91´ÎÔª

MISSOULA

ABIGAIL ANDERSON, MD

East Tennessee State University James H Quillen College of Medicine

I was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, and went to college at the University of Tennessee (Go Vols) in Knoxville, Tennessee. After a year as an engineering major, I decided to shift gears, major in math (as fun as it sounds), and work toward becoming a doctor. Seeking a change of scenery after college, I moved to Boise, Idaho and worked in a primary care clinic while applying to medical school. I grew up playing sports and being
outside, but Idaho was an outdoor playground unlike anything I had ever known. I moved back east to attend medical school at East Tennessee State University, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. While attending medical school, I completed a master’s in public health leadership and policy to understand the intersection between population health and clinical practice. The MPH program was formative to my interest in family medicine, preventative medicine, and health advocacy.
My free time in medical school was spent running, backpacking, biking, climbing, and more, and I hope to continue doing these activities for the rest of time with my soon-to-be husband, Harrison, and our lab mix, Woods. I’m so thrilled to move to Missoula, play outside in the Rockies, and train with the FMRWM!

SHIVANI BEALL, MD

University of Colorado School of Medicine

I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA, the only child of two microbiologists who fostered my love of science and nature. I earned my degree in Biology from Emory University, where I also spent four wonderful years playing on the women’s soccer team. Growing up, I spent almost every summer exploring the Beartooth Mountains near Red Lodge, Montana. I later
met my partner, Logan, in Red Lodge while studying for the MCAT and volunteering at the local critical access hospital, and I am now lucky to call that beautiful part of the world home. Inspired by my experience in Montana, I joined the Rural Program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. This program allowed me to complete my core clerkships in
the San Luis Valley, a rural region of southern Colorado. There, I was able to follow patients over extended periods of time and across multiple clinical settings, and that experience cemented my passion for rural, full-scope family medicine. During that time, working with local environmental and climate action groups also taught me the power of community centered care and helped me explore my interest in the impacts of environmental health on
human health. I’m honored to be part of a program that allows me to continue prioritizing rural training, and I am excited to do some backpacking, fishing, skiing, and mountain biking with my new
colleagues!

K.T. GIANOULIAS, MD

Tufts University School of Medicine

I was raised in Helena, Montana and have spent most of my life exploring the mountain West. I graduated from the 91´ÎÔª with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language and Literature. After graduating, I spent my summers leading students on multi-day whitewater and backpacking expeditions for the Colorado Outward Bound School in
Moab, UT. During that time, my winters were spent teaching ski school in Montana. More recently, I returned to school to get my Masters in Health Science at Montana State University. While studying, I worked in a NASA-funded lab and had one of my experiments flown to the International Space Station. Prior to attending medical school, I worked for two county health departments in Montana not only providing healthy nutrition for mothers and babies through WIC, but also working on a team to coordinate a COVID response in my own hometown. Moving forward, I hope to bring these skills acquired from my various
pursuits to my practice of medicine: fostering a connected and caring community, empowering others as leaders and continuing to serve women and children. I attended Tufts School of Medicine in their rurally-focused Maine Track and completed my third year at the 25-bed hospital in Bar Harbor. I am especially looking forward to coming home and spending time in Montana while continuing to learn medicine.

KEELY HACKETT, DO

Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine

I was born and raised in Minnesota and moved to Missoula after high school to pursue a degree in Social Work at the 91´ÎÔª. Before medical school, I worked invarious sectors within that field and especially enjoyed working with refugees and local organizations focused on refugee assistance.

I love spending time with my amazing partner, whom I met in an Islamic Civilization class at the 91´ÎÔª. Together, we enjoy outdoor adventures with our animals and our newest family addition— a beautiful daughter. We are thrilled to return to Missoula and serve the community that brought our family together.

