Providers

Education

• B.S., Biology, Spanish, Carroll College, Helena Montana 

• M.D., University of Washington School of Medicine, WWAMI TRUST program 

Residency

• Family Medicine Residency of Idaho

Board Certifications

• American Board of Family Medicine since 2019

Professional Activities

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) 

• Advanced Trauma and Life Support (ATLS) 

• Advanced Life Support Obstetrics (ALSO) 

• Advanced Wilderness & Expedition Provider (AWEP) 

• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) 

• Neonatal education program focusing exclusively on the post-resuscitation/pre-transport stabilization care of sick infants (STABLE) 

Areas of Interest

• Emergency medicine 

• Endoscopy and ultrasound applications in rural and emergency medicine 

• Pediatrics 

• Dermatology 

• Reproductive healthcare 

Hobbies

• Adventures of all varieties.

Education

• B.A., University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut

• Doctor of Chiropractic, Northwest Health Science University, Bloomington, Minnesota

Board Certification

• National Board of Chiropractic Examiners

Certification

• Nationally Certified Impairment Evaluator

Additional Studies

• Advanced Extremity Adjustment, Prosport National Conference

Experience

• Severe trauma clinic, St. Paul, Minnesota, 2 years

• Private practice, Whitehall, Montana, 26 years

Professional Activities

• Member, Montana Chiropractic Association

• Member, Northwest Health Science University Alumni Association

Areas of Interest

• Entire musculoskeletal system, the bio-mechanics of the human body

Hobbies

• Hiking, gardening, being a Mom & Koinonia of Montana

Education

• B.A., Biology, Chemistry, Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR
• M.D., University of Colorado School of Medicine

Residency

• Family Medicine Residency of Western Montana (Missoula)

Board Certifications

• American Board of Family Medicine 

Professional Certifications

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) 
• Advanced Trauma and Life Support (ATLS) 
• Advanced Life Support Obstetrics (ALSO) 
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) 

Areas of Interest

• Preventative health for all ages
• Emergency medicine
• Inpatient medicine
• Point of Care Ultrasound
• Pediatrics 
• Teaching

Hobbies

• Being in the Mountains (running, hiking, camping), skiing, fly fishing, traveling, home improvement, spending time with family and friends

Education

• L.P.N., Butte Vo-Tech

• R.N.-A.S.N., New York University

• M.S. Family Nurse Practitioner, Walden University, Minneapolis

Experience

• Barrett Hospital, 25 years

• Traveling nurse for rural hospitals, 21 years.  Responsible for all aspects of rural
  nursing - OB, Pediatrics, Med/Sur Outpatient, ICU/ER and charge nurse.

• Radiology - 13 week assignment at Bozeman Deaconess for interventional radiology
  including PICC lines.

• Flight nurse with Care Flight, Air Idaho, Omniflight, Air Methods and Summit Air,
  4 years.

• Nurse Practitioner, Deer Lodge, 3 years

Board Certifications

• American Nurses Credentialing Center

• Board Certified Family Practitioner Nurse

Professional Certifications

• PICC Line Certification

• Advanced Trauma Life Support

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support

• Advanced Pediatric Life Support

Areas of Interest

• All aspects of medical treatment and caring for patients

• Women's health

• Children with special needs

Hobbies

• Antiquing, gardening, grandkids, kids, husband and a large extended family. 

Education

• B.S.N., Montana State University, Bozeman

• D.N.P. - Montana State University, Bozeman (Doctor of Nursing Practice)

Experience

• Bozeman Health R.N., 10 Years

• Boulder Medical Clinic Nurse Practitioner, 2 years

• Bozeman Clinic Nurse Practitioner, 3 years

Board Certifications

• American Nurses Credentialing Center

• Board Certified Family Practitioner Nurse

Professional Certifications

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support

• DOT certified

Areas of Interest

• Family practice

• Women's health

• Wound care

Hobbies

• Volunteer overseas medical work, trail running, raising Airedale Terriers & working on the family farm. 

