About Pacific Northwest Arthritis & Rheumatology
Our Story
Private Practice, Reimagined
PNW Arthritis & Rheumatology was founded to bring something different—and deeply needed—to the Tri-Cities.
Co-founders Jeannette Hart, PA-C and Dr. Derek Peacock saw firsthand how easy it is for patients to get lost in bureaucracy, waitlists, and fragmented care. What they envisioned instead was a clinic where relationships matter, decisions are made locally, and the care team knows your name – not just your chart.
That vision became PNW Arthritis & Rheumatology: a fully independent, physician-led practice rooted in Richland and proudly serving patients throughout Kennewick, Pasco, and surrounding Eastern Washington communities.
We created this practice to restore what healthcare used to be—and what it still can be: clear, compassionate, and centered around people. Every detail of our clinic is designed with that in mind, from how we schedule appointments to how we build care plans as a team.
At PNW A&R, private practice doesn’t mean old-fashioned. It means collaboration without barriers, clinical excellence without ego, and personal connection without compromise.
Decades of Expertise. A Shared Vision for Better Care
Meet the Founders
At the heart of PNW Arthritis & Rheumatology is a small, deeply experienced team dedicated to preserving the art of medicine while remaining patient-centered. With more than 35 years of combined rheumatology experience, Dr. Derek Peacock and Jeannette Hart, PA-C co-founded this clinic to restore the kind of care patients deserve—personal, responsive, and rooted in relationships.
Their backgrounds span private practice, academic medicine, clinical research, and operational leadership—but their shared commitment is simple: to deliver exceptional rheumatologic care to the communities of Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco.
Jeannette Hart, PA-C, MCHS, MHA
Co-Founder, PNW Arthritis & Rheumatology – Richland, WA
Jeannette Hart, PA-C, MCHS, MHA is a board-certified physician assistant and seasoned rheumatology provider serving patients across the Tri-Cities region. As co-founder of PNW Arthritis & Rheumatology, Jeannette brings over 13 years of experience delivering compassionate, evidence-based care for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
A lifelong Tri-Cities resident, Jeannette began her career in private practice in Richland, and later became a leading provider at Kadlec in Kennewick. During her time there, she pioneered clinical improvements that increased access, standardized treatment protocols, and improved outcomes for patients with complex rheumatologic diseases. She also served on multiple advisory boards and practice councils within the Providence system.
In addition to clinical care, Jeannette is deeply committed to mentorship and medical education. She serves as the Pacific Northwest Director and National Faculty Member for RhAPP (Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers) and is a clinical preceptor for MEDEX Northwest through the University of Washington. She also regularly lectures residents and consults for pharmaceutical companies advancing arthritis and autoimmune disease therapies.
At PNW Arthritis & Rheumatology, Jeannette leads with warmth, operational excellence, and a mission to restore the essence of relationship-driven specialty care in Eastern Washington.
Derek Peacock, MD
Co-Founder & Rheumatologist, PNW Arthritis & Rheumatology – Richland, WA
Dr. Derek Peacock is a rheumatologist and co-founder of PNW Arthritis & Rheumatology, where he brings over 25 years of clinical and research leadership to patients across Eastern Washington and Northern Oregon.
Originally trained in the United Kingdom, Dr. Peacock completed his medical degree at King’s College London, followed by internal medicine residencies in both the UK and the U.S., and a rheumatology fellowship at UCLA. Prior to launching PNW Arthritis & Rheumatology, he led a large, independent clinic and founded APEX Clinical Research, serving as Principal Investigator on more than 17 years of clinical trials focused on treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, and related conditions.
Known for his patient-centered approach and clinical precision, Dr. Peacock has also trained multiple advanced practice providers and contributed to the development of therapies still used in modern rheumatology, including biologics such as Humira, Actemra, and Rituxan.
After a brief early retirement in 2019, Dr. Peacock returned to full-time practice with renewed purpose and a desire to build something new—bringing his global training, local values, and research-driven insight to the patients of Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, and the surrounding region.
The friendly faces behind our success
Meet Our Lead Staff
Brittany
Lead Administrator
Brittany brings more than 13 years of experience in rheumatology coding and billing. She’s passionate about making sure every detail is accurate so patients can focus on their care—not the paperwork. Known for her kindness, calm nature, and eye for detail, Brittany helps keep the clinic running smoothly behind the scenes. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family, exploring new places, and tending to her garden.
Yessica
Lead Front Office
Yessica brings more than a decade of front office experience, combining exceptional administrative skill with a genuine dedication to making every patient feel welcomed and cared for. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she is known for her clear communication, organization, and ability to keep daily operations running smoothly. Outside of work, Yessica enjoys spending time with her husband and children, getting lost in a good book, and volunteering at her children’s martial arts dojo.
Shandi
Lead medical assistant
With more than 10 years of experience in rheumatology, Shanda has built her entire medical assistant career working alongside Jeannette Hart, PA-C, providing compassionate, high-quality care to patients. She is dedicated to lifelong learning and is now pursuing further education to become a Physician Assistant, continuing her mission to make a difference in patients’ lives. Outside of work, Shanda is a proud wife, mother, and grandmother who finds joy and balance in spending time with her family.
Kim
Lead Registered Nurse
With over 12 years of experience in rheumatology and infusion therapy, Kim provides compassionate, individualized care and helps patients feel informed and supported throughout their treatment journey. Known for her calm and reassuring presence, both in the infusion room and on the phone, she builds trusted relationships that help patients feel comfortable and confident in their care. Kim has a natural ability to see clinical processes from start to finish and excels in creating efficient, patient-centered systems that keep operations running smoothly. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two young boys, often exploring the outdoors and making family memories together.
Affiliations & Accreditations
Professional Leadership You Can Trust
At PNW Arthritis & Rheumatology, our team is committed to delivering the highest standard of care — grounded in clinical expertise, continuous learning, and professional leadership in the field of rheumatology. Our providers maintain active membership in national and regional organizations and have contributed to research, education, and innovation in rheumatologic care.
American College of Rheumatology (ACR) – Active Members
RhAPP (Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers) – National Faculty & Pacific Northwest Director
MEDEX Northwest, University of Washington – Clinical Preceptors
