Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 1, 2022

Robert Blease M.D. Kootenai Clinic Orthopedics Coeur d’Alene Tell us a bit about you and your family. I have one daughter who is 34 and a certified nurse midwife in Colorado Springs. Other than that, I have two Siberian huskies and a malamute named Large Marge. Why did you pick your specialty? I had originally contemplated emergency medicine based on my early military experiences. However, my clinical rotations in medical school quickly showed me the joys of procedural medicine. Orthopedics tends to focus on extending quality of life and activity, which I find immensely rewarding. Within the field of orthopedics, I chose to become a trauma specialist mostly because I enjoy the challenge and the patients, who are often in dire need and tend to be extremely grateful for the help they receive. What can patients expect when they first meet with you? I like to find some link or bond with my patients when I first meet them, whether it be through sports, pets, locations we have lived in, kids, military experience or other activities. I like to let people know that I empathize with their suffering, and we are forming a team to get them better. I will often try to diffuse fear and doubt with humor and reassure them based on my experiences as a surgeon. I will answer their questions honestly and as completely as I can. What are some of your hobbies? Rock climbing, skiing, distance running, hiking and taking care of my Montana property. What drew you to Kootenai Health? I have worked in a number of facilities of varying sizes across the country. Rarely have I found a facility that actively fosters such a positive outlook and growth mentality and also works to put the patient and staff first. I feel this will allow me to do what I do best as a physician without worrying about outside distractions and artificial limitations. What is your favorite healthy tip? Stay active! We all age—but not all gracefully. The longer we stay engaged and active in life, the better quality of life we will have. It really is a “use it or lose it” deal. Schedule an appointment: Call (208) 625-6111 . Travis Buzzard, M.D. Kootenai Clinic Family Medicine Post Falls Tell us a bit about yourself. I earned a medical degree at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. I then completed residency training at the University of Utah Family Medicine Program and graduated in 1998. Why did you pick your specialty? I was motivated to become a family physician through a desire to have longer-term relationships with patients and to positively affect all age groups. What can patients expect when they first meet with you? Communication and education are important in my role as a clinician. An integral part of my practice and philosophy is educating patients on their diagnoses so they can make informed decisions on their treatment. I treat each patient with respect and attention to detail, placing value on both quality patient care and compassion. What drew you to Kootenai Health? I chose Kootenai Health because Kootenai prides itself on providing excellence of care and community dedication. I feel Kootenai has a well-balanced approach with an emphasis on evidence-based medicine, shared decision-making and a patient-centered care model that enables and encourages people to play a role in the decisions that affect their health. Me e t o u r n ew p r ov i d e r s 10