8 Trace Heavener, D.O., MBA Kootenai Clinic Gastroenterology Tell us a bit about you and your family. I grew up in a farming community in rural Oklahoma. My family loved to hunt, boat, hike and ski every chance we had. I met my wife, Hannah, while attending college, and we have been married for 17 years. Hannah is a registered nurse and loves to claim credit for making me into the doctor I am. We have four children—Teagan (14), Leah Kate (13), Eliza Belle (9) and Gabe (7)—and two Boston terriers, Luna and Lola. We are very close and enjoy spending time together traveling, playing games, cheering at sports events and all things outdoors. I enjoy re-creating positive memories of my childhood with my own family. Where did you receive your medical degree? I attended medical school at Oklahoma State University in Tulsa; did my internal medicine residency at Baylor Scott and White Hospital in Temple, Texas; and my gastroenterology fellowship back with OSU in Tulsa. I spent a year working as a hospitalist in Bolivar, Missouri, at Citizens Memorial Hospital in between residency and fellowship. I’m happy to be starting my career as a gastroenterologist with Kootenai Health. Why did you pick your specialty? The boring answer is that I have always found the digestive system to be interesting. However, the more accurate answer would be that I understand the simplicity of an “in” and “out” plumbing system. This specialty allows me the dexterity to interact with patients and perform technical scoping skills. I’m never bored. Meet Our New Providers What can patients expect when they first meet with you? I treat every patient like I would my own family. I will be kind, provide down-to-earth and simple explanations that anyone can understand and give them drawn-out pictures to explain procedures and dysfunctions. I welcome their input to create a care plan that fits their needs. What are some of your hobbies? I am an avid runner, competing in many ultramarathons and trail races. I love doing my own home renovation projects, especially those that allow me to buy a new power tool. I have a great sense of humor and share lots of “dad jokes.” What drew you to Kootenai Health? Initially the beautiful location in Coeur d’Alene drew me to the position. Once I met the staff and saw firsthand the importance of the hospital in the community, I felt confident that my career would have value here. As a competitive person, I appreciate being a part of the “best” in the Inland Northwest. My wife and I always wanted land in a location with a small-town feel, and this is it. What is your favorite healthy tip? Constipation is so prevalent, and hydration is the first step in addressing the issue. That’s why it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking at least 8 cups of fluids per day. Benjamin Milam, M.D. Kootenai Clinic Internal Medicine Post Falls Tell us a bit about you and your family. I am a native Texan, born and raised in San Antonio. I met my wife in medical school, and we have two beautiful children. Where did you receive your medical degree? I am board-certified in addiction medicine and internal medicine. I graduated from medical school at the American University of the Caribbean. I did my residency in internal medicine at Eisenhower Health in Southern California, and I did my fellowship in addiction medicine at the University of California, Riverside. After Kootenai Clinic Appointment Center: Need to nd a physician and schedule an appointment? Call the Appointment Center at (208) 625-6767 or request an appointment online at appointmentcenter.kh.org.
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