C H R I S T O P H E R W A R D , M . D . , vascular surgeon,
Kootenai Clinic’s Vascular Surgery Services
Dr. Ward
is joining Kootenai
Clinic’s new vascular surgery
practice. He recently moved to
northern Idaho from Salt Lake
City, Utah.
Tell us a little about your family:
I am married, and we have a
5-year-old daughter. We have two
pets—a cat and a poorly behaved
terrier-like mutt.
Why did you pick your specialty?
The results of a vascular surgery procedure are usually
immediately evident, which can be very satisfying.
Also, the patients have complex, chronic problems that
often require ongoing care. It is one of the few surgical
specialties where a surgeon is able to develop close,
long-term relationships with patients.
What can patients expect when they show up for their
first appointment with you?
They can expect to have a conversation with me about
their concerns, and for me to listen to them and to
their families.
What drew you to Kootenai Health?
I was impressed with the commitment to patients and
their families. There is a tradition of surgical excel-
lence, and now a unique opportunity to help build a
vascular surgery program.
T H E O D O R E K O U T L A S , M . D . , cardiothoracic
surgeon, Northwest Heart and Lung Associates
Dr. Koutlas
joined Robert
Burnett, M.D., at his office
located in Kootenai’s heart
center earlier this year. Eight
months into his practice,
Dr. Koutlas is excited about
getting to know his patients and
beautiful northern Idaho.
Tell us a little about your family:
My wife is Natalie Cooper. We have three children: twin
sons, Nick and Nate, and a daughter, Maria.
Why did you pick your specialty?
I was first drawn to cardiac surgery during my surgi-
cal training. I really enjoyed the combination of the
technical aspects of the surgery with managing cardiac
physiology in critically ill patients.
What can patients expect when they show up for their
first appointment?
When patients meet me they will find me professional,
but pretty casual. I like to get to know my patients on a
personal level. Having surgery can be anxiety-provoking,
and I work hard to make patients and families comfort-
able. My father had open-heart surgery when I was a
teenager, so I know how stressful the operation can be.
What are some of your hobbies?
My main hobbies are fishing and boating, and occa-
sionally golf.
K O O T E N A I H E A L T H A N D K O O T E N A I C L I N I C
Welcome NewPhysicians
MEET THE RESIDENTS
Kootenai Clinic’s Family Medicine Coeur d’Alene Residency received its first residents in June. These residents
will be on-site for the next three years, gaining hands-on experience in areas such as family medicine, OB-GYN,
surgery, rural medicine, pediatrics and emergency medicine.
Doug Borst, M.D.
University of Miami
Daniel Henbest,M.B.,B.S.
University of Queensland
Ochsner Clinical School,
New Orleans
Devin Laky, M.D.
University of Washington
Hollie Mills, M.D.
University of Colorado
Lauren Olsen, M.D.
University of Washington
Julie Sefcik, D.O.
Rocky Vista University
DOCTORS
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