TY HUMBLES, DO

Pacific Northwest University College of Osteopathic Medicine

I grew up on Mount Spokane, where I spent my childhood skiing, dirt biking, and exploring the outdoors. I attended Washington State University, majoring in Neuroscience, before heading to Pacific Northwest University for medical school. For a while, I thought I’d be a physicist— until I realized rural towns don’t have much use for quantum mechanics. Medicine, on the
other hand, had everything I was looking for: constant learning, hands-on problem-solving, and a way to serve the small communities I love. I’ve never regretted that choice (and I still get to use physics occasionally—just with ventilators and ultrasound instead of black holes).
My interest in full-spectrum family medicine was solidified during a year of training in Omak, WA, where I saw firsthand the importance of rural physicians who can handle a broad scope of care. I’m particularly interested in emergency medicine, obstetrics, and critical care, and I was drawn to FMRWM for its strong rural-oriented training across all fields of medicine. I know this program will equip me with the skills I need to serve small communities with
comprehensive, high-quality care. Outside of medicine, I love skiing on Mount Spokane, reading both classic literature and sci-fi (Orson Scott Card is a favorite), and spending time with my wonderful wife—who also happens to be a fellow resident. I also enjoy traveling and camping around Montana whenever I get the chance. After residency, I hope to practice in a small town somewhere in
the Pacific Northwest—ideally one with fewer than three stoplights and plenty of space to
explore.

SOPHIA HUMBLES, DO

Pacific Northwest University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Born in Florida and raised in the Pacific Northwest, I developed a deep appreciation for both the beach and the mountains from a young age, spending my school vacations and summers alternating between skiing and lifeguarding. It was during my time as a lifeguard that I had my first experience providing medical care, a pivotal moment that ignited my passion for medicine. This passion led me to explore a variety of roles, including caregiving, medical scribing, and hospice work. Throughout medical school, I discovered my calling in Family Medicine, drawn to its unique ability to integrate my diverse interests while addressing the wide-ranging needs of my patients. I find immense value in the privilege of building meaningful relationships with patients and being an active member of my community, a foundation that solidified my choice to pursue this specialty. During my time at FMRWM, I am excited to deepen my knowledge and further explore my interests in obstetrics and gynecology, addiction medicine, and palliative care.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy a wide array of hobbies, including retro video games, dancing,
BodyPump, fiber arts, and fishkeeping. I also cherish spending time with my husband, Ty, and our family. I am thrilled and grateful to spend the next three years in Missoula with FMRWM, and I look forward to continuing my personal and professional growth in this exciting new chapter.

MATT WILSON, DO

Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine

I was born in Idaho but grew up moving all around the country as the son of an Air Force test pilot. After high school, I joined the Marine Corps, where I served for 12 years as an infantryman, Scout/Sniper, and Marine Raider. My path to medicine began during my time as a section leader at the Wounded Warrior Battalion, where I saw firsthand the healing power of compassionate, skilled care. After completing my service, I earned my
undergraduate degree from Columbia University and went on to graduate from the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine. When I’m not in the hospital or clinic, I love spending time outdoors—rafting, kayaking, fishing, golfing, and biking.

KALISPELL

NICHOLAS RADULOVICH, MD

Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine

I grew up in the suburbs of Vancouver, Canada, before relocating to the United States to attend the University of Washington, where I completed a dual-degree in Physiology and French. Prior to entering medical school, I worked as a remote EMT in Bellingham and joined the Whatcom County Search & Rescue team, where my interest in merging outdoor adventure with medicine was ignited. Motivated by a desire to serve rural communities, I attended Washington State University for medical school. Initially, I planned to pursue ophthalmology, driven by my father’s blindness. However, after organizing several mobile vision clinics throughout Washington, I recognized a broader healthcare need within these underserved communities. This realization led me to Family Medicine, where I could provide comprehensive care to those who lacked access to
essential health services. The FMRWM rural training track in Kalispell, MT was my top choice for residency, offering rich rural training opportunities and the chance to practice in one of the most stunning regions in the country. My other medical interests include wilderness medicine, emergency medicine, sports medicine, and vision care.

DREW STONE, DO

Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic medicine of the Pacific

I was born in Texas and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. After high school, I enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, deploying to Afghanistan alongside the U.S. Marine Corps. Following my military service, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Aurora University and worked as a wetland biologist with the National Park Service in Yellowstone National Park. Throughout medical school, I continued serving my community
as a volunteer firefighter and paramedic with the Lebanon Fire Department. In my free time, you’ll find me hiking, camping, skiing, fly fishing, running, lifting weights, skydiving, and pursuing any adventure that recharges and invigorates me.

