Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 2, 2021

KH . ORG 19 was pregnant with my twins, who are now 5,” said Wendy Woods, one of Dr. Siemers’ patients. “Before and during my pregnancy, I was going through a tough time. I truly feel like they changed my life. Not only medically, but they also helped me find a place to live and stay on track with my goals. They have been there for me ever since. Now they care for my entire family—my boyfriend, my twins and my stepsons.” Extra timeandcare When patients like Wendy and her family are treated at a residency clinic, they are doing more than managing their health. They are also supporting the education and growth of our region’s next generation of family medicine physicians. Kootenai Clinic’s Family Medicine Residency program provides physician residents with the unique experience of practicing medicine in northern Idaho under the direction of an experienced and diverse faculty. Since the program began in 2014, all 24 graduates have earned board certification, and 17 have continued to practice here in Idaho. “Idaho is ranked 49th out of 50 for primary care physicians per capita, and the residency program helps to train the next generation of primary care doctors for our community,” Dr. Siemers said. “Getting health care at a residency clinic can provide many unique opportunities. Patients typically get extra time with their doctor because resident physicians are given longer appointments and are accompanied by an attending physician, so our patients actually receive care from two doctors. In addition, being a part of the teaching environment also provides increased attention to evidence- based medicine, as teaching requires constant attention to the most recent medical advances.” Wendy Woods and her family are patients at Kootenai Clinic Family Medicine Residency. Wendy is pictured here with her boyfriend, Will, and their children, Gage, William and Wendra. Need a checkup? With a larger staff, extended hours and a wide array of services, Kootenai Clinic Family Medicine Residency can easily accommodate busy families. Call (208) 625-6000 or visit appointmentcenter.kh.org to learn more or schedule an appointment.