Education

• B.S., Nursing, Spanish, Carroll College, Helena Montana 

• D.N.P, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 

Experience

• Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, Bozeman, Montana – labor and delivery 

• Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, Washington – trauma and acute burn care unit, women’s and pediatric healthcare 

• Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Boise, Idaho - Inpatient Internal Medicine Hospitalist 

• Central Peninsula Hospital Emergency Department and Urgent Care Clinic, Soldotna, Alaska 

• Whangamata Medical Center, New Zealand, Registered Nurse Specialist

Board Certifications

• Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, American Nurses Credentialing Center 

• Advanced Registered Family Nurse Practitioner 

Professional Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) 

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) 

• Advanced Trauma and Life Support (ATLS) 

• Pediatric Life Support (PALS) 

• Merck Nexplanon Clinical Training Certificate 

• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) 

• Neonatal education program focusing exclusively on the post-resuscitation/pre-transport stabilization care of sick infants (STABLE) 

Professional Activities

• Member, American Association of Nurse Practitioners 

• Member, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing: Zeta Upsilon-at-Large 

Areas of Interest

• Emergency medicine 

• Pediatrics 

• Reproductive healthcare 

• Rural healthcare 

Hobbies

• Cross country running, reading, traveling, hiking, painting and music.

Education

• B.A., Psychology, University of New Hampshire

• M.S., Nursing, George Mason University

• Post-graduate certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing, Commonwealth University of Virginia

Experience

• Broad experience with inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment

Board Certifications

• Nationally Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (ANCC)

• Clinical Nurse Specialist (APRN)

Areas of Interest

• Impact of physical activity on mental health

• Happiness research

• Rural mental health issues

Hobbies

• Hiking, bicycling, gardening, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing and other outdoor physical activities

Education

• B.S. & M.S., Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau, University of Washington, Seattle

• Completed a Fellowship in Children with Special Healthcare Needs, University of Washington, Seattle

Experience

• Harborview Medical Center Children and Teens Clinic and Swedish Hospital, Seattle, Washington

• Community Health Center Pediatrics serving the Ruby Valley, Dillon and Butte

• Madison County Board of Health, Board Member

Board Certifications

• Nationally Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

• Lactation Consultant

Areas of Interest

• Pediatrics - birth to age 21

• Children with special health care needs, ADHD, asthma, obesity prevention

• Breastfeeding promotion and support

Hobbies

• Hiking, fly fishing, horseback riding, cross country skiing, photography, hunting, gardening, anything outdoors and time with family and friends

Treatments include: Epidural Corticosteriod Injections which reduce inflammation and expand nerve passages, Radio Frequency Ablation to heat up a pain producing nerve, thereby reducing the pain signals, and Nerve Testing to identify the pain-causing nerve and facilitate the development of a pain treatment plan. Patients need to have an initial clinic visit to be approved for a pain injection treatment appointment.

Medical Education

• B.S., Biochemistry, Portland State University, Portland, OR

• R.N., Mount Hood Community College, Gresham, OR

• Masters of Public Health, Portland State University, Portland, OR

• Masters of Science, Nursing, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ

• Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ

Board Memberships

• American Association of Nurse Anesthetists

• Montana Association of Nurse Anesthetists

Health services include “Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment" or OMT, a set of techniques that moves a patient’s muscles and joints using techniques including stretching, gentle pressure and resistance. Although it is often used to treat muscle pain, it can also help provide relief for asthma, sinus disorders, migraines and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Medical Education:

• B.S., Biomedical and Neroscience, MSU, Bozeman

• D.O., Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, Yakima, WA

Experience

• Henry Ford Allegiance Health, Jackson, MI

• Bluefield Regional Medical Center, Bluefield, WV

• Sunnyside Collaborative Care, Happy Valley, OR

• Madison Valley Medical Center, Ennis, MT

Board Certifications

• American Board of Family Medicine

Professional Certifications

• Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery (FES)

• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Experienced Provider (ACLS)

• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS)

Professional Activities

• American Osteopathic Association (AOA)

Hobbies

• Archery Hunting, Bird Hunting, Fishing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Painting & Gardening

Education

• A.A., Polk Community College, Winter Haven, Florida

• A.S., Nursing - Polk Community College, Winter Haven, Florida

• B.A., Organizational Management, Warner Southern College, Lake Wales, Florida

• M.S., Nursing: Specialty in Family Nurse Practitioner, Frontier Nursing University,
  Hyden, Kentucky

Experience

• Prehospital Emergency Medical Services, 7 years

• All aspects of Critical Care - Emergency Medical, Adult and Pediatric Intensive
  Care Units, 18 years

• Flight nurse, 13 years

Board Certifications

• American Nurses Credentialing Center

• Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Professional Certifications