JACOB TIEDE, MD

Saint Louis University School of Medicine

I was born and raised in the mountains of Colorado, but more recently my family has been living in Western Montana. After high school I initially pursued my interests in computer science and mathematics which I studied in undergraduate and eventually obtained my Master’s in Applied Mathematics with a focus on machine learning and statistics. After this,
my interest in medicine sent me to Saint Louis where I attended medical school at Saint Louis University. Though the big city was nice, I always wanted to return to the mountains which I am thankful I will be able to do at FMRWM. I am excited to be joining the FMRWM team as I will be able to explore my medical interests in full spectrum family medicine in my favorite part of the country. In my spare time I enjoy drawing, hiking, guitar, and keeping my coding skills
sharp by making my own computer visual effects.

MISSOULA

KILEY ADAMS, MD

University of Michigan Medical School

I was born in Puyallup, Washington and proudly call the mountains of Washington and Southeast Alaska home! After a brief stint in the Midwest at Notre Dame as a goalkeeper on the women’s soccer team, I moved to India as a Fulbright research fellow where my work centered improving access to rehabilitation services for those with disabilities in rural communities. I then returned to Alaska where I worked in accessible outdoor recreation (skiing, hiking, and biking with people with disabilities) before somehow finding my way back to the Midwest. At the University of Michigan, I completed both my medical degree and a Master’s in Sustainability and Development to better understand the interactions between human and ecosystem health. I am excited for a family medicine career which combines my interests to uplift community-wide health in rural, Nordic, and Indigenous communities. Outside of medicine, I am a 4th degree blackbelt for the United States Taekwondo Federation and I love any and all outdoor adventures – especially backpacking, snowboarding, and biking! While I am thrilled to move to Missoula for the outdoor paradise it offers, I am most excited to join the FMRWM because of its clear dedication to fostering a healthy community which feels like family.

NELLIE HINES, MD

Ohio State University College of Medicine

I was born and raised in the land of crabcakes and Old Bay: Maryland. As an
undergraduate, I attended Tufts University in Boston, where I majored in biopsych and minored in dance. It was during college that I fell in love with the outdoors through backpacking trips to the Green and White Mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire. I also met my husband in college, a Colorado native who longed to return to the west. That dream was slightly delayed by my four years of medical school at the Ohio State University. In
medical school, I spent much of my time serving on the board and volunteering at the Columbus Free Clinic. It was there that I fell in love with primary care and its ability to address the needs of the full person. During my last year of medical school, I was able to have my own panel of patients at the Columbus Free Clinic. This wonderful opportunity really showcased the gift of longitudinal relationships with patients. After completing a
month-long rotation in Missoula, I was certain that this program was where I wanted to grow into the best family medicine doctor I can be. In my free time, I would rather be outdoors than anywhere else whether that be hiking, skiing, camping, or birdwatching. I also love to cook, read, and play Dungeons and Dragons with my older brother over Zoom. My husband and I are thrilled to explore all that Montana has to offer, and I am excited to care for the people that call it home.

CLARE KELLY, MD

University of Minnesota Medical School

I grew up in Indianapolis, IN, attended undergrad in Washington, DC, and after college moved to Sitka, AK to join the Jesuit Volunteer Corps for a year of service. It was impossible not to fall in love with Southeast Alaska, the community, environment, and way of life. I stayed in Sikta for two more years during which I got to live out dreams of walking out my door and hiking up a mountain, kayaking to explore islands, and harvesting salmon for my freezer. During my time in Sitka, I had several formative experiences working with Native communities and decided to follow a training path in rural medicine with an emphasis on working with Native people. The University of Minnesota Duluth provided an education focused on training providers for rural primary care and provided education on Native
American health and health systems. As a part of this training path, I got to participate in the UMN Rural Physician Associate Program (RPAP) during my third year clinical rotations in
Bemidji, MN. Comprehensive family medicine has always been my goal and I look forward to developing my practice honoring patients as whole persons. Outside of medicine, I love to spend time with my partner, Michael, and our lovable lab mix, Finn. Particularly if that means playing outside. I love to walk, hike, camp, paddle when it’s possible, practice yoga, cook, bake sourdough breads and sweets, wheel throw ceramic pottery, knit, and generally craft or make whatever I can find. I am excited to get to live in Montana for residency with access to big open land, new plants and ecosystems, and deeply embedded rural communities to learn from.

