Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 3, 2018

Sandra Rybacki, CRNP Kootenai Clinic Sleep Medicine Tell us a little bit about you and your family: I relocated from central Pennsylvania to the lovely Coeur d’Alene area, and I’m very excited about the adventures that lay ahead here. I am here with my life partner and best friend, Stephen Rybacki, who is also now working at Kootenai Health! Why did you pick your specialty? I kind of fell into sleep medicine and have learned to love it over the past three-plus years. What can patients expect when they show up for their first appointment with you? I am a very positive person and care deeply about helping my patients with their sleep problems and helping them improve their quality of life. What are some of your hobbies? My hobbies include the equestrian activities of dressage and various types of jumping. I also enjoy hiking and travel. What drew you to Kootenai Health? Finding Kootenai Health was a complete stroke of luck! I was first interested in the beautiful Coeur d’Alene area, and since I began talking with the human resources department at Kootenai, I have been impressed with the organization overall. What is your favorite healthy tip? Take care of the body you have. Live an active life, eat well and exercise. Enjoy every moment! To schedule an appointment, call (208) 625-6877 . Ellee Reichert, FNP-C Kootenai Clinic Gastroenterology Tell us a little bit about you and your family: I was born and raised in Coeur d’Alene. My family and I recently moved back to the area—excited to be home. I am married with four children: two boys and two girls. I am also blessed to have a daughter-in-law and a grandson. Why did you pick your specialty? I chose gastroenterology for a change, as I had been in a different specialty for the past eight years. I am excited to work with this great clinic, including a wonderful group of providers. What can patients expect when they show up for their first appointment with you? Patients can expect a provider who is ready to listen, educate them and work with them as a team to try to resolve their health concerns. What are some of your hobbies? I enjoy hiking, camping and most outdoor activities with my family. What drew you to Kootenai Health? Having a long history with Kootenai Health drew me back. I was actually born at Kootenai. As a teen, I volunteered as a candy striper for four years. My career as a registered nurse was also spent at Kootenai, working in obstetrics for over seven years. Now working for Kootenai Health as a nurse practitioner feels like I have come full circle. Having the chance to care for the people of northern Idaho as a provider is a great blessing. What is your favorite healthy tip? A few factors that we can work on ourselves is getting good sleep and regular exercise, eating healthy, and reducing stress where possible. To schedule an appointment, call (208) 625-4595 . 12