About Dr. Tolson

Daniel J. Tolson, MD

Hello! I’m Dr. Daniel J. Tolson, a dedicated physician with a passion for developmental and behavioral pediatrics. I am currently based in Washington State but have worked in many locations inside the Unites States and its territories as well as internationally. I strive to make a significant impact in the lives of children and their families. My journey in medicine has been both diverse and enriching, spanning multiple roles and locations.

Professional Snapshot

I bring a wealth of experience in patient care, education, and leadership. I am proficient in English and Spanish, and my expertise includes autism, neurodiversity, ADHD, early childhood development, and managing complex behavior issues. I’ve also dedicated much of my career to developing and improving telehealth services in remote locations and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Family

My wife and I married over 28 years ago, and together we have the joy of parenting eight wonderful children and three delightful grandchildren (so far). One of our sons was born with Down Syndrome and, though he sadly passed away at age eight due to medical complications, he enriched our lives in countless ways. His journey taught us profound life lessons that continue to inspire us every day.

Navigating the complexities of raising children in today’s world is undeniably challenging. The personal experiences we’ve had as parents, including the joys and trials, have deeply shaped my understanding and empathy. These experiences allow me to connect with and support the parents and families I encounter in my medical practice on a more meaningful level.

Education and Training

My educational journey began with a B.S. in Botany from Brigham Young University, followed by a Doctor of Medicine from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. I completed my Pediatric Internship and Residency at the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium. Additionally, I specialized further with a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics Fellowship through Madigan Army Medical Center and the University of Washington Medical Center. I am board-certified in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics and General Pediatrics.

Leadership and Teaching

I’ve held various leadership roles, including Chief of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at Madigan Army Medical Center and Medical Director positions at multiple organizations. I also enjoy teaching and mentoring future pediatricians, holding associate professorships at the University of Washington School of Medicine and Uniformed Services University. I became a Colonel in the US Army and retired from active-duty US Military service in 2024 after spending 25 years serving the families in the US Army, Air Force, Navy, Space Force and Coast Guard.

Volunteer and Community Service

Volunteering is close to my heart. I’ve served as a missionary in Spain, volunteered at community food banks, mentored young adults, helped with different Special Olympics programs, have been volunteer medical staff at a camp for medically complex individuals and held leadership roles in the Boy Scouts of America. My commitment to community service extends to providing medical care during humanitarian missions and contributing to the education of others interested in international humanitarian and refugee situations.

Personal Interests

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy hiking, reading, cycling, brain-teaser and disentanglement puzzles, tying balloon animals and spending time with my family. I also have a strong love of adventure and enjoy mountain climbing, SCUBA diving and exploring new locations. I am always eager to learn and grow, both personally and professionally.