MONICA MOYA BALASCH, MD

University of New Mexico School of Medicine

I was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, but have lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for many years. I was raised with a strong sense of giving back to my immediate community. This, along with my parents' love for science and learning, was the perfect recipe for an affinity towards becoming a doctor. I obtained a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of New Mexico and a master’s degree in microbiology and immunology from the
University of Michigan. While research is vital to advancing medicine and knowledge, I realized that I truly would be happiest seeing patients and helping with their day-to-day problems. I attended medical school at the University of New Mexico where I volunteered in the many medical student-run clinics and completed my family medicine rotation at a local Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). It was here that my interest in family medicine was formed and deepened. More specifically, I am drawn to the behavioral health aspect of family practice and substance use treatment.
What captivated me about FMRWM were the opportunities to practice full-spectrum outpatient family medicine at an FQHC, the RHEDI curriculum, and behavioral health training opportunities. When not working, I can be found enjoying the great outdoors with my family, traveling, cooking, reading, or gardening. I am very excited to join the FMRWM familia and continue to learn from my patients and colleagues!

SOPHIA ORLANDO, MD

University of Washington School of Medicine

I grew up surrounded by the mountains, lakes and gorgeous Puget Sound of Seattle, WA. I couldn’t leave Mama Rainier behind and stayed in Seattle for my undergraduate education at the University of Washington where I studied public health, art history and worked to promote mental health on my campus as a peer health educator. After graduating, I moved to rural
Alabama for a public health fellowship. In the small town of Greensboro, my interest in rural medicine blossomed and I developed a deeper understanding of the importance of community in shaping health. I knew I had to come back to UW for medical school to take advantage of
its focus on rural medicine and primary care. During medical school, I traveled around the WWAMI region and fell in love with Montana. I
am beyond excited to continue my medical education at FMRWM. My interests in medicine lie in reproductive justice, harm reduction, advocacy and holistic, full-spectrum care.

Outside of medicine, I am a big fan of hosting dinner parties, reading memoirs, paddle- boarding and boogying to live music. I’m looking forward to picking up a pair

SAGE IVERSON, MD

University of Washington School of Medicine

I was born in Missoula, MT and grew up in beautiful Potomac up the Blackfoot river. I spent my childhood competing in gymnastics, playing cowboy polo, hunting, and going on horse packing trips in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Staying in Montana was a priority, so I went to MSU where I studied microbiology and biotechnology. Through my microbiology training, I
had the opportunity to travel to rural Kenya and work on public health projects for clean water and sanitation. It was there that I recognized my passion for medicine, particularly rural medicine. I was able to continue my education in Montana through the University of Washington’s WWAMI program for medical school. The physician’s I trained under fostered
my passion for rural medicine and desire to serve the people of my home state, so FMRWM was a perfect fit for residency.
My husband, Josh, and I are so excited to share our love of playing in the outdoors with our daughter, Emmylou, and our cattle dog, Dally. When we’re not working, we love trail running, mountain biking, cross country skiing, hiking, and reading.

MAC TURNER, MD

University of Washington School of Medicine

I am from Billings, Montana (Go Broncs!) and attended Montana State University in Bozeman with a degree in cell biology and neuroscience. I completed my medical degree at the University of Washington, participating in the underserved track. Public health is a passion of mine with focuses on homelessness, addiction, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ health. During medical school, I co-founded a free, interdisciplinary student-run
clinic providing footcare, socks, shoes, and other supplies and services to individuals facing homelessness in the Billings area. My other medical interests include sports medicine, emergency medicine, wilderness medicine, and health advocacy. For hobbies and interests, I enjoy volleyball, basketball, lifting weights, trail running, and
backpacking. My free time is often spent exploring the mountains, sitting in the sand at MSO beach, and searching for a new spot to eat too much food with my wife. Montana is
not only home, but has grown to become a statewide community full of friends and loved
ones for my family and me. I am grateful to remain in my home state as well as for the
opportunity to be a part of this program and the Missoula community

KALISPELL

JOHN MICHAEL MEULI, MD

University of Washington School of Medicine

I was born and raised near Dayton Montana where my family owns and operates a cattle ranch. Prior to entering medical school, I completed my undergraduate degree at Montana State University in exercise science. While at MSU I met my beautiful wife, Rosie. I then attended The University of Washington School of Medicine as a Montana WWAMI student. I
was selected to be part of the Targeted Rural Underserved Track (TRUST) and paired with the community of Polson, MT. This unique experience provided me with tools and insights into care in rural underserved areas, reaffirming my desire to practice family medicine in just such a place. I love being outdoors with my dogs, hunting, fishing, snowboarding, boating,
or hiking. I enjoy playing games, everything from pickup sports to card and board games. I also love to barbecue and experiment with my pellet smoker. I feel incredibly blessed to return to western MT for my residency training as I plan to live and practice in the area.

