I am very happy to be part of the team at NWWHC. Dr. Ludden and I share many common interests and skills and I am excited about this great opportunity. I have always had a love for the field of medicine and believe that the
"real" medicine is truly caring about each individual patient. To care for patients' needs is an honor and a privilege of the highest accord.
Since 1984, previous to joining Dr. Ludden, I practiced medicine in Salt Lake City. I provided the full spectrum of women's care, including OB, with an emphasis on infertility and "minimally invasive surgery" (performing surgery through tiny incisions using small telescopes). I will be concentrating on gynecology and infertility treatment now and will not be providing obstetrical care. I enjoy OB and will miss the OB moms. I have always had a special interest in the use of laser in surgery and have been using various types of lasers both in the office and operating room since 1981. I have taught and proctored many other physicians in the area of laser procedures for the past 15 years.
I, like Dr. Ludden, have fulfilled the requirements for certification in advanced operative endoscopicsurgery, as offered by the Accreditation Council of Gynecologic Endoscopy. Using endoscopy, we can accomplish necessary surgeries with much less pain, shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery, and less time off the job. I am intrigued and fascinated by what can actually be accomplished, surgically, with this modern technology. I have published articles in national and international journals on endoscopic outpatient surgery and endometrial ablation (surgery for heavy menses without incision). The ablation procedure I developed was nominated for "The Golden Hysteroscope Award" at the world meeting in New York and the results were published in the book, Proceedings of the World Congress of Hysteroscopy. Currently, this outpatient procedure has the highest success rate for the control of heavy bleeding in the medical literature. I anticipate, with enthusiasm, future developments in endoscopy as Dr. Ludden and I work together.
I received my medical degree from the University of Utah in 1980. I did my residency, in OB-GYN, at Maricopa County Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ, and worked many hours as an ER physician at the medical center and Chandler Community Hospital. Since going into practice, I have kept up these skills as a part-time ski patrol physician at Snowbird Ski Resort in Utah. I was board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology in 1987. I am a fellow of the American College of Obstetricans & Gynecologists and the International College of Surgeons. I keep an active membership in the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopic Surgeons, the American Uro-Gynecology Society, the Society of Laparoscopic Surgeons, and the American Fertility Society.
I was born and raised in Southern Alberta, Canada, where my father was a general surgeon in a smalltown. We spent many happy summers at Lake Blaine Resort here in the Flathead Valley. I married my beautiful wife, Deanne, in 1978, and we have four great children -- Chad (1980), Michelle (1982), Ashley (1985), and Brooke (1989). Deanne taught first grade while I was in medical school, but since then has been a full time mother to our children. Her exceptional talents have encouraged our children to be accomplished in piano, literature, and academics. She gives tender care to Brooke, our youngest daughter, who has Down Syndrome. Our family interests include snow skiing, water skiing, fishing, hiking, reading, and travel. We know we will enjoy living full time in the Flathead Valley.
