Kayla M. Buker
Pediatrician
MD, FAAP
I believe strongly in the art of medicine. Each child is unique and being a pediatrician means collaborating with families to get to know each child individually to figure out how to best foster their growth and development.
About me
As a three-year-old, Dr. Buker was asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, and she proudly exclaimed “Dr. Barr!” (her childhood pediatrician). Her love for science and medicine continued throughout her undergraduate training at Gonzaga University. Dr. Buker attended medical school at Creighton University School of Medicine where she had multiple interests. After the first day of her pediatrics rotation, she knew that was where she was meant to practice. She then went on to complete her residency at University of California Irvine/Children’s Hospital Orange County.
The children she has worked with bring her so much joy and she loves their resilience. Dr. Buker has always wanted to practice as a general pediatrician so she can work with patients, get to know them, and watch them grow from babies to adolescents. Dr. Buker practices in our Tigard office.
Interests
Dr. Buker loves being outdoors- hiking, running, or paddle boarding. She grew up hiking in the Pacific NW. She and her family took long road trips visiting multiple national parks. Her most recent vacations included hiking from Zion to Banff to the Costa Rican rainforests!
When she isn’t on an outdoor adventure, Dr. Buker enjoys trying new foods. It’s one of her favorite things to do and she is excited to be in Portland where there are so many options. Wherever she lives, she is on the hunt to find the best burger and is always accepting recommendations! Being Dutch, her other favorite food is a Dutch croquette. She ordered one with nearly every meal when she traveled to the Netherlands. While she admits she isn’t the greatest at cooking, she does like trying new things in the kitchen (guided by her amazing husband, the true chef in their household).
Whether it is in her professional or personal life, Dr. Buker has always loved being part of a team. From being 1 of 5 children growing up, to participating in sports teams, to being part of a care team at a hospital – she has worked in many team environments in the past. In her practice, it is important to her to collaborate alongside her patients, their caregivers, and other providers.
Family
Dr. Buker grew up in a large family with 5 children – herself and 4 brothers. She is married and has a dog named Winston, a Cavapoo! While she doesn’t have children yet, she looks forward to expanding her family in the future and walking through parenthood alongside the families that she cares for.
Outdoor Enthusiast
Dr. Buker loves being outdoors- hiking, running, or paddle boarding. She grew up hiking in the Pacific NW
Foodie
Wherever she lives, Dr. Buker is on the hunt to find the best burger and is always accepting recommendations! Being Dutch, her other favorite food is a Dutch croquette.
Collaborator
In her practice, it is important to her to collaborate alongside her patients, their caregivers, and other providers.