RIDGE NAVARRO, MD

Midwestern University College of Osteopathic Medicine—Arizona

I grew up in a small suburb just north of Chicago and attended Loyola University where I completed a degree in Biology and minored in Business Administration. My interests have always stemmed from the outdoors and I was ready to leave the city. I began my journey westward and attended medical school at Midwestern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Glendale, AZ. I gravitated towards working with the underserved and rural communities, immediately joining my school’s H.O.M.E. (Health Outreach through Medicine and Education) program. The more I learned and experienced, the greater my passion grew for rural medicine as a whole. Family medicine always stood out to me as an amazing platform to help educate patients. It is important to me to be in touch with the community and improve access to healthcare in any capacity that I can. Within medicine, I am particularly interested in full spectrum care, wilderness medicine, preventative medicine, emergency medicine, and global health.
Outside of medicine, I like to spend my time outdoors. I enjoy photography, hiking, camping, mountain biking, fly-fishing, and snowboarding. I am more than excited to be able to explore what beautiful Montana has to offer while completing my training with FMRWM.

ASHLEY WARD, MD

Quinnipiac University—Netter School of Medicine

I grew up in Kennett, Missouri, a small farm town in the southeastern corner of the state. After earning my degree in journalism from the University of Missouri, I spent several years working in that field, including positions as a travel writer, public affairs representative, and reporter with the Olympic News Service. However, family illness shifted my plans, ultimately leading me to pursue a career in medicine. After completing my post-baccalaureate studies at Washington University in St. Louis, I made my way to Connecticut and Netter School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University. I spent my entire third year in tiny Fort Kent, Maine, where I discovered my love for rural, full- scope family medicine. I’m especially passionate about reproductive health, OB, health equity, and mental health. During my fourth year of medical school, I had the opportunity to complete a month-long rotation in Kalispell, and I was surprised by how quickly I felt at home. Plus, after growing up on some of the flattest land you can imagine, it was easy to fall in love with the mountains. I’m so excited that I get to come back for residency, and I can’t wait to get to know the community better and explore everything Montana has to offer. Outside of medicine, I love spending time with my two rescue pups, hiking, swimming, trivia
nights, tackling DIY projects, and traveling when I get the chance.

MISSOULA

CECILIA HECK, MD

University of Washington School of Medicine

Growing up, my days were spent on our small sheep farm on the Bozeman Pass. After high school in Bozeman, I continued onto Carroll College where I received a bachelor’s degree in biology. Shortly after college I was able to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Cameroon, Central Africa. For two and a half years I worked in a small village developing projects focused on maternal health in areas such as malnutrition and malaria prevention. This is where my love of medicine grew into a calling, and I was able to return after my service to attend medical school at the University of Washington. I have a passion for working in rural communities and am a graduate of the Targeted Rural Underserved Track (TRUST) at UW. In my free time I love to trail run and cross-country ski with my dog. It is a privilege to return to Montana to practice medicine in the same communities I grew up in.

I am beyond thrilled to be starting residency with FMRWM.

CHIARA LAWRENCE, MD

Albany Medical College

I grew up in Denver, CO, escaping to the mountains with my family to ski, bike, and ramble on ridgelines whenever I wasn’t on a soccer field or in a classroom. I moved to Vermont for college, where I studied neuroscience, took lots of art classes, and was spoiled with a backyard full of trails. In high school and college, I volunteered as a ski patroller and discovered my love of medicine.

During my junior year I studied abroad in Argentina through a program focused on public health, which affirmed my interest in public health. After finishing college, I worked as an EMT in Colorado before moving to Albany, NY for medical school. I soon discovered my love of primary care, obstetrical and abortion care, sexual health, climate health justice, and end of life care. I am dedicated to providing holistic care for each patient in the context of their life, alongside their families and communities, and through all of life's stages. I cannot imagine choosing anything other than full-spectrum family medicine and I feel so lucky to be moving to Missoula to continue my training with FMRWM.

In my free time I love trail running, skiing, goofing around with my friends and partner, cooking spicy foods, dancing to live music or just around my kitchen, reading (currently rereading The Locked Tomb series and On Freedom by Maggie Nelson), and taking my road bike on trails it was definitely not built for.

