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W H A T C A N P A T I E N T S
E X P E C T W H E N T H E Y S H O W
U P F O R T H E I R F I R S T
A P P O I N T M E N T W I T H Y O U ?
They will have a thorough ex-
amination of their health related
to rheumatology and a treatment
plan that they understand and are
partners in creating.
W H A T A R E S O M E O F Y O U R
H O B B I E S ?
I love to mountain bike, road bike,
compete in triathlons and kayak.
W H A T D R E W Y O U T O
K O O T E N A I H E A L T H ?
Dustin Dinning, D.O., and I met
at a meeting a couple of years
ago, and he was happy about how
he was treated as a physician at
Kootenai. Patients and other physi-
cians at Kootenai confirmed his
positive accolades as I investigated
further.
T E L L U S A L I T T L E B I T A B O U T
Y O U A N D Y O U R F A M I L Y .
I grew up on a ranch with three
siblings and parents who were both
teachers. I come from a close family
and am now fortunate to have a family
of my own. I enjoy spending time with
my husband and 8-year-old twin boys.
W H Y D I D Y O U P I C K Y O U R
S P E C I A L T Y ?
My younger brother, who was born
while I was a teenager, had many
health problems. I initially became
interested in medicine as I helped
him through multiple hospitaliza-
tions and surgeries. At that time,
I was drawn to surgery because I
could see the immediate benefits
of surgery. I admired the surgeon’s
skill and quick decision making.
As my career progressed, I moved
toward general surgery because I
valued the general surgeon’s ability
to understand and treat all aspects
of patient care. I wanted to have the
ability to care for the sickest patients
in the hospital, and I found that in
general surgery.
W H A T C A N P A T I E N T S
E X P E C T W H E N T H E Y
S H O W U P F O R T H E I R F I R S T
A P P O I N T M E N T W I T H Y O U ?
When patients come to see me in the
clinic, they can expect a thoughtful
and complete evaluation. I encourage
open communication and plan for a
careful review of their medical condi-
tions and treatment options. Quality
surgical care is a balance between
current medical knowledge, precise
technical skill and compassion for
the patient. I expect that my patients
will feel well cared for, valued and
respected.
W H A T A R E S O M E O F Y O U R
H O B B I E S ?
Growing up on a small ranch culti-
vated a love of the outdoors. I grew
up caring for farm animals, horseback
riding, camping, fishing and hunting.
I would now add biking, skiing and
running. Of course, I have always
enjoyed time with family and friends.
W H A T D R E W Y O U T O
K O O T E N A I H E A L T H ?
A close friend and colleague intro-
duced me to the Coeur d’Alene area
and I was, of course, enamored with
its beauty and enjoyed the small-town
feel and friendly community. As I ex-
plored a career with Kootenai Health,
I was impressed with the breadth and
quality of care offered. I appreciated
the obvious commitment to patient
care and surgical outcomes.
HEIDI JACKSON, M.D.,
Surgeon, Kootenai Clinic
General Surgery
KH . ORG
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