Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 3, 2017

FAMILY MEDICINE By Andrea Nagel On June 24, the first class from Kootenai Clinic Family Medicine Coeur d’Alene Residency graduated, half of whom are planning to continue practicing in Idaho immediately following their completion of the program. Blazinga trail “They are definitely pioneers,” said Richard McLandress, M.D., program director. “Each of our six graduates has the spirit and energy to help us make something new, and they’ve done a great job.” The residency was developed in response to a shortage of primary care physicians in our region. Between faculty members and residents, the Family Medicine Residency has 26 providers treating patients in northern Idaho. Puttingdown roots “We’re able to improve ac- cess to care for residents in Kootenai County, as well as in the rural communities that surround us,” Dr. McLan- dress said. “The residency has brought over 20 new physicians to our area. Each of these new providers is living here, buying or renting homes here, paying taxes here—so the program is benefiting our community in many ways.” As part of the program, residents are able to do rota- tions in rural and wilderness medicine; inpatient rotations where they see adult, pediat- ric, emergency and obstetric patients; as well as rotations with specialty clinics. “Our program gives the residents a wide breadth of training to pull from,” Dr. McLandress said. “We’re grateful for the specialty Pioneering the Future of FamilyMedicine The first class of Kootenai Clinic’s residency program graduates providers that volunteer to have the residents in their clinic and in the hospital.” Moreon theway As the first class graduates and moves on from the comfort of the residency, a new class of medical profes- sionals is just getting started. “Our subsequent classes are phenomenal and come from all over the country,” Dr. McLandress said. “They’re connected with our mission and vision for the program and very smart. This is an in- vestment by Kootenai Health in the growth and wellness of our community.” We’re here for you To find a family medicine physician or learn more about our program, visit KH.org/family-medicine or call our appointment center at (208) 625-6767 . First class: Facultymembers Crystal Pyrak, M.D.; Johnathan Shupe, M.D.; Ryan Giles, M.D.; and Rebecca Siemers, M.D.; residency graduates Daniel Henbest, M.B., B.S.; Devin Laky, M.D.; Douglas Borst, M.D.; Julie Sefcik, D.O.; Lauren Olsen, M.D.; HollieMills, M.D.; faculty member Brittany Burns, M.D.; and residency director RichardMcLandress, M.D. 18