ANNALISE MANN, DO, MPH

A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine - Arizona

I was born and raised in the mountains and rivers of central Colorado. I completed a degree in Environmental Health at Colorado State University where I fell in love with public health and interned with the Honduras Cookstove Project. After college, I traveled and worked as a medical scribe in Ferndale, WA where I grew to love the community involvement, varied nature and widespread applicability of family medicine. I attended medical school at A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) where I spent three years working with underserved and rural populations of Northern Arizona. I helped found and lead the ATSU-SOMA Wilderness Medicine Club and enjoyed introducing my peers to camping, climbing, mountain biking, and skiing. My medical interests include rural full spectrum medicine, women’s health, wilderness and travel medicine, advocacy, public health and the list goes on. My husband Scott and I enjoy backcountry and Nordic skiing, whitewater kayaking, and mountain biking together. When not outside, I watercolor paint, bake sweet treats and snuggle our two kitties. We look forward to exploring Montana and joining the community in Missoula

CHRISTINE OJA, MD

University of Washington School of Medicine

I grew up on a cattle ranch south of Geyser, MT – a blip on the highway east of Great Falls. Upon graduating from Montana State University with degrees in Biochemistry and Exercise Science, I attended the WWAMI program through the University of Washington. During my four years of medical school, I had the privilege of being a TRUST scholar, where I was able to complete many of my clinical rotations in rural Montana. This program, as well as my upbringing, fueled my passion for rural medicine and providing healthcare in the great state of Montana. Family medicine quickly drew me in as I love the wide spectrum of care I am able to provide - from obstetrics to geriatrics. Plus, there is the added bonus of being able to work and live in a rural community. 

When I am not in a medical setting, you can find me outside with my fiancé, Pierce, and our two dogs – Bobber and Brook. We love taking full advantage of the beautiful state we live in. Some of our favorite activities include hiking, fly fishing, cattle ranching, and cross-country skiing. I am ecstatic to be able to continue my education while exploring a new part of the state and having the ability to stay close to home!

TALIA SOPP, MD

University of Iowa School of Medicine

I grew up in a hockey family in Fairbanks, Alaska. After getting a degree in physics at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, I realized I didn't actually want to be a physicist and spent a few years trying a variety of jobs, ranging from working at an addiction treatment center for teens to raft guiding. I particularly loved my job as a health insurance navigator at a neighborhood health center, and the family physicians there inspired me to go to medical school.

I traded mountains for cornfields when I started medical school at the University of Iowa. Though I enjoyed almost every specialty I rotated in, the family medicine clinic always felt like home to me. I spent 2 months in rural towns in northwest Iowa where family docs did everything from C-sections to hospice care. This fostered in me a particular passion for full-spectrum, rural family medicine.

Throughout medical school, I also developed a passion for working with people who use drugs. I volunteered regularly with our local harm reduction coalition and started a student harm reduction group to get medical students more involved. This group has now distributed thousands of doses of naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal agent, saving the lives of many Iowans.

I am thrilled to continue my medical training in Missoula. As a rock climber, cyclist, and whitewater enthusiast, I am excited to explore the Last Best Place!

CASSANDRA WAMMEN, MD

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson

I was born in England and raised in Mesa, Arizona. I attended Chandler-Gilbert Community College and Arizona State University where I studied genetics, cell, and developmental biology. During undergrad, I gained great fulfillment in empowering others through education by serving disadvantaged youth in Title I schools, teaching for the Arizona Department of Corrections in Florence, and serving the housing insecure population in Phoenix as a volunteer and crisis responder. After college, I was a Gilman scholar to Morocco and Fulbright grantee to Belgium where I met my now husband, Tal, who is also a former Fulbright grantee and engineer with NASA. Through Tal and many adventures at his family’s fifth generation cattle ranch in Harding County, South Dakota, I fell in love with rural life and the power of community. I am humbled to have the privilege of being a physician and received my M.D. from the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson. My life experiences have cultivated my desire to practice full-scope family medicine and to be the “Jack of all trades” that my patients can count on. In the rich realm of family medicine, I am especially passionate about reproductive health, obstetrics, dermatology, and psychiatry.

