Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 3, 2021

Cody Matson, PMHNP-BC Kootenai Clinic Behavioral Health Tell us a little about you and your family: I am originally from Iowa. I have been living in Spokane for the last two years with my partner and our two dogs. Why did you pick your specialty? My first hospital-based position was a patient care tech on the adult behavioral health unit. When I started, I fell in love with the behavioral health patient population and have never left. What can patients expect when they first meet with you? When patients first meet me, they can expect a kind greeting and a few moments of simple “getting to know you” chat. What are some of your hobbies? In my free time, I enjoy hiking, kayaking and adventuring with the dogs. What drew you to Kootenai Health? The culture drew me to Kootenai Health. What is your favorite healthy tip? I encourage people to find something they love doing, carve a reasonable amount of time out to do what they love and keep the habit up to better their overall well-being. Need help? Visit KH.org/behavioral-health to learn more about behavioral health services at Kootenai. Rebekah Syverson, NP Kootenai Heart Clinics–Cardiothoracic surgery Tell us a little about you and your family: I have been married to my husband for 28 years, and we have five sons. All five of our sons are active duty military. They are stationed all over the country, and they make me so proud! Why did you pick your specialty? I enjoy assisting patients through their surgical experience. Being able to experience the presurgical, surgical and postoperative period with heart patients is very rewarding, and the ability to encourage and educate patients on lifestyle modifications that can improve their surgical outcomes is my favorite part. What can patients expect when they first meet with you? Patients can expect to be listened to and to have their concerns addressed. What are some of your hobbies? I enjoy backpacking, camping and hiking. I love the mountains of northern Idaho. What drew you to Kootenai Health? I actually worked at Kootenai Health as a nurse 20 years ago in the birth center. I enjoyed my experience here so much. I am very excited to be back at Kootenai as a nurse practitioner and to be back in the Coeur d’Alene area. What is your favorite healthy tip? My favorite healthy tip is that movement is actually the best medicine. Daily exercise has so many benefits beyond physical fitness. Looking for heart care? Visit KH.org/heart-services to learn more about cardiac care delivered from the heart at Kootenai. Me e t o u r n ew p r ov i d e r s 12