr. Wei finished his residency at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he began to develop an interest in occupational medicine; as a result, he pursued fellowship training in Occupational Medicine at the University of Illinois.

Following the completion of his training, Dr. Wei moved to New Orleans and eventually became owner and CEO of Occupational Medicine Center of West Jefferson. Dr. Wei continued on to establish five physical therapy clinics and two occupational medicine clinics. In 2005, Dr. Wei was one of more than 15 million people devastated by Hurricane Katrina; his home and all of his physical therapy and occupational medicine clinics were destroyed. Dr. Wei was fortunate enough to be able to rebuild his programs through hard work and determination. After evaluating the affects of this life-changing ordeal, Dr. Wei decided to sell his businesses and relocate to an area that called for the level of expertise he could offer.

Dr. Wei is an expert in musculoskeletal medicine and occupational medicine, with extensive experience in urgent care medicine. He is a member of five professional medical societies, including the American College of Occupational Environmental Medicine, the American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine, and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. As the medical director of 1,200 companies in New Orleans, Dr. Wei brings a comprehensive knowledge base and a wealth of professional experience to Care Medical Group’s expanding practice.

Mark Vandervort, PA-C

Mark grew up spending every summer visiting his grandparents in Bellingham, where he grew to love the area. He has deep family ties to Bellingham with his great-great-grandfather working at the Lone Jack mine near Mt. Baker in the late 1800s. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wyoming, Mark went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon. In 2009 Mark joined the Care Medical Group team. His current practice involves walk-in and scheduled appointments, allowing for both initial management of urgent care medicine and needed follow-up care. Mark is board certified by the NCCPA, a licensed L&I provider, and a certified medical examiner for the FMCSA. In his spare time, Mark enjoys spending time with his wife and two children and getting in as many outdoor adventures as possible. He especially enjoys mountain biking at Galbraith, backcountry skiing, photography, backpacking, climbing, and kayaking.

Chris Merryman, PA-C

Chris started her career as a radiologic technologist, working in the field for twelve years. She received a bachelor’s degree in Society of Ethics and Human Behavior before going back to school as a mature student to pursue her Master of Health Sciences in Physician Assistant Training. She finds her work incredibly rewarding and loves working with patients. Her experience as a PA includes orthopedics, skilled nursing, and family practice.

As a lifelong Washingtonian, Chris loves living in Bellingham and is so happy to be working at Care Medical Group with a team that truly cares about each other and their patients. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her teenager, playing with her cat Dean Winchester, reading, hiking, watching horror movies, traveling, and is learning to play an instrument.

Shawn Fife, DPT

We are thrilled to introduce you to our dedicated and experienced Physical Therapist, Shawn Fife, DPT. Shawn’s journey in the field of physical therapy is a testament to his commitment to helping individuals recover and regain their mobility. Shawn’s educational journey began at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in 2009. His passion for understanding the mechanics of the human body and improving physical performance fueled his academic pursuits. Building on his strong foundation, Shawn pursued a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Eastern Washington University, graduating in 2012. This advanced training equipped him with the knowledge and skills to provide the highest quality care to his patients. Shawn’s career has been centered around the treatment of acute injuries, with a particular focus on work-related and motor vehicle accident-related injuries. His expertise in this area allows him to provide targeted and effective rehabilitation to individuals recovering from sudden and often traumatic incidents. Born and raised in Bellingham, Shawn is deeply rooted in our community. He is a proud graduate of Sehome High School, and his local upbringing gives him a unique understanding of the needs and values of our area. Growing up, Shawn was actively involved in various team sports, giving him a profound appreciation for how physical activity impacts the body. This firsthand experience has enriched his approach to physical therapy, allowing him to tailor treatments to the unique needs of athletes and sports enthusiasts. Beyond his professional life, Shawn’s personal interests align with his passion for movement and the great outdoors. He enjoys the thrill of riding and racing bicycles, exploring the region’s hiking trails, and embarking on outdoor adventures with his family. Shawn’s love for the outdoors extends to his coaching endeavors, where he shares his expertise in endurance training with athletes eager to push their limits. Shawn Fife, DPT, embodies the spirit of compassion, dedication, and expertise in physical therapy. His deep roots in Bellingham, coupled with his commitment to helping individuals recover and thrive, make him an invaluable member of our healthcare team. Welcome to our practice, where Shawn Fife, DPT, is ready to support you on your journey to recovery, health, and a life in motion.