"Practicing emergency medicine and serving as Chief Medical Officer in rural Montana, my career path might seem unconventional to some. From early childhood I have always enjoyed and thrived on being in the outdoors. As my educational path matured, I also realized my career passion was in emergency medicine. My wife and I, along with our young family were drawn to the mountains and open skies of Montana, and it did not take long for me to realize that the heart of medicine beats strongest in rural communities.

 

The choice to serve in a rural hospital was not merely a professional decision; it was a calling. Here, amidst the rolling plains and rugged mountain ranges, healthcare is not a commodity; it is a lifeline. The scarcity of resources and the sheer distance from urban medical centers create challenges that are unique to rural medicine. Each day, I am reminded that my team and I are not just providing medical services; we are an integral part of a tightly knit community fabric, where our patients are our neighbors, friends, and sometimes, even family.

 

In rural emergency medicine, you witness the full spectrum of humanity, from the joy of saving a life to the solemn dignity of providing comfort in the final moments. It is the raw purity of medicine, where every decision can mean the difference between life and death. The breadth and variety of cases we handle would astound many; we are generalists as much as specialists, adapting and learning constantly, embodying the true spirit of resourcefulness.

 

Moreover, contributing to the growth and development of rural healthcare is profoundly rewarding. We are pioneers, in a sense, forging pathways to ensure that high-quality emergency care reaches those who might otherwise be isolated. My team and I take pride in advancing telemedicine, community education, EMS education and development, innovative health programs, mentoring and education of aspiring young healthcare workers, all of which will provide our residents the foundation and security of excellence in healthcare delivery for generations in the rural setting. 

 

I chose the path less traveled, and it has fulfilled my deepest aspirations of achievement as a medical professional. At the end of the day, I rest well knowing that, in some of the remotest corners of beautiful Montana, we are building something enduring—a community's trust in their emergency care and the peace of mind that comes with it.

 

Serving in rural hospitals and residing in beautiful Montana with my wife and family, is a privilege and an honor. I am always humbled by how fortunate I have been living and being a part of this beautiful community.  I would choose no other place to call my professional home.”