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support

• Advanced Pediatric Life Support

• Trauma Nursing Care Course

Areas of Interest

• Emergency Medicine

• Teaching

• Lecturing

Hobbies

• Sport of triathlon, cycling, running, swimming, adventure racing, hiking, camping, fishing and hunting

Education

• B.A.N. - Carroll College, Helena, MT
• M.S.N. - Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA

Experience

• Privately owned and Hospital owned Family Medicine / Pediatric Clinics
• Reproductive Health Clinic
• Locum Tenens Contracting
• Urgent Care / Walk-in Clinics
• Hospice
• Veteran Disability Exams
• Pre-Surgery Assessments

Board Certifications

• American Association of Nurse Practitioners

Professional Certifications / Trainings

• Basic Life Support
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support
• Pediatric Life Support
• DOT certified
• Merck Nexplanon Clinical Training
• IUD and Contraception Management Training

Areas of Interest

• Family Medicine
• Women's Health
• Reproductive and Sexual Health
• Lifestyle Medicine

Hobbies

• Cross country skiing, fly fishing, gardening, hiking/spending time in nature, camping, biking, traveling, reading, good coffee, spending time with friends, family and four legged children.

Education:

• B.S.       Wichita State University, Wichita, KS
• MPT     Wichita State University, Wichita, KS
• MHA    Montana State University, Billings, MT

Professional Certifications:

• Dry Needling
• Basic Life Support (BLS)

Areas of Interest:

• Orthopedic injuries
• Pre and Post operative care
• Geriatric Care: balance, strengthening, fall prevention

Hobbies:

Hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, backpacking, camping, gardening,  running, spending time with family

Education

• B.S., Exercise Science, Rocky Mountain College, Billings, MT
• Doctorate of Physical Therapy, University of New England, Portland, ME

Professional Activities

• BLS certified
• IMS trigger point dry needling

Areas of Interest

• Pediatrics

Hobbies

• Spending time with family, gardening, running

Education

• B.S., Biology, Clarke University, Dubuque IA
• Doctorate of Physical Therapy , Clarke University, Dubuque IA

Professional Activities

• Basic life support  (BLS) 
• Dry needling for lumbopelvic & lower extremity conditions certification ( DN2)
• Decompressive soft tissue mobilization ( cupping)

Areas of Interest

• Chronic pain
• Post operative care
• Complex low back pain
• Pelvic pain
• Orthopedic injuries
• Vertigo
• Balance

Education:

• B.S. Athletic Training, University of Mary, Bismarck, ND
• Doctorate of Physical Therapy, University of Mary, Bismarck, ND

Professional Certifications:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• IMS trigger point dry needling

Areas of Interest:

• Orthopedic and sports
• Pre and Post operative care
• Geriatric: balance, strengthening, fall prevention
• BPPV/Vertigo

Hobbies:
Spending time with family and friends, volunteering in 4H, camping, hiking, dancing, crafts.

Education:

• M.S. Education, Communication Science Disorders, Western Oregon University
• B.S. Speech-Language Pathology, Portland State University 

Professional Certifications:

• LSVT LOUD (Lee Silverman Voice Therapy)
• VitalStim neuromuscular electrical stimulation for dysphagia (swallowing disorders), adult and pediatrics
• MBSimP (Standardized Video Swallow Study Protocol)
• Beckman Oral Motor Treatment 

Areas of Interest:

• Memory and cognitive support
• Swallowing disorders
• Neuro Rehabilitation
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Childhood articulation and developmental language 

Hobbies:

Cultured foods, health and nutrition; raising sheep, spinning wool, rug making; Bible study; skiing

Health services include hearing testing, hearing aid consultation, hearing aid repair, check-up and maintenance, tinnitus evaluation. 

Visit the Healthcare Calendar to find out when she is scheduled to visit the Ruby Valley. Call 800-331-6009 to make an appointment.  

Medical Education: University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA

Residency: University of Washington School of Medicine GME

Visit the Healthcare Calendar to find out when he is scheduled to visit the Ruby Valley. Call 406-723-2922 to make an appointment.

Functional medicine is a patient-centered, science-based approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of diseases and imbalances in the body. Providing holistic and personalized care for all ages, in partnership with your established care team.