I was a competitive figure skater for seven years and greatly enjoy running, cycling, hiking and swimming when outside the classroom, clinic, and hospital. I am incredibly excited to join the FMRWM and look forward to forming close bonds with my colleagues and patients. I cannot wait to explore the beautiful Montana mountains, new restaurants, and national parks with my husband and free-roaming house bunny, Chester.

ALEXIS ZIEBELMAN, MD

Tel Aviv University School of Medicine

Shalom! I was born and raised in the tiny town of New York, NY, “the greatest city in the world.” I was fortunate to grow up in a tight-knit neighborhood and Jewish community that made the big city feel cozy and small. I became acutely aware at a young age that the world was not a fair or just place, and that I had an obligation to help be part of the solution. As one who continuously seeks to learn and explore, I lived in Yafo, Israel after high school and found a home as the only American in an all Israeli gap year. I returned stateside to study history and mathematics at the University of Pennsylvania for my undergraduate degree, in the birthplace of our young nation. After graduating, I worked for a few years seasonally outdoors spending summer/fall in the intense White Mountains in New Hampshire and winters in rural Idaho. It was in these years that I fell in love with small places and cemented my desire to return to work in a rural community. I spent a triumphant and challenging 3 months hiking 1717.17 miles of the PCT before starting medical school in Tel Aviv, Israel. Throughout medical school, I enjoyed every clinical rotation too much to choose just one specialty, which naturally led me to family medicine. I enjoy hiking, snowboarding, climbing, and generally exploring all mother nature has to offer! I am thrilled to join the FMRWM mishpochah and I cannot wait to explore the amazing mountains, rivers, and community Missoula and Montana have to offer and continue my medical training in such a unique and special environment!

KALISPELL

NICOLE GREEN, DO

University of Pikeville College of Osteopathic Medicine

I grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, and majored in Kinesiology and Global Health at the University of Wisconsin. After graduating college, I moved to southwest Montana, where I spent the winter working at a ski shop and volunteering as a ski patroller. After three months in Montana, I knew I wanted to stick around so I started a more permanent job at a critical access hospital working as pharmacy technician. This was where I fell in love with rural family medicine. The hospital that I worked at was fully staffed by family doctors, and I loved watching them care for patients in the emergency room and manage chronic conditions in the clinic. For medical school, I attended the University of Pikeville because of its emphasis on training rural primary care doctors. In Eastern Kentucky, I continued to fall in love with rural medicine. Within family medicine, my interests include emergency medicine, women’s health, and addiction medicine. I am ecstatic to complete my residency training with FMRWM – Kalispell where I will be able to grow as a physician in each of these fields. Outside of medicine, my hobbies include backcountry skiing, mountain biking, running, and talking to my grandma on the phone. My partner, Dominic, and I are excited to explore Northwest Montana with our two goofy dogs, Shadow and Lyric.

SAMANTHA LEADBETTER, MD

Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine

I was born and raised in Missoula, Montana before moving to Bozeman for college. As a student at Montana State, I worked as an intern for the Office of Health Advancement and discovered a passion for preventive care and health education. I lived in Portland, Oregon during medical school and learned that while I loved the fauna, moody weather, and proximity to the coast, I am not a big- city person and was ready to come home to Montana and be closer to my family and the mountains I love.

Family medicine became the obvious choice for me when I realized that I love seeing patients of every age and with a variety of conditions. I am particularly interested in reproductive healthcare, pregnancy care, sports medicine, end of life care, and health advocacy. I am passionate about making healthcare feel approachable for patients of all backgrounds, and making sure that my patients feel heard, seen, and valued.

Outside of work, I am an avid reader and baker, and love trying out new recipes. I enjoy spending time outside, gardening, and exploring new places.

GEORGE POPE, DO

Pacific Northwest University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Born and Raised out of the Pacific Northwest just outside of Portland, Oregon I had the pleasure of growing up exploring nature with my family. This inevitably brought us to Montana several times to take in the raw beauty of Glacier National Park and I haven’t been able to stop visiting since. I attended medical school at Pacific Northwest University in Yakima, Washington because it gave me the opportunity to learn while serving a rural and underserved population. I am ecstatic to be joining the FMRWM team as it will provide me the opportunity to explore all my medical interests while also letti ng me continue to try and hone my skills as a hiker, fly fisherman, skier, and want to be chef. After residency, I hope to practice full spectrum family medicine for a rural and underserved community.