Medical Education

• B.S. Biology, Illinois State University
• M.S. Physician Assistant Studies, Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Board Certification

• Physician Assistant – National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants

Professional Certifications

• Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certified and Instructor
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certified and Instructor
• Pediatric Advance Life Support (PALS)
• Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
• National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians – Paramedic (NREMT-P)

Areas of Interest

• Holistic Healthcare
• Hormone Management
• Weight Management

Hobbies

Anything outdoors. 

To schedule an appointment call 406-201-9375

Ruby Valley Medical Center is pleased to offer specialized podiatric care with Dr. Peter Jennings, a skilled podiatrist dedicated to helping patients of all ages maintain healthy feet. Dr. Jennings provides both conservative and surgical treatment options to address a wide range of foot and ankle conditions.

Dr. Jennings earned his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona, after completing a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Arizona State University. He then refined his expertise through an extensive residency at Aultman Alliance Community Hospital, where he gained hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating various foot and ankle conditions. He is also a proud member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). In addition to English, he is fluent in Spanish, having spent time in El Salvador.

Dr. Jennings specializes in:
• Bunions & hammertoes
• Foot & ankle pain
• Diabetic foot care
• Skin conditions of the lower extremity
• Sports-related foot & ankle injuries
• Pediatric foot concerns

Whether you’re experiencing discomfort, managing a chronic condition, or recovering from an injury, Dr. Jennings is here to help. No referral is needed—schedule an appointment today by calling 406-683-3060 and take the first step toward better foot health.

To schedule an appointment call (406) 683-3060

Aaron Florence DO, FAOAO has recently joined the team at Bridger Orthopedic and will provide orthopedic care at Barrett Hospital and Healthcare in Dillon.

Dr. Florence is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and board-certified orthopedic sports medicine specialist. He provides orthopedic care of the musculoskeletal systems to improve mobility and alleviate pain in patients through conservative treatment including injections, prescribing physical therapy and fracture care and with surgery, including arthroscopy, fractures and total joint replacement of hips, knees and shoulders.

Medical Education: Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Missouri

Residency: North Shore-LIJ Health System in New York City

To schedule an appointment call 406-683-3060

Board-Certified General, Minimally Invasive & Breast Surgeon
Barrett Hospital & HealthCare

Dr. Brook Nelson is a board-certified general surgeon specializing in general surgery, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, breast surgery, and endoscopy. She provides comprehensive surgical care to patients of all ages and is committed to delivering advanced techniques with a personalized approach.

Dr. Nelson earned her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Missouri–Kansas City in 2007 and completed her General Surgery residency at the University of Missouri–Kansas City in 2012. During her residency, she trained at two Level I Trauma Centers, gaining extensive experience in laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery, trauma, and acute care general surgery. In 2015, she became a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

She began her surgical career practicing rural surgery in North Dakota, where she developed a deep appreciation for community-centered care. In 2017, she returned to Kansas City to serve as Program Director for the General Surgery Residency Program. She later became an Associate Professor of Surgery in 2024 and served as Chief of Surgical Services for the Eastern Kansas Veterans Affairs Healthcare System. Throughout her academic and leadership roles, Dr. Nelson built a strong reputation as an accomplished robotic surgeon, educator, and advocate for excellence in graduate medical education.

Dr. Nelson’s approach to patient care is grounded in trust, clear communication, and partnership. She believes patients should feel comfortable, heard, and fully informed about their treatment options. She strives to care for each patient the way she would want her own family cared for—taking time to explain conditions, outline treatment options, and guide shared decision-making with confidence and compassion.

She has a special interest in robotic surgery, which often allows for faster recovery and quicker return to daily activities. She is also deeply committed to the treatment of breast disease, including breast cancer, recognizing the emotional complexity of these diagnoses, and prioritizing thoughtful guidance and support throughout the surgical journey. Additionally, Dr. Nelson values providing trauma and urgent surgical care, where timely intervention can significantly impact outcomes. She has served for over a decade as an Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Instructor and as an Advanced Surgical Skills in Exposure for Trauma (ASSET) instructor.

Dr. Nelson is passionate about expanding access to high-quality, modern surgical care in rural communities. She is proud to bring more than 13 years of surgical experience, along with academic and leadership expertise, to Barrett Hospital & HealthCare. Practicing in Southwest Montana allows her to build meaningful, lasting relationships with patients and families while delivering advanced surgical techniques close to home in Dillon and Twin Bridges.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Nelson enjoys photography, kayaking, wildlife observation, and collecting rocks, gems, and fossils. She also enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family.

To schedule and appointment call 